Hot springs, rainstorms, waterfalls, homemade cheese and pastures may not have anything in common — but when you put them together in a one-day trip, the result is simply magical. During this journey, we discovered epic hidden corners we never imagined in a practically forgotten area. You’ll definitely need a full weekend to enjoy it all — there’s so much to do, and the local people are beyond welcoming, ready to host kind-hearted visitors like you and us.
First stop: a local named “Malo” took us to a waterfall near the Blue River Hotel. The crystal-clear water flows into a nearly perfect pool, with wooden stairs leading down. We didn’t stay long, but Glori and Karlis jumped in for a quick swim.
Then the skies opened — a full-on tropical downpour. Totally normal in this area, so be prepared! We continued on to another pool deeper in the rainforest. This one was a thermal spring straight from Rincón de la Vieja Volcano.
To get there, we drove about 30 minutes along a beautiful road — like driving down a jungle trail. Once parked, we hiked 700 meters into the mountains to a wooden deck in front of the pool. A ray of sun came out, so we lounged until our hands were wrinkled and our stomachs growled. On the way back, it poured again, and once sheltered in the car, we had green apple with peanut butter (great combo).
After that, we went to the pulpería in Gavilán to ask for Don Jorge Viales — the same guy we’d met the night before at the village festivities, where he was announcing the bulls. That’s how we got invited to his farm, which borders Rincón de la Vieja National Park and other protected areas.
We had no idea what to expect, but he welcomed us like family. He explained his farm system and how he generates gas with a biodigester. He showed us how he makes cheese, matures and smokes it, and sells it in Liberia. Then he grabbed his boots and took us hiking through the jungle.
We spent a peaceful moment by a river and then climbed to the top of his farm, where on a clear day, you can even see Lake Nicaragua.
On the way back, we stopped by the spring source and were welcomed by his wife with freshly made tortillas, soft cheese and sour cream — maybe the best we’ve eaten on a trip, especially made with love.
Later, we visited another hot spring recommended by Don Jorge, near Rancho de Chu. We weren’t expecting much... but wow. Don Alejandro’s farm has about 300 meters of sculpted thermal pools carved by the water. The water wasn’t scalding but warm and perfect. The owner told us that during vacation season, it becomes the local hotspot.
That’s how we wrapped up our day — fully recharged, in a place of wild weather and unmatched beauty.