The Best Day Trips from Hacienda La Palma

One of the things that surprises guests most about the Southern Zone is how much is reachable in a short drive. The Hacienda sits at a crossroads between the mountains and the coast, with some of Costa Rica's most striking landscapes less than an hour away.

For guests staying five nights or more, the private 4x4 chauffeur service is included — meaning you can explore without worrying about navigation, road conditions, or parking. For shorter stays, chauffeur service is available at $150 per day, or you can self-drive with a rented 4x4.

Nauyaca Waterfalls

A pair of tiered waterfalls set in primary forest, roughly 40 minutes from the property. The upper falls drop about 45 meters into a deep natural pool that is safe for swimming. The hike in takes about 45 minutes each way on a well-maintained trail. Horseback access is also available for those who prefer not to walk. This is one of the most popular day trips for a reason — the setting is stunning and the swim at the base of the falls is unforgettable.

Drive time: ~40 minutes · Best for: Swimmers, hikers, photographers

Pacific Beaches: Dominical and Matapalo

The Pacific coast is about 35 minutes from the Hacienda. Dominical is a laid-back surf town with a wide sandy beach, a handful of restaurants, and consistent waves. Playa Matapalo, a few minutes farther south, is quieter and often nearly empty — a long stretch of sand backed by coconut palms where you can spend an entire afternoon without seeing more than a few other people.

Many guests combine a beach morning with a seafood lunch in Dominical or Uvita before heading back to the mountains for the evening. The contrast between coast and cloud forest in a single day is one of the defining features of staying in this part of Costa Rica.

Drive time: ~35 minutes · Best for: Beach days, surfing, sunset dinners

Hatillo Hot Springs

A series of natural thermal pools fed by geothermal springs, about 30 minutes from the property. The pools are set in a landscaped garden with different temperature zones — from warm soaking pools to cooler plunge areas. It is a relaxed, unhurried spot that works well as a half-day trip, especially after a morning hike or horseback ride.

Drive time: ~30 minutes · Best for: Relaxation, couples, post-hike recovery

San Isidro del General

The nearest town and the commercial hub of the Southern Zone. San Isidro has a central market, a cathedral, local restaurants, pharmacies, and shops. It is not a tourist town — it is where locals live, work, and gather. A morning visit gives guests a genuine look at everyday Tico life. The farmers' market on Thursday and Saturday mornings is worth the trip on its own.

Drive time: ~20 minutes · Best for: Local culture, shopping, market visits

Chirripi National Park

The trailhead for Mount Chirripi, the highest peak in Costa Rica at 3,820 meters, is about an hour from the property. The full summit hike is a two-day endeavor requiring permits and overnight lodging at the mountain refuge. But even a partial day hike on the lower trails offers dramatic cloud forest scenery and cooler temperatures. For serious trekkers, this is one of the most rewarding climbs in Central America.

Drive time: ~60 minutes to trailhead · Best for: Trekkers, mountain enthusiasts

Whitewater Rafting on the General River

The General River offers Class II and III rapids through a scenic valley, suitable for beginners and intermediate paddlers. Guided half-day trips depart from put-in points about 30 minutes from the Hacienda. The river winds through farmland and forest, with mountain views throughout. It is a different way to experience the landscape — fast, wet, and exhilarating.

Drive time: ~30 minutes · Best for: Adventure seekers, families with older children

Planning Your Days

Most guests find that alternating between active excursions and quiet days on the property creates the best rhythm. A morning at the beach, an afternoon on the terrace. A waterfall hike one day, a coffee tour the next. The property itself has enough — rivers, swimming holes, the waterfall, the food forest — to fill several days without ever getting in a car.

Your hosts can help plan each day based on weather, energy levels, and interests. Nothing is fixed. The whole point is to move at your own pace.