Rincon de la Vieja National Park

Rincon de la Vieja National Park situation

Rincon de la Vieja National Park is located in the north of the country, close to the Nicaraguan border. It is just a few miles from Liberia, in the Guanacaste region, which straddles the Pacific and Atlantic slopes, giving it a highly variable climate.

It is divided into two sectors: las Pailas and Santa Maria. Rincón de la Vieja National Park takes its name from the Rincón de la Vieja volcano, whose summit rises to 6,300 ft. The name means “the old woman’s corner” and is linked to a local legend about an indigenous princess (see bottom of article).

It is relatively little visited, with 31700 visitors in 2022 compared with Tortuguero National Park, which welcomed over 209,000 visitors.

Volcanic Activity

Rincón de la Vieja is one of Costa Rica’s most active volcanoes. The massif includes several craters, fumaroles, hot springs and pools of bubbling mud. Volcanic activity continues sporadically, with steam emissions and small eruptions.

Ecological Importance

The park is crucial to the conservation of biodiversity in the Guanacaste region. It protects a wide variety of habitats, supporting a wealth of plant and animal species, some of which are endemic. The park’s ecosystems play a vital role in regulating the local climate and protecting watersheds.

Geography and Habitats

The park features a varied topography with tropical dry forests, rainforests, geothermal zones and spectacular waterfalls. These are the typical landscapes of northern Costa Rica.

Dry forests

The park’s low-lying areas are dominated by tropical dry forests, characterized by deciduous trees that lose their leaves in the dry season. This ecosystem is home to a diversity of species, some of which are adapted to arid conditions.

Cloud forests

At higher altitudes, the park is home to cloud forests, where humidity is constant and vegetation lush. They are of major ecological importance, home to rare endemic species.

Geothermic Zones

The park’s geothermal zones, including fumaroles, mud pools and hot springs, are major attractions. These phenomena are the result of volcanic activity and offer unique and fascinating landscapes.

Waterfalls

The park is also famous for its many waterfalls, such as La Cangreja and Escondida, which are popular destinations for hikers and nature lovers. Waterfalls abound throughout the region, and just 10 km from the park entrance, another natural wonder awaits you: the Cascade de la Leona.

Fauna and flora

Rincón de la Vieja National Park is a haven for a wide variety of flora and fauna, offering unique opportunities for nature observation.

Mammals

The park is home to several mammal species, including howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, coatis, white-tailed deer, peccaries and even felines such as the jaguar and puma. Although felines are rarely seen, their presence underscores the park’s importance as a conservation habitat.

Birds

With over 300 recorded bird species, the park is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Notable species include the resplendent quetzal, toucans, trogons and many species of hummingbird.

Reptiles and amphibians

The park is also home to a diversity of reptiles and amphibians, including snakes, iguanas, frogs and salamanders. Wetlands and cloud forests provide ideal habitats for these creatures.

Flora

The park’s flora is just as diverse, with a multitude of tree, plant and flower species. Orchids, bromeliads and ferns are particularly abundant in the cloud forests. Rincon de la Vieja National Park is also renowned for its magnificent natural collection of Guaria Mojada, an open-ground orchid, Costa Rica’s national flower.

Activities close to Rincon de la Vieja

Hiking and exploration

The park offers several hiking trails, each offering different perspectives on ecosystems and geothermal phenomena. We recommend that you take a guide with you to understand this special environment and increase your chances of wildlife sightings. The two entrances to the park are the las Pailas station to the west of the volcano and the Santa María station, to the east towards Aguas Claras.

LAS PAILAS SECTOR

Las Pailas: this loop trail allows you to observe fumaroles, mud pools and steam vents. It’s one of the shortest routes, just 3 km long, and takes about an hour, depending on your pace. It’s an easy, uneven hike, making it the most popular route in the park. You’ll be able to observe the volcanic mud holes that bear witness to the activity of the Rincon de la Vieja.
La Cangreja: a 10 km trail. It takes you to the spectacular La Cangreja waterfall, offering a refreshing dip in its natural pool. This 130 ft-high waterfall is nicknamed the Blue Lagoon because of its turquoise color, due to the minerals in the volcano. You’ll need to start this hike in the morning, and why not pack a picnic?
Climbing the volcano: access to the crater has been closed for some years now, due to the numerous eruptions. In 2023, Rincón de la Vieja was the most active volcano in Costa Rica, with 364 eruptions.

SANTA MARIA SECTOR

The Santa Maria sector is much less crowded and isolated than the las Pailas sector.
A visit to the Rincon de la Vieja National Park in the Santa Maria sector is best reserved for travellers on a Costa Rica self-drive tour. Indeed, this entrance is isolated and a 4 x 4 is recommended due to the state of the roads. But it’s well worth the effort if you like less touristy places. You can have the waterfalls and thermal springs all to yourself.

Several trails are available in the Santa María area:

The Colibrí: this is Santa María’s most classic trail. It takes you to an old sugar mill, then on to the easy path of las Pailas de Agua Fría, where several natural cold-water pools (that’s relative) await you. This trail is about 1.2 miles long in total.
Catarata Bosque Encantado: a fairly easy walk to a small, isolated waterfall. Total length approx. 1.8 miles. Nature is king here. Stop and open your ears to the sounds of the tropical jungle.
The Mirador: a 1600 ft trail that begins at the park entrance. Although short, it’s an arduous climb to a mirador that offers views of the Pacific coast and Nicoya Peninsula, as well as a fine view of the Miravalles volcano.
Aguas Termales (Thermal Waters): this is a 3.7 miles round trip. You reach a hot spring in the heart of the jungle, a truly magical experience. The water is cold, hot or scalding hot, depending on where you are! The natural pools are fantastic. A wild, natural spa.

Fauna Observation

Wildlife watching is one of the main reasons to come to Rincon de la Vieja volcano. The easiest animals to observe are monkeys, 260 species of birds, agoutis, pumas, kinkajous, tapirs, peccaries, anteaters, sloths and other animals in their natural habitat. Guided tours by naturalists can enrich the experience by providing information on the ecology and behavior of the species.

Hot springs and mud baths

Near the national park, you can enjoy natural hot springs and therapeutic mud baths, renowned for their healing properties. The sulfur-rich mineral waters are ideal for relaxation and revitalization. These thermal waters are nestled in the middle of the forest and are a magical experience if it’s not too crowded.

Horseback riding and adventures

Guanacaste is a land where horses are part of everyday life. Near the park, you can easily find horseback excursions to discover the surroundings like a real sabanero (Costa Rican cowboy). The Hacienda Guachipelin, a hotel close to the park, offers a wide range of fun activities such as zip-lining, canyoning, thermal baths, horseback riding…

Conservation and management

Conservation challenges

Rincón de la Vieja National Park faces several conservation challenges:

Volcanic eruptions: volcanic activity can pose risks to visitors and local wildlife.
Surrounding deforestation: although the park itself is protected, deforestation activities in adjacent areas can have negative impacts on ecosystems.
Tourism: the management of tourist flows is crucial to minimizing environmental impact and preserving natural habitats. Entrance to the park is limited for this purpose.

Conservation efforts

The park is managed by the Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación (SINAC), which implements various strategies to protect and conserve the park’s natural resources:

Reforestation programs: reforestation initiatives aim to restore degraded areas.
Monitoring and research: monitoring and research programs help to understand ecological dynamics and develop effective management strategies.
Environmental education: educational programs for visitors and local communities raise awareness of the importance of conservation.

Partnerships and collaboration

The park collaborates with local and international organizations, universities and researchers to promote conservation and improve management practices. These partnerships are essential to ensure the long-term protection of the park and its natural resources.

Advice for visitors to Rincon de la Vieja National Park

Best time to visit

The best time to visit the park is during the dry season, from December to April, when trails are more accessible and weather conditions are favorable. However, the rainy season, from May to November, offers lush vegetation and impressive waterfalls, although the trails can be muddy and slippery.

Entrance fee: S$15 for adults and $5 for children. – Admission is valid for both Las Pailas and Santa Maria on the same day.

N.B.: Rincon de la Vieja National Park is closed on Tuesdays.

Recommended equipment

Lightweight, breathable clothing: the climate can be hot and humid, especially in low-altitude areas.
Sturdy hiking boots: Essential for the sometimes rough and muddy trails.
Sun protection and mosquito repellent: The sun can be intense and mosquitoes abundant.
Camera and binoculars: To capture wildlife and spectacular scenery.

Respecting the environment

Visitors must follow the “Leave No Trace” principles to minimize their impact on the environment. This includes waste management, respecting marked trails, and avoiding any disturbance of flora and fauna. You must not take anything from Costa Rica’s national parks, or you will be fined.

NB: Plastic bottles are prohibited in all Costa Rican national parks.

Rincon de la Vieja Legend

To conclude, as I promised at the start of this article, here’s the legend of Rincon de la Vieja.

Princess Curabanda fell in love with Mixcoac, chief of a neighboring enemy tribe. When Curabanda’s father learned of the affair, he had Mixcoac captured and thrown into the volcano’s crater. Mad with grief, Curabanda decided to settle next to the volcano, where she gave birth to a son. To allow the child to be with his father, she threw him into the volcano.
She learned about the natural remedies of the jungle and the volcano and developed healing powers.
People who had to go for treatment would say: we’re going to the corner of the old woman, the Rincon de la Vieja!