Rincón de la Vieja National Park

Rincón de la Vieja National Park

Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Rincón de la Vieja National Park is located 40 minutes by car from Liberia, in the province of Guanacaste. It combines different ecosystems such as dry and humid forests, grasslands and volcanic fields.

There are two sectors: Las Pailas and Santa María. Both of them can be easily reached by car, even with a Fiat Punto. Roads are part of the property of Hacienda Guachipelin Hotel, so you will have to pay (700CRC) to be able to drive through them (in addition to the National Park's entrance fee). You can leave the car at the entrance of the sectors for free.

At Las Pailas you will find many hikings such as “Las Pailas” hiking, the waterfalls one or the “Crater activo” hike.

–The hike of Las Pailas is a circular path of 3 km. It will take between 1-2 hours, depending on how much time you spend in every stop. It’s ok for kids. You will see different volcanic activity areas such as fumaroles, boiling water lagoons, mud pots or volcancito. You can book a private tour to have guide explaining you more about the volcanic processes of the area and the history of the volcano (additional cost). Along the hike, you will find a 7 km-long path that takes you to Santa María sector.

-You can visit two waterfalls, La Cangreja and La Escondida. The beginning of the hike is the same for both of them but there will be a fork after 2 km.
La Cangreja (The crab) is a 5 km hike (one way) and at the end there is a blue intense waterfall. It takes about 3-4 hours both ways. You have more info on this post we already made about it.
La Escondida Waterfall: It’s a 4.3-intense-km hike x La Escondida Waterfall: It’s a 4.3-intense-km hike due to the height difference. It will take about 3-4 hours too.

-The Crater Activo hike is another of the highlights of the parkThis path is currently closed (June 2022) due to high volcanic activity. It’s 16 km long (both ways) with an elevation gain of 1000 mIt would take about 6-8 hours. You will be able to see an incredible landscape with the 9 craters of the volcano Rincón de la Vieja.

At Santa María sector you will also find many hikes, but the thermal baths are worth mentioning. They are 3 km from the entrance. It’s a manantial of thermal waters next to a cold water ravine.

It’s not a busy national park, it’s not crowded at all.

The volcanic area is very cool. It looks like it could flare up anytime!