Rincon de la Vieja National Park

The Basics

A popular destination among hikers and nature lovers, Rincon de la Vieja National Park is most easily accessed as a day trip from Liberia or the Guanacaste coast. Guided tours typically include all transportation between trailheads, rafting put-ins, and ziplining parks, plus provide the added benefit of information from a local guide.

Those wishing to visit on their own will find a number of well-marked hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulties, from the 2-mile (3-kilometer) Las Pailas Loop to the challenging 8-hour summit of Santa Maria Volcano, both with opportunities to spot wildlife like purple orchids, monkeys, and sloths. Horseback rides are also a popular way to cover more of the park's 88 square miles (228 square kilometers) in less time. Or, take it easy with a full day at one of the area's many spas and lodges, featuring therapeutic mud baths and naturally heated hot springs.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Be sure to bring swimwear.

• If hiking, wear good shoes appropriate for loose gravel and rugged terrain.

• Hikers must check in with one of the two ranger stations.

How to Get There

The park is most easily accessed by private transportation or as part of a guided tour from the Guanacaste region. It also makes an ideal day trip from Liberia, a large city located just 40 minutes away by car. Buses, taxis, and shuttles also run from Liberia.

When to Get There

Rincon de La Vieja National Park is open year-round, except Mondays. Dry season, which typically falls between December and April, is the recommended time to visit, as the trails are dry and it’s easiest to spot wildlife gathering at water sources. Easter (Holy Week) and Christmas are peak times for locals to visit, and the park may be very crowded.

Volcano Time

The park is composed of two volcanoes: the active Rincon de la Vieja Volcano and the dormant Santa Maria Volcano. Fuming steam vents are a sign of the active volcano’s lingering volcanic activity, while the rich biodiversity allowed by the fertile volcanic soil gave rise to a rare tropical dry forest.

Is Rincon de la Vieja National Park worth it?

Yes, it's worth it, especially for outdoor adventure seekers. Home to the active Rincon de la Vieja volcano, the park boasts hiking trails that lead to viewpoints and waterfalls. Many wildlife species, including monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and raccoons, as well as larger mammals like jaguars and tapirs live here.

How much time do you need in Rincon de la Vieja National Park?

Most visitors travel to Rincon de la Vieja on a day trip, often with a guided tour, although you can explore the park independently. Most day trips include ziplining, horseback riding, tubing, and a visit to the natural hot springs. There are accommodations near the park for overnight visits.

Can you hike to the top of Rincon de la Vieja National Park?

No. The summit trail (Crater Trail) is closed due to volcanic activity. But the park has several other trails, including Las Pailas loop trail that passes the boiling mud pots and the Escondida Waterfall and La Cangreja Waterfall trails, both of which start at the same point and then diverge.

Where can you swim in Rincon de la Vieja National Park?

You’re allowed to swim beneath the waterfalls, except for La Cangreja, where it’s prohibited. Rio Negro Hot Springs, a series of man-made volcanic heated springs, is a popular spot within the park for a soak; the thermal water in the pools varies in temperature, reaching to 104℉ (40℃).

Are there sloths in Rincon de la Vieja National Park?

Yes. Rincon de la Vieja is home to 2-toed sloths and wildlife such as cougars, monkeys, kinkajous, and jaguars, plus hundreds of species of birds. In order to spot the most creatures, join a guided tour with a naturalist who can help point out the various animals in the park.

When is the best time to visit Rincon de la Vieja National Park?

The beginning of the dry season from December–February is the best time to visit Rincon de la Vieja. It's when the landscapes are lush, waterfalls flow strongly, and rain is less likely. Some travelers prefer the green season (May–November) when the volcano’s fumaroles and boiling mud pots are most active.

Ways to explore

Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned outdoor adventurer or prefer the laid-back comforts of a natural hot spring, Rincon de la Vieja National Park offers something for every visitor. Guided tours are a popular way to visit, with activities including zip-lining, rafting, and rock-climbing, but it’s also possible to visit independently. If you want more time to immerse yourself, choose one of the ecolodges or book a campsite at one of the many campsites throughout the park.

Accessibility

Certain activities will be more accessible than others—your best option is to contact a tour provider to ask what options are most suitable.

Age limits

There are no age limits, and children pay a reduced entrance fee.

What to pack

Water, snacks, rain jacket, flashlight, sunscreen, spare socks, towel, bathing suit, bug repellent

What to wear

Good hiking shoes, clothes that dry quickly

Not allowed

Removing anything from the park, alcohol, littering, pets

Amenities

Campsites, bathrooms, drinking water, parking

Address 

The closest city to Rincon de la Vieja National Park is Liberia, about 19 miles (30 kilometers) away. Despite the short distance, it takes about an hour by car to reach the park. Public transit is not available; however, thanks to the many tours departing Liberia, it’s easy enough to get to the park if you don’t have a car.

Driving

From Liberia, head northeast along Ruta Nacional Treciaria 918 until you can turn left after passing Finca Trejos Alvarado. From there, continue until Escuela Rincón de la Vieja Santa María, where you’ll make a right turn, and then take another right turn onto Acceso Sector Pailas. Continue to the parking lot.

Public transportation

There are no public buses that go to the park from Liberia.

Best times to visit

The park closes in the afternoon, so try to get there at opening time—the heat won’t be too extreme, and the wildlife should be more active.

Best days to visit

The park is closed on Mondays, and it’s best to avoid the weekends, which tend to get busy.

Best months to visit

September–November is the green, lush season, which is a perfect time to appreciate the beauty of the rainforest. Just remember to pack a rain jacket and a spare pair of socks.