Rincón de la Vieja National Park Travel Guide: Costa Rica’s Volcanic Wonderland

Rincón de la Vieja National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most underrated yet fascinating destinations. Nestled in the northwestern province of Guanacaste, the park is centered around the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, an active stratovolcano and the largest in the Guanacaste Mountain Range.
 

This geothermal wonderland is brimming with volcanic mud pots, sulfur springs, cloud forests, scenic waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, making it a paradise for hikers, nature lovers, and wellness seekers alike.

📍 Quick Overview of Rincón de la Vieja

Location: Guanacaste Province, northwestern Costa Rica

Nearest City: Liberia (approx. 25 km away)

Park Area: Over 34,000 acres (140 km²)

Main Volcano: Rincón de la Vieja (1,916 m / 6,286 ft)

Entry Fee: ~$15 USD (foreigners)

Opening Hours: 8 AM – 3 PM (closed Mondays)

🧭 How to Get There

✈️ By Air:

Nearest Airport: Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), Liberia

Distance from Airport: ~1.5 hours by car

🚗 By Car:

From Liberia, follow signs to Curubandé and continue to the park entrance. A 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended due to rough roads, especially in the rainy season.

🚐 Tours & Transfers:

Day tours are available from Liberia, Tamarindo, Playa Hermosa, and Playa Flamingo, often including transportation, meals, and activities.

🌲 Top Attractions in Rincón de la Vieja National Park

The park is divided into two main sectors:

Las Pailas Sector (most visited)

Santa María Sector (less visited, quieter)

1. Las Pailas Trail (3.5 km loop)

Easy-to-moderate hike through tropical dry forest

View boiling mud pots, steam vents, mini-geysers, and bubbling sulfur springs

Fascinating geothermal activity up-close

2. La Cangreja Waterfall (5 km one-way)

A turquoise waterfall hidden in the rainforest

Perfect for a refreshing swim after the hike

Moderate to challenging trail (round trip ~3–4 hours)

3. Escondida Waterfall

A less-visited and peaceful spot

Great for birdwatching and nature photography

4. Rincón de la Vieja Volcano Summit Hike

Currently closed due to volcanic activity (always check with park officials)

Previously a challenging full-day trek with panoramic views

5. Santa María Sector

Features natural thermal springs, historic ruins, and denser cloud forest

Hot Springs Trail: ~1.5 hours round trip, ending in a natural thermal pool

Quieter and more serene than Las Pailas

🐒 Wildlife in the Park

Rincón de la Vieja is home to a variety of fauna, including:

Howler monkeys

White-faced capuchin monkeys

Coatis

Sloths

Toucans and motmots

Agoutis

Over 300 bird species

Tip: Early morning hikes are best for wildlife viewing!

🧖‍♀️ Nearby Hot Springs & Spas

After a day of trekking, unwind in one of the thermal hot springs located just outside the park.

🌿 Recommended Hot Springs:

Rincón de la Vieja Adventure Center

Rio Negro Hot Springs (Hacienda Guachipelín) – includes volcanic mud bath and hanging bridges

Sensoria Thermal Spa – luxurious jungle spa experience

Many lodges and eco-resorts also offer onsite hot springs with river access, volcanic mud, and natural pools.

🏨 Where to Stay Near Rincón de la Vieja

🌟 Eco-Luxury:

Hacienda Guachipelín – adventure lodge with hot springs, horseback tours, and canopy lines

Blue River Resort & Hot Springs – family-friendly with colorful tropical gardens

🛏️ Mid-Range:

Buena Vista del Rincón Eco Adventure Lodge – offers hot springs, ziplines, and nature trails

Canon de la Vieja Lodge – close to Liberia with thermal pools and rafting options

💰 Budget:

Hotel Rincon de la Vieja Lodge

Hostel El Sol Verde (Curubandé) – great for backpackers

🏃‍♂️ Best Things to Do

🥾 Hiking & Nature Trails

Varied terrain including dry forest, cloud forest, and volcanic rock

Look for geothermal features, waterfalls, and rare birds

🧗 Adventure Activities

Ziplining through the canopy

Horseback riding to waterfalls

Tubing or rafting on Río Negro

Canyoning and rock climbing

🌋 Volcanic Wellness

Volcanic mud baths for skin rejuvenation

Soak in thermal waters surrounded by rainforest

🌤️ Best Time to Visit

☀️ Dry Season (December – April)

Best weather and trail conditions

Great for hiking and wildlife spotting

🌧️ Rainy Season (May – November)

Lush scenery, fewer tourists

Some trails may be muddy or closed

Waterfalls and hot springs are at their fullest

🛍️ Sustainable Travel Tips

Stay in eco-lodges committed to conservation

Avoid touching geothermal features – they’re fragile and dangerous

Use reef-safe sunscreen and biodegradable soap

Support local guides and businesses in Curubandé and nearby communities

🚨 Visitor Tips

Bring your passport or ID – required for park entry

Arrive early – park closes by 3 PM, and hikes take several hours

No food allowed inside the park (to protect wildlife)

Carry plenty of water, insect repellent, and sunscreen

Park closed on Mondays

🌎 Why Visit Rincón de la Vieja?

Rincón de la Vieja National Park is more than just a park—it's a living display of nature’s raw power and healing energy. From active volcanoes and bubbling mud pots to tranquil hot springs and waterfalls, it’s a destination that combines adventure, biodiversity, and relaxation all in one place.

Unlike more touristy parts of Costa Rica, Rincón offers uncrowded trails, authentic rural hospitality, and a peaceful connection with nature.