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Rincón de la Vieja National Park: A Volcanic Wonderland

Discover Costa Rica's volcanic heart: Hike amidst geothermal wonders and lush landscapes at Rincón de la Vieja National Park near Liberia.

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Explore the raw beauty of Costa Rica's largest and most active volcano at Rincón de la Vieja National Park. Hike through diverse landscapes, witness bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles, and discover the rich legend behind its name in this natural playground near Liberia.

A brief summary to Parque Nacional Rincón de la Vieja

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets online in advance through SINAC to guarantee entry, as the park has limited capacity.
  • Bring plenty of water, wear appropriate shoes, and stay on marked trails to ensure a safe and enjoyable hike.
  • Visit during the dry season (December to April) for the best hiking conditions and clearer views of the volcano.
  • Consider a guided tour to learn more about the park's geology, history, and wildlife.
  • Combine your visit with a relaxing soak in nearby hot springs or a mud bath for a complete experience.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Liberia, take the direct bus from Terminal de Buses Municipal de Liberia to Hacienda Guachipelin. The bus departs three times a day and the journey takes approximately 40 minutes, costing $1–3. From Hacienda Guachipelin, it is a short walk to Rincón de la Vieja National Park.

  • Taxi

    From Liberia, a taxi to Rincón de la Vieja National Park takes approximately 37 minutes and costs $40 - $50. Note that this will only take you to the entrance of the park; from there, you will need to walk to the Las Pailas sector.

  • Driving

    From Liberia, drive approximately 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) northeast. At the main intersection in Liberia, turn left, drive about 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles), and turn right when you see the signs for Las Pailas Rincón de la Vieja National Park. Continue on this road for about 20 kilometers. To get to the Las Pailas park entrance, you have to pass through the Hacienda Guachipelin property, where you will need to pay a toll of around 800 CRC (approximately $1.50 USD) per person.

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Discover more about Parque Nacional Rincón de la Vieja

Rincón de la Vieja National Park, a protected area established in 1973, encompasses 14,083 hectares (34,800 acres) of diverse ecosystems surrounding the Rincón de la Vieja and Santa María volcanoes. Located in the Guanacaste Province, near Liberia, the park is a part of the Guanacaste Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park's name, meaning "The Old Woman's Corner," originates from a local legend about Princess Curubandá, who sought refuge near the volcano after a tragic love affair. The park is divided into two main sectors: Las Pailas and Santa María. Las Pailas, the more popular and accessible sector, showcases the volcano's geothermal activity with trails like the Las Pailas loop, which passes by bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and a small volcano. The Santa Maria sector, accessible by 4x4 vehicle, offers trails to hot springs and waterfalls. Visitors can explore a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy loops to more challenging hikes to waterfalls like La Cangreja, also known as the "Blue Lagoon". The park is home to diverse flora and fauna, including over 300 bird species and mammals like monkeys and jaguars. While the summit trail is currently closed due to volcanic activity, the park offers a unique opportunity to witness the power of nature and experience the beauty of Costa Rica's volcanic landscape.

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