Guanacaste Province, north-west Costa Rica · Costa Rica
A steaming volcano with hot springs, mud pots, waterfalls and dry-forest wildlife.
Photo: Kobold66 · CC BY-SA 3.0
Rincon de la Vieja National Park surrounds an active volcano, with steaming fumaroles, boiling mud pots and hot springs in a landscape of dry forest and cloud forest. It is a short drive from Liberia and an easy detour from the Guanacaste beaches.
Trails lead past volcanic features, waterfalls and viewpoints, and the forest holds howler monkeys, coatis and a variety of birds. Hot springs and mud baths are available in nearby lodges, and adventure activities include canopy tours, tubing, horseback riding and waterfall hikes.
The volcano is active, so access to the summit is restricted, but lower trails are open. The air is cooler than the coast, and the area is quiet and good for relaxing. Plan to start early to beat the heat and afternoon cloud.
Why visit
Rincon de la Vieja is a good day trip or overnight stay.
Fumaroles and mud pots.
Relax in warm streams.
Swim in cool pools.
Monkeys and birds.
Canopy, tubing and horses.
Main attractions
The park has several sites.
A loop past mud pots and fumaroles.
Tip Take it early.
Trails and viewpoints.
Tip Check closures.
A turquoise waterfall.
Tip Check access.
Volcanic pools in lodges.
Tip Go in the evening.
Ziplines over forest.
Tip Book ahead.
Lodges and trails.
Tip Quiet.
Things to do
Active days are the norm.
Easy loop.
Tip Wear closed shoes.
Warm mineral water.
Tip Go at dusk.
On a river.
Tip Wear a swimsuit.
Through forest.
Tip Book a guide.
Cool and clear.
Tip Follow rules.
Monkeys, coatis.
Tip Be quiet.
Local food
Lodge meals are the norm.
Rice and beans.
Where to try it Breakfast.
Plate of the day.
Where to try it Local sodas.
Guanacaste beef.
Where to try it Restaurants.
Fresh corn.
Where to try it Roadside.
Local.
Where to try it Lodges.
Accommodation
Lodges around the park.
Transport
Rincon is close to Liberia.
A car is useful.
When to go
Dry season is best for trails.
Dry.
Green.
Wet.
Drying out.
Worth planning around: September and October.
Itinerary
Volcano and springs.
Las Pailas
Waterfall
Travel tips
Tips.
FAQ
It is monitored.
Two days.
December to April.
No.
Yes.
Yes.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Rincon de la Vieja, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Guanacaste Province, north-west Pacific coast, Costa Rica
The most developed beach area of Costa Rica, with surfing at Tamarindo, quieter beaches like Conchal and Flamingo, turtle nesting and the Guanacaste dry forest.
Don't miss Catching a sunset surf lesson, then dinner on the sand.
Explore Destination — Tamarindo and GuanacasteAlajuela Province, northern Costa Rica, Costa Rica
An adventure hub at the foot of Arenal Volcano, with La Fortuna Waterfall, natural hot springs, hanging bridges, Lake Arenal and wildlife.
Don't miss Soaking in a warm river as the Arenal volcano towers overhead.
Explore Destination — Arenal and La FortunaPuntarenas Province, Tilaran Mountains, Costa Rica
A high-altitude cloud forest community with biodiversity reserves, canopy walks, ziplines, night walks and coffee farms.
Don't miss Walking a hanging bridge through the clouds and spotting a resplendent quetzal.
Explore Destination — MonteverdeRead next
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