Rincón de la Vieja: A Volcanic Wonderland in Costa Rica

Rincón de la Vieja is a complex stratovolcano located in the northwestern part of Costa Rica, in the province of Guanacaste. It is one of the most fascinating volcanoes in the country, due to its special features. Sulphurous lagoons, relaxing hot springs and fumaroles, as well as the main active crater, are some of the attractions that you can find in this volcanic wonderland. Rincón de la Vieja is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage List and the Guanacaste Conservation Area.

Location and Geography

Rincón de la Vieja is situated about 23 km northeast of the city of Liberia, the capital of Guanacaste province. It covers an area of 14,083 hectares and has an average elevation of 1,916 meters above sea level. It is composed of nine craters and one lagoon, called La Jilgueros. The volcano has two sectors: Las Pailas and Santa María. The former is the most visited and accessible, while the latter is more remote and rugged.

Attractions and Activities

There are many things to do and see in Rincón de la Vieja, both for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Here are some of the highlights:

• Rincón de la Vieja National Park: This park encompasses the volcanic massif and protects its biodiversity and hydrological resources. The park offers several hiking trails that allow you to explore the volcanic formations and see the flora and fauna of the area. You can also visit the craters of Von Seebach (1,898 meters) and Rincón de la Vieja (1,806 meters), which are sometimes active and emit steam and gas. The park is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Las Pailas sector) and every day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Santa María sector). The entrance fee is $15 per person.
• Hot Springs: One of the main attractions of Rincón de la Vieja is its natural hot springs, heated by the volcanic activity underground. They are a great way to relax and soothe your muscles after a day of hiking. There are several options to choose from, ranging from rustic pools to luxurious spas. Some of the most popular ones are Hacienda Guachipelín, Buena Vista Lodge, Borinquen Mountain Resort and Blue River Resort. The prices vary depending on the facilities and services offered.
• Adventure Tours: If you are looking for some adrenaline, you can try some of the many adventure tours available around Rincón de la Vieja. You can zip-line through the forest, raft on the rapids, rappel down waterfalls, bike on trails, ride ATVs or horses, explore caves or fly on a balloon. There is something for everyone, no matter your age or skill level.

Rincón de la Vieja is a place where you can experience both nature and adventure in Costa Rica. It is a place where you can admire one of the most impressive volcanoes in the world and enjoy its gifts. Don’t miss this opportunity to visit Rincón de la Vieja on your Costa Rica vacation!