Guanacaste
Rincón de la Vieja
Fumaroles, mud pots, waterfalls and tropical dry forest.
Mud pots and fumaroles in the dry forest
Rincón de la Vieja National Park protects one of the most active volcanoes in Guanacaste. Its trails reveal the volcano's geothermal power, with boiling mud pots, fumaroles and hot springs, in the middle of a tropical dry forest full of wildlife.
Things to do
- Las Pailas trail: a loop of about 3.5 kilometers past fumaroles, mud pots and a small mud volcano. It is the most popular hike.
- La Cangreja Waterfall: a longer half-day hike to a waterfall with a blue pool.
- Hot springs and volcanic mud: several nearby haciendas offer thermal pools and mud baths.
- Horseback riding, zip lines and tubing: local haciendas have adventure activities for all ages.
- Wildlife: howler and white-faced monkeys, coatis, toucans and butterflies.
Before you go (important)
- The Las Pailas sector is closed on Mondays for trail maintenance. The Santa María sector has different hours.
- Tickets are sold online only on the SINAC platform.
- The volcano is active: the crater trail is closed and authorities may limit access if activity increases.
Tips
- Arrive early: last entry is in the early afternoon and the dry-season heat is strong.
- Bring water, a hat and sunscreen: much of the trail is exposed.
Getting there
The park is about 25 kilometers from Liberia and its international airport, less than an hour by road. It pairs very well with the beaches of Papagayo and Tamarindo or with Río Celeste.
Where to stay in Rincón de la Vieja
Hostal Rincón de la Vieja ★★
Budget · Shared pool, Wi-Fi
from $50 per night
Hotel Rincón de la Vieja Boutique ★★★★
Comfort · Pool, Wi-Fi, Restaurant
from $115 per night
Rincón de la Vieja Lodge & Spa ★★★★★
Premium · Spa, Pool, Restaurant, Transfers
from $260 per night
Things to do in Rincón de la Vieja
- National park entrance from $15 pp
- Volcanic mud and hot springs from $40 pp
- Horseback riding from $55 pp
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Plan your trip
from $50 per night
Choose hotel, nights and activities; prices follow the season.
Best time to visit
December to April (dry season); May to November brings afternoon rain and better prices