Rincon de la Vieja

To the northwest of Liberia, the main hub of the sun-drenched Guanacaste region of Costa Rica, is the area which harbors Rincon de la Vieja National Park, and or course its namesake cinder cone volcano, Rincon de la Vieja. This area is famous for cowboys and cattle ranching which continue thriving to this day and can provide a very different aspect to a Costa Rican vacation. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy as well as mid to upper end hotels, haciendas and B&Bs that, on a clear day, can provide views of the Pacific, Caribbean and Lake Nicaragua.

Hotels in Rincon de La Vieja Costa Rica ~ Transportation in Rincon de La Vieja Costa Rica

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Rincon de la Vieja Information

Encompassed by the Pacific flank of the Guanacaste Mountain Range, Rincón de la Vieja is part of the 34,800 acres (14,084 ha) national park. Enjoying the natural beauty along the Hiking trails or by Horseback are great ways to make a memorable excursion. There are numerous Waterfalls and swimming opportunities including the 25 meter high Oropendola Waterfall and the La Victoria Waterfall, which reaches 35 meters high and pours into the Colorado River. Other activities include tubing, mountain Biking and relaxing in the soothing thermal water and mud pools found throughout this active region.

The area around Rincon de La Vieja is still active with geothermal activity. In fact, it is the most active in the Guanacaste Mountain Range, thus producing the heat necessary for a mixture of warm springs and bubbling pools of mud. These are a great way to end a long day of exploring and relieve sore bodies as they are believed to be very therapeutic.

Due to the popularity of ranching in the area, visitors can expect to see plenty of dry open fields meant for pastures and grazing cattle. At one time the entire region was covered in dense forest but now only a trace is left behind—most of which is sheltered in one of the declared Protected Zones like Rincon de la Vieja National Park. The best time to visit this area is between November and April when you can expect low amounts of precipitation and a greater chance for viewing wildlife.

The park entrance at the Santa María Ranger Station is just 16 miles (25 km) from Liberia. Lodging options are available in the small town of San Jorge which provides a very close base for entry to the park. Before the national park and San Jorge there are plenty of accommodations dotting the area. Of course, lodging and services are available in the city of Liberia.