Rincón de la Vieja National Park

Parque Nacional Rincón de la Vieja

An active volcanic national park with bubbling mud pots, fumaroles, hot springs and waterfalls set in dry tropical forest. Visitors hike scenic trails, spot wildlife and enjoy adventure activities like ziplining and thermal spas nearby.

Things to do

• Hike the Las Pailas Loop — Walk this well-marked 3km circuit past bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles and a mini volcano in the geothermal heart of the park.
• Trek to La Cangreja Waterfall — A challenging round-trip hike leads to a stunning turquoise waterfall plunging into a pool surrounded by forest.
• Cool off at Escondida Waterfall — A shorter trail off the Las Pailas sector reaches this quieter cascade good for a refreshing dip.
• Soak in the Rio Negro hot springs — Natural thermal pools and volcanic mud baths just outside the park let you unwind after hiking.
• Zipline over the dry forest canopy — Adventure lodges near the Las Pailas entrance offer canopy tours, tubing and horseback riding.
• Spot wildlife on the trails — Watch for coatis, howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins and colorful birds throughout the tropical dry forest.
• Attempt the Rincón volcano summit — When open and weather permitting, this long strenuous hike climbs to the active crater with panoramic views.

Food to try

• Casado — A hearty plate of rice, black beans, salad, fried plantain and your choice of meat, the classic Costa Rican lunch.
• Gallo pinto — The national breakfast of rice and beans stir-fried with cilantro and Salsa Lizano, usually served with eggs and tortillas.
• Olla de carne — A traditional Guanacaste beef and vegetable stew with yuca, plantain and corn, common in local sodas.
• Tortillas de maiz — Thick hand-patted corn tortillas cooked on a comal, a Guanacaste staple often served with fresh cheese.
• Agua de sapo or fresco de tamarindo — Refreshing local drinks made from tapa dulce, ginger and lime, or tangy tamarind, perfect after a hot hike.
• Chorreadas — Sweet fresh-corn pancakes served with natilla (sour cream), a beloved Guanacaste snack.

Local customs & good to know

• Arrive early and check park hours — The park closes on Mondays and gates open around 8am, so start early to beat the heat and afternoon closures.
• Wear sturdy shoes and bring water — Trails cross rocky volcanic terrain and there are few facilities inside, so pack water, sunscreen and closed hiking shoes.
• Stay on marked trails near geothermal areas — Mud pots and fumaroles are dangerously hot, so respect barriers and never step off the paths.
• Support local sodas and guides — Family-run roadside eateries and certified naturalist guides offer authentic Guanacaste hospitality and 'pura vida' warmth.

Nearby

• Liberia — 19 km
• Río Celeste (Alajuela) — 36 km
• Playa Hermosa — 43 km
• Palo Verde National Park — 47 km