Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park Tours and Activities

Rincon de la Vieja National Park featuring a river or creek
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See crater-filled mountains and hot sulfurous mud pits edged by lush tropical forest in this park filled with tropical plants and animals.

Volcanoes, bubbling mud pits and dry tropical forests make up the astonishing landscape of Rincon de la Vieja National Park. The highlight is the park’s namesake, a gigantic volcano that has nine individual craters dotted around the region. Meander through walking trails to see diverse flora and fauna. 

The moody ambiance of the volcanic craters and mud pits make the park a photographer’s paradise. Capture pictures of the largest volcano, the Rincon de la Vieja, looming throughout the 34,992-acre (14,161-hectare) landscape. Explore the natural features around the volcano, the summit of which reaches 6,217 feet (1,895 meters). The wonders include simmering mud pots, hot springs and fumaroles, the openings from which smoky sulfurous gases surface.

Delve into the thick tropical rainforest to spy the region’s wildlife, such as primates, jaguars and kinkajous, which look like a mix between a monkey and a ferret. A fuchsia orchid known as guaria morada is the country’s national flower and can be found throughout the forests. Follow the trails to discover mesmerizing natural beauty. Find the waterfall that runs into a small pool enclosed by trees and rocks near the main volcano.

There are several tour companies in the area that provide adventure activities. Go tubing down the Rio Negro before zip-lining through the forest. Reservations can be made through hotels in the region.

Stay overnight at one of the lodges, resorts or spas in the park to wake up refreshed and ready to go exploring in the morning. Pick up snacks and refreshments from the small shop by the entrance to the park.

There is an entrance fee per person as well as fees for car access in certain areas. The park opens from early morning until afternoon and is closed on Mondays.

Rincon de la Vieja National Park is 14 miles (22.5 kilometers) northeast of Liberia. Turn off the main highway early at the sign for the park and follow the unpaved road for 30 minutes. There are taxis and regular buses that take visitors from the city to the national park.

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Reviews of Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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4 - Good
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3 - Okay
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" "3 - Okay 1.8867924528301887%
2 - Disappointing
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Jan. 1, 2020

This park is very cool! We did both trails (which takes the day). Park closes trails early (a few hours before park closes, to ensure people have enough time to get back out). First trail: Sendero Las Pailas - shows you lots of cool volcanic activity. Boiling mud pots, steam vents, bubbling ponds and we saw lots of wildlife. It's an easy walk on a well signed/maintained trail. This is the shorter of the two. Took us 1-2 hours with lots of stops for photos. Second trail: Sendero Catarata La Cangreja - really nice (longer) trail that goes through varied types of eco-systems (think jungle, to exposed rolling hills, to almost desert like). At the end of the hike you are rewarded with, what we thought, was one of the nicest waterfalls we saw! Took us 4 hours. We did NOT go up to the hidden waterfall as this trail is apparently more challenging. Was definitely tired after this one - it's definitely more challenging than Las Pailas. You can definitely do it all in one day but you should start when the park opens!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Mar. 4, 2019

The guides were very knowledgeable about the biology of the area, the animals, birds, and flora and fauna found in the park. They were very attentive and watched closely over everyone's safety.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Jan. 20, 2019

Drive to the Santa Maria parking area and hike to the hot springs... take time to swim in the waterfall on the way back!

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.