Costa Rica National Parks

Rincon de la Vieja National Park

By George Ellard ⋅ February 27, 2009 ⋅  Email this post ⋅  Print this post ⋅ Post a comment

Rincon de la Vieja is one of Costa Rica’s richest and most distinct parks. It was created in 1973 to protect the extensive flora, fauna and watersheds around the area. There are 32 rivers that flow down the flanks of this volcano, making its ecological importance impossible to overestimate. Altitudes and climates vary significantly within the park, leading to a great degree of biodiversity within its borders. Hundreds of species of birds have been identified, as well as mammals of all sizes.

Getting to this national park is not easy, but not too difficult either. Tour operators and hotels like the Papagayo Allegro charge upwards to $115 a person to go there, however I find that it is much better to drive yourself there and enter the park yourself. This is only possible if you have a rental car and I suggest you make it a 4X4. The closest beach to Rincon de la Vieja is Playa del Coco in Guanacaste. It should take you no more than one hour to drive there from Playa del Coco. What makes this National Park different from other national parks in Costa Rica is the fact that there are two main attractions, and you will have to decide which one you would prefer seeing. When you visit Rincon de la Vieja in Costa Rica you will have to choose between the the Volcano itself or the waterfall. Seeing the volcano involves a much longer hike than option two. The hiking trail is well taken care of and you should make it to the Volcano in about 3 hours. The second option, which is my personal favorite, is going to check out the waterfall and boiling mud. This waterfall can only be seen during the rainy season (from May until November), so make sure you know this going in. The boiling mud however, can be seen year round. I absolutely loved watching a literal mud bath bubbling and exploding. This is due of course to the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano that lies next to it.