Rincon de la Vieja National Park
Everything you need to know before visiting Las Pailas and Santa Maria Sector
📍40 min from Liberia (Guanacaste)
🚶♂️Two Park Sectors
🥾 Easy to Advanced Trails
🌋 Active Volcanic Features
🌊 Waterfalls & Hot Springs
Plan Your Visit to Rincon de la Vieja National Park
Ready to explore steaming fumaroles, natural hot springs, tropical forest, wildlife and spectacular waterfalls?
Rincon de la Vieja National Park in Guanacaste is one of Costa Rica’s most diverse natural attractions, offering more than just beautiful landscapes and hiking. The Park has two different sectors: Las Pailas, best known for its active volcanic features, and Santa Maria, known for enchanting forest trails and natural hot springs.
In this complete guide, you can compare both sectors and find everything you need to plan your visit, including trails, tickets, prices, opening hours, directions and practical tips.
About Rincon de la Vieja National Park
Rincon de la Vieja National Park protects more than 34,000 acres and forms part of the Guanacaste Conservation Area, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The park is named after the active Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. Its geothermal activity has shaped areas with steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, volcanic lagoons, spectacular waterfalls and natural hot springs. At 1,916 meters (6,286 feet), it’s one of the highest volcanoes in the region.
The diverse ecosystems surrounding the volcano range from tropical dry forest to dense humid forest and are home to monkeys, toucans, iguanas and many other animals.
To explore the Las Pailas and Santa Maria sectors, visitors can choose from short, easy walks to challenging full-day hikes, making the national park suitable for beginners and families with children as well as experienced hikers.
Las Pailas vs Santa Maria: Which Sector Should You Visit?
Rincon de la Vieja National Park is divided into two sectors: Las Pailas and Santa Maria. Located approximately 25 minutes apart by car, each sector offers unique trails and attractions. Compare the two options below to discover the best things to do in Rincon de la Vieja National Park and decide which sector is right for you.
Las Pailas Sector
Volcanic activity and waterfall hikes
⭐ Main attractions: Las Pailas Trail, La Cangreja Waterfall and La Escondida Waterfall
🥾 Trail difficulty: Easy to advanced
🌿 Landscape: Tropical dry and humid forest, geothermal areas
☀️ Climate: Generally hotter and drier
🚶 Crowds: Larger groups of visitors
✔️ Guided tours for Las Pailas Trail available
Choose Las Pailas for the best place to observe volcanic activity in Rincon de la Vieja. Also, if you’re an experienced hiker looking for a challenging route, the waterfall trails in Las Pailas are a good choice.
Santa Maria Sector
Dense forest, hot springs and historic relics
⭐ Main attractions: Natural hot springs, Morpho Waterfall, Enchanted Forest Waterfalls and historic relics
🥾 Trail difficulty: Easy to moderate
🌿 Landscape: Dense humid forest
💧 Climate: Generally cooler and more humid
🚶 Crowds: Few visitors
✔️ Camping allowed
Choose Santa Maria for its natural hot springs, quiet forest trails, and fewer visitors. If you’re sensitive to the sun, this may be the better option, as the trails are almost entirely shaded and the climate is cooler.
LAS PAILAS SECTOR
Tickets | Prices | Opening Hours | Trails | How to Get There | What to Bring | Facilities
The Las Pailas Sector is best known for its volcanic activity trail, but it also offers beautiful hikes to La Cangreja Waterfall and La Escondida Waterfall. Find everything you need to plan your visit, including tickets, prices, opening hours, trails, directions, parking and facilities.
How to Get Tickets for Rincon de la Vieja National Park
For the Las Pailas Sector, you can choose between a self-guided visit and a guided combo tour with other popular Rincon de la Vieja activities. See how to get tickets for each option below.
Las Pailas Sector – Self-Guided
On a self-guided visit to Rincon de la Vieja National Park, you can explore the trails independently, without a guide. All routes are well-marked and maintained, making them easy to follow.
Self-guided tickets have to be purchased online in advance. You cannot buy tickets directly at the park entrance. If you arrive without a ticket, the staff will still tell you to buy your tickets online.
How to Book Your Tickets Online
1️⃣ Open the Rincon de la Vieja Park website.
2️⃣ Fill out the online form choosing the date, time and visitor information.
3️⃣ Complete payment with credit/debit card or paypal.
4️⃣ Get your tickets via e-mail.
Book your Las Pailas tickets online in advance through the Rincon de la Vieja Park website.
Las Pailas Sector – Guided Tours
The Las Pailas Trail is the only hike in the national park that can be booked as a guided tour. Since there are only a few information signs along the trail, many visitors prefer going with an experienced guide who can explain the volcanic features, diverse ecosystems and help them spot wildife.
Our guided tours combine the Las Pailas Trail with the beautiful and easily accessible Oropendola Waterfall. This is a great option if you want to cool off after the trail without taking on a challenging full-day hike to La Cangreja or La Escondida Waterfall.
1️⃣ Las Pailas Trail + Oropendola Waterfall + Lunch
Explore the Las Pailas Trail with an experienced guide, cool off at Oropendola Waterfall and enjoy a Costa Rican lunch.
2️⃣ Las Pailas Trail + Oropendola Waterfall + Lunch + Hot Springs
Add a relaxing visit to Rio Negro Hot Springs to your combo tour to end your day enjoying thermal waters and a volcanic mud bath.
Combine the Las Pailas Trail with a refreshing swim at the crystal-clear pool beneath Oropendola Waterfall.
Las Pailas Prices and Opening Hours
ℹ️ If you want to hike to La Cangreja Waterfall or La Escondida Waterfall, keep in mind that the latest possible start time for these hikes is 12pm and you must be back at the park entrance at 5pm.
SELF-GUIDED TICKET PRICE
Adult (13+) ……………………………………………………………. $ 24.95
Children (2-12) ……………………………………………………. $ 14.95
OPENING HOURS
Tuesday – Sunday: 8am – 5pm
Monday: Closed
Last entry for Las Pailas Trail: 3pm
The entrance fee includes access to all open trails in the Las Pailas Sector.
Trails in the Las Pailas Sector
The Las Pailas Sector offers three unique hiking experiences, from the easy to moderate Las Pailas Loop Trail with fascinating volcanic features to more advanced hikes to La Cangreja and la Escondida Waterfall.
LAS PAILAS LOOP TRAIL – VOLCANIC ACTIVITY HIKE
⏱ ~ 2
Hours
🚶 3.5 km (2.2 mi)
Loop Trail
🥾 Easy
to Moderate
The Las Pailas Trail is the most iconic hike in Rincon de la Vieja National Park, taking you along fascinating volcanic features and through diverse ecosystems.
The first 800 m of the trail lead through the forest and are wheelchair accessible. Then the trees open up to sunny terrain, where you’ll come across the first geothermal features.
You’ll observe steaming vents, bubbling mud pots, fumaroles and a volcanic lagoon, all signs of the hidden volcanic forces beneath your feet.
About halfway through the hike, the open terrain and dry forest transition into humid forest, with huge trees and denser vegetation. Keep an eye out for wildlife, as you may spot tropical birds, large iguanas and monkeys.
The last attraction along the Las Pailas Trail is the Seasonal Waterfall. It is at its best during the rainy season, while in the dry season it may reduce to a small trickle.
⚠️ The Las Pailas Trail is not recommended for visitors with knee, ankle, walking or mobility issues. The hike is suitable for active children who are comfortable walking for 2–3 hours. If you’re traveling with very young children, we recommend bringing a backpack carrier, as the trail is not suitable for strollers. Only the first part of the loop trail is wheelchair-accessible.
LA CANGREJA WATERFALL TRAIL
⏱ 4+ Hours
🚶 5 km (3.2 mi)
each way
🥾 Difficult to Advanced
If you’re up for a more challenging hike, you can choose to visit La Cangreja Waterfall.
The trail passes through tropical dry forest and dense vegetation, with some open sections offering beautiful mountain views.
After a steep downhill section near the end of the trail, you’ll reach the spectacular La Cangreja Waterfall, which drops 40 meters into a turquoise pool.
Swimming in the cool water feels especially rewarding after the long hike, and the peaceful surroundings invite you to relax for a while before heading back.
⚠️ This hike includes many uphill and downhill sections, with some steeper parts along the way. The trail can also be muddy and slippery in some areas, so watch your step closely. Only do this hike if you’re in very good physical condition and have advanced hiking experience.
LA ESCONDIDA WATERFALL TRAIL
⏱ 4+ Hours
🚶 8.5 km (5.2 mi) round trip
🥾 Difficult to Advanced
Ready for an even more advanced challenge? The trail to La Escondida Waterfall is the most difficult hike in the national park, but the spectacular views are worth the hard work.
The hike begins along the same route as the trail to La Cangreja Waterfall, passing through dense forest. After the paths separate, the vegetation becomes lighter until you enter an open mountain landscape. Here, you’ll enjoy some of the best views in the entire national park.
The most challenging part is a very steep and rocky uphill section with almost no shade. After you’ve made it up the hill, it’s only a few more minutes to La Escondida Waterfall, hidden in a magical forest setting. The crystal-clear pool beneath the waterfall is freezing cold, but that’s exactly the refreshment you need after the challenging hike.
⚠️ Only choose this hike if you are in very good physical condition and have advanced hiking experience. The trail includes many steep sections and passes areas with big cliffs, so you need to watch every step carefully.
Ready to visit Rincon de la Vieja National Park?
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Practical Information
How to get to Rincon de la Vieja National Park – Las Pailas Sector
The Las Pailas Sector of Rincon de la Vieja National Park is located approximately 40 minutes from Liberia in Guanacaste.
To reach the park, you must drive through the private property of Hacienda Guachipelin, where a small toll of ₡800 per person applies. Make sure to bring a small amount of cash to cover this fee.
You can reach the Las Pailas Sector with your own car or a rental car. Public transportation is not available to the national park. If you don’t have access to a car, you can book your ➡️ visit with transportation included.
Rincon de la Vieja National Park Map – Las Pailas Sector
Directions from Liberia to Rincon de la Vieja National Park – Las Pailas Sector
💡 You don’t need a 4×4 vehicle to get to the Las Pailas Sector of Rincon de la Vieja National Park, but drive carefully as parts of the road may have potholes.
1️⃣ From Liberia, drive about 5 km north on Highway 1.
2️⃣ Turn right when you see signs pointing to Rincon de la Vieja National Park.
3️⃣ Continue for about 20 minutes, passing through the village of Curubandé.
4️⃣ Enter the property of Hacienda Guachipelín through the security gate, turn left at the main building and follow the signs to the national park.
5️⃣ Continue straight for about 10 minutes and reach the parking lot for Rincon de la Vieja National Park at the end of the road.
🅿️ At Rincon de la Vieja National Park you will find free and secure parking.
Entrance to the parking area of Rincon de la Vieja National Park.
What to Bring to the Hikes
We recommend bringing the following items for a safe and comfortable visit to Rincon de la Vieja National Park.
⚠️ In the Rincon de la Vieja area, the sun is very strong and the heat can be intense. Since parts of the trail lead through open terrain, be sure to use sunscreen, a hat, and bring plenty of water.
✔️ Closed-toe shoes suitable for hiking
✔️ Comfortable sports clothes
✔️ Plenty of water – especially if you’re doing the waterfall hikes. There are no water fountains along the way.
✔️ Sunscreen & bug spray – don’t forget to apply these before the hikes!!
✔️ Hat or cap
Visitor Facilities
At the Las Pailas Sector of Rincon de la Vieja National Park, you’ll find all the essential facilities you need before and after your hike.
✔️ Restrooms
✔️ Free Parking
✔️ Water Fountains
✔️ Small coffee shop below the parkig area offering snacks and drinks
SANTA MARIA SECTOR
Tickets | Prices | Opening Hours | Trails | How to Get There | What to Bring | Facilities | Camping
In the Santa Maria Sector, you can expect an overall calmer atmosphere, fewer visitors than in Las Pailas and a cooler, more humid climate. Several easy to moderate trails lead through a dense, fairy-tale-like forest to small waterfalls and natural hot springs. Here, you can relax far from the tourist crowds, surrounded only by the peaceful sights and sounds of nature.
How to Get Tickets for Santa Maria Sector
Guided tours are not available for the Santa Maria Sector. However, the trails are well marked with signs, so you can easily explore the park on a self-guided visit.
Tickets for the Santa Maria Sector of Rincon de la Vieja National Park must also be purchased online in advance. The booking process is the same as for Las Pailas, just select “Sector Santa Maria“.
Be sure to book your tickets in advance, as you probably won’t have signal at the park entrance. As at the Las Pailas Sector, tickets cannot be purchased directly at the park and if you arrive without a ticket, you’ll still have to book it online.
Santa Maria Sector Prices and Opening Hours
ℹ️ The Santa Maria Sector officially closes at 3:30pm, but if you’re already on a trail, you can finish your hike and be back around 4 or 4:30pm. You cannot start a new trail at 3:30pm.
ADMISSION FEE
Adult (13+) ……………………………………………………………. $ 24.95
Children (2-12) ……………………………………………………. $ 14.95
OPENING HOURS
Thursday – Monday: 8am – 3:30pm
Tuesday, Wednesday: Closed
💡 If you want to do the hike to the Las Pailas Sector, we recommend starting early in the morning as this hike can take up to 6 hours and you must be back at the park entrance no later than 4:30pm.
Trails in the Santa Maria Sector
The trails in the Santa Maria Sector are generally rated easy to moderate. The longest trail is 3 km each way and follows mostly flat terrain. Along the way, you can take four detours ranging from 200 m to 1.6 km, some with short steep sections. One exception is the connecting route to the Las Pailas Sector, which is approximately 7 km each way and rated as challenging.
⚠️ The trails are not suitable for visitors with knee, ankle, walking or mobility issues. They are a great option for active children who are comfortable walking for 2-3 hours. If you’re hiking with very young children, we recommend bringing a backpack child carrier.
MAIN TRAIL – NATURAL HOT SPRINGS
⏱ 2-3
Hours
🚶 6 km (4 mi)
round trip
🥾 Easy
to Moderate
The main trail of Santa Maria Sector leads to the natural hot springs, with several short detours taking you to attractions like the Morpho Waterfall.
You’ll pass through dense forest with fascinating vegetation and opportunities to spot wildlife such as monkeys, tropical birds and coatis.
Along the way, you’ll cross several shallow rivers, some with ropes set up for extra support. During the dry season, the crossings are usually easy and you may not even get your feet wet. In the rainy season, water levels can rise, and you may need to wade through some sections.
At the end of the main trail, you’ll find the bright turquoise natural hot springs, colored by volcanic minerals and naturally heated by the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. While you’re not allowed to enter the hot springs because of the sensitive ecosystem in the river, it’s still a great spot to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
💡 If you’d still like to relax in thermal waters, visit Rio Negro Hot Springs, located only about a 15-minute drive from the Santa Maria Ranger Station. There, you can enjoy 10 natural thermal pools overlooking the Rio Negro, try a volcanic mud bath and cross scenic hanging bridges between the pools. ➡️ Read more about Rio Negro Hot Springs
HUMMINGBIRD TRAIL
⏱ 20 min
🚶500 m (0.3 mi) detour
🥾 Easy to Moderate
The first detour is the Hummingbird Trail, which runs parallel to the main trail. You can follow it at the start of your hike and take the main trail on your way back.
Along the Hummingbird Trail, you’ll come across the remains of a sugar cane mill. Before the area was declared a national park in 1973, Santa Maria was a cattle ranch, and visitors can still see some historic relics today.
COLD WATER POTS TRAIL
⏱ 45 min
🚶 1.6 km (1 mi) round trip
🥾 Moderate
After returning to the main trail, follow it for about 20 more minutes to reach the longest detour. This trail takes you to the cold water pots, where you can observe the geothermal activity of Rincon de la Vieja Volcano.
Follow the forest trail uphill for about 20 minutes to reach the bubbling water pots, created by volcanic gases rising up through cracks in the earth. Surprisingly, the water is cold, although it looks like it’s boiling.
ENCHANTED FOREST WATERFALL TRAIL
⏱ 20 min
🚶200m (0.1 mi) round trip
🥾 Easy to Moderate
You definitely shouldn’t miss this short walk to two magical waterfalls. Along the way, you’ll pass rocks and trees covered in moss before reaching the Zopilote River, which forms two small waterfalls. This peaceful place feels like something out of a fairy tale, making it easy to understand how the trail got its name.
MORPHO WATERFALL TRAIL
⏱ 30 min
🚶 600 m (0.4 mi) round trip
🥾 Easy to Moderate
Continuing with the enchanting scenery, the next short detour leads to the biggest waterfall in the Santa Maria Sector. Morpho Waterfall, named after the large, bright blue butterfly found in this area, offers a perfect spot to take a refreshing swim. While you relax in the crystal-clear pool, keep an eye out: maybe you can spot some of the blue morpho butterflies.
⚠️ During the rainy season, be especially careful when crossing rivers or swimming in waterfall pools, as water levels are higher and may rise suddenly. Do not enter the water if it looks muddy or fast-moving.
TRAIL TO LAS PAILAS
⏱ 5-6 Hrs
🚶14 km (8.7 mi) round trip
🥾 Moderate to Challenging
Just before reaching the hot springs, you’ll come across an intersection where you can choose to follow the connecting trail to the Las Pailas Sector. Keep in mind that this is a long and challenging hike that is not suitable for beginners.
SCENIC VIEWPOINT
⏱ 30 min
🚶800 m (0.5 mi) round trip
🥾 Easy to Moderate
As you return to the ranger station, you can take a short uphill walk to a beautiful lookout. From here, you’ll have an amazing view over the surrounding mountains, forests and valley. The trail starts between the ranger station and the parking lot.
Ready to visit the Santa Maria Sector?
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Practical Information
How to get to Rincon de la Vieja National Park – Santa Maria Sector
It takes about 45 minutes to get from Liberia to the Santa Maria Sector of Rincon de la Vieja National Park.
You can get there with your own car or a rental car. Public transportation is not available to the national park. If you don’t have access to a car, you can book your ➡️ visit with transportation included.
Rincon de la Vieja National Park Map – Santa Maria Sector
Directions from Liberia to Rincon de la Vieja National Park – Santa Maria Sector
💡 You generally don’t need a 4×4 vehicle to get to the Santa Maria Sector of Rincon de la Vieja National Park, but drive carefully as most of the route is gravel road with some large potholes.
To drive to the Santa Maria Sector, we recommend following the route on Google Maps and downloading an offline map, as you probably lose phone signal along the way ➡️ Click here for the route on google maps.
1️⃣ From Liberia, head east to turn onto Route 918.
2️⃣ Continue on Route 918 for about 40 minutes, following the signs to the national park.
3️⃣ When you reach the intersection shown in the picture, take a left turn following the sign pointing to Rincon de la Vieja National Park – Santa Maria Sector.
4️⃣ From this turn, it is only about 5 more minutes to the Santa Maria Ranger Station.
🅿️ Free parking is available at the Santa Maria Ranger Station. ⚠️ Don’t leave any valuables in your car, as there have been reports of theft. ⚠️
What to Bring to the Hikes
Facilities at the Santa Maria Sector are quite basic, and there is no option to buy food or drinks. Make sure to bring everything you need for your visit.
✔️ Closed-toe shoes suitable for hiking
✔️ Comfortable sports clothes – we recommend long sleeves and pants because of mosquitoes and ticks.
✔️ Plenty of water – there are no water fountains along the trails.
✔️ Food & Snacks
✔️ Sunscreen & bug spray – don’t forget to apply these before the hikes, there are many mosquitoes in this area!!
✔️ Optional: Swimsuit and small towel for the waterfalls
Visitor Facilities
✔️ Free Parking (Don’t leave valuables in your car)
✔️ Bathrooms
✔️ Camping area
Parking area at Santa Maria Ranger Station.
Camping at Rincon de la Vieja National Park – Santa Maria Sector
The Santa Maria Sector is the only place in Rincon de la Vieja National Park where camping is allowed, offering a unique opportunity to spend a night surrounded by nature.
There are five wooden platforms where you can set up a tent, as well as bathrooms, showers and sinks for washing dishes.
Campfires are not permitted, but gas cookers are allowed to prepare food.
Camping costs $4 per person per day, in addition to the national park entrance fee.
💡 Did You Know …
… how “Rincon de la Vieja” got its name? It translates to “Corner of the old woman” and originates from an old Indigenous legend about a princess named Curubanda.
Curubanda was a young woman from the Curubandé tribe who fell in love with Prince Mixcoac, the son of an enemy chief. When her father discovered their secret relationship, he became furious and threw Mixcoac into the volcano. Heartbroken, Curubanda left her tribe and lived deep in the forest near the base of the volcano. There, she became a wise healer, using medicinal plants, natural hot springs and volcanic mud. People visiting her for medical treatment would say they go to “the old woman of the volcano“, which over time gave the volcano and region its name.
Rincon de la Vieja Combo Tours
Combine your visit to Rincon de la Vieja National Park with spectacular waterfalls and natural hot springs to make the most of your day in Guanacaste.
Las Pailas Trail + La Leona Waterfall
Experience geothermal activity along the Las Pailas Trail, then join us for one of the best adventure hikes in Costa Rica. Follow a jungle path and swim through an epic canyon to reach La Leona Waterfall.
Las Pailas Trail + Oropendola Waterfall + Lunch
Explore the Las Pailas Trail with a guide, cool off at the crystal-clear pool beneath Oropendola Waterfall and enjoy a Costa Rican lunch.
Las Pailas Trail + Oropendola Waterfall + Lunch + Hot Springs
Enjoy a full-day trip with volcanic activity, a waterfall swim, Costa Rican lunch and hot springs with a volcanic mud bath.
About Rincon de la Vieja Tours and Transportation
At Rincon de la Vieja Tours and Transportation, we are dedicated to creating unforgettable, eco-friendly experiences while showcasing the natural beauty of Costa Rica to visitors from around the world. Our experienced local guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge and providing safe, fun, and unique adventure tours every day.
Hundreds of travelers have recommended our tours and left 5-star ratings on Google Reviews. Read about our guests’ experiences and follow us on social media for more photos, videos, and tour updates.
See what awaits on our tours
and real visitor experiences
Want to visit Rincon de la Vieja National Park?
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Rincon de la Vieja National Park – FAQ
Are the Rincon de la Vieja trails hard?
Rincon de la Vieja National Park offers trails for all fitness levels. The popular Las Pailas volcanic activity hike is easy to moderate and suitable for most visitors. The trail to La Cangreja Waterfall is more challenging, while La Escondida Waterfall is best for experienced hikers. Most hikes in the Santa Maria Sector are suitable for beginners and families with children, but the long trail connecting it to Las Pailas is more challenging.
How long do you need at Rincon de la Vieja National Park?
At the Las Pailas Sector, plan about 2–3 hours for the Las Pailas loop trail. The hikes to La Cangreja or La Escondida Waterfall take much longer. If you want to do these hikes as well, arrive when the park opens at 8am so you have enough time to do the hikes until the park closes at 5pm. In the Santa Maria Sector, plan about 3–4 hours for the main trail if you want to explore all the detours.
Can you swim in the natural Rincon de la Vieja hot springs?
No, you’re not allowed to enter the natural hot springs at Santa Maria Sector because of the unique and sensitive ecosystem in the river. However, it’s still a great spot to relax, have a picnic and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. If you’d like to enter thermal waters and enjoy a volcanic mud bath, you can visit the nearby ➡️ Rio Negro Hot Springs.
Is Rincon de la Vieja National Park suitable for kids?
Yes, there are many trails at Rincon de la Vieja National Park suitable for kids. For example, the popular volcanic activity hike in the Las Pailas Sector is an easy to moderate loop trail, where kids can observe fascinating geothermal features along the way. In the Santa Maria Sector, most trails are manageable for active kids, and exploring the fairytale-like forest and waterfalls is a great activity for the whole family.
What is the best time to visit Rincon de la Vieja National Park?
Rincon de la Vieja National Park can be visited year-round, but the experience varies depending on the time of year. During the dry season in Rincon de la Vieja, from late November to late August, you can expect mostly sunny weather every day. During the rainy season in September and October, more rainfall creates greener, denser vegetation and a bit cooler temperatures. If you visit during the rainy season, be careful around waterfalls and river crossings. Don’t enter the water if it looks brown or fast-moving, as water levels can rise suddenly.
Do you need a guide for Rincon de la Vieja?
No, you can explore the trails in Rincon de la Vieja on your own. The routes are generally well marked and maintained. Guided tours are only available for the Las Pailas loop trail. Many visitors choose to book a guide for this hike because there are only a few information signs along the way. A local guide can explain the volcanic features and vegetation and help you spot wildlife.
Where to stay near Rincon de la Vieja National Park?
There are plenty of nice places to stay near Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Here are a few of our recommendations:
1️⃣ Hacienda Guachipelín: Located only 10 minutes from the Las Pailas Sector, with many adventure tours available on the property. It offers comfortable, spacious rooms and luxury suites.
2️⃣ Cañón de la Vieja Lodge: Offers on-site activities and tours, with a spa area, pool and on-site restaurant.
3️⃣ Aroma de Campo: A cozy, family-run bed and breakfast surrounded by beautiful gardens and known for its warm hospitality.
How much is the entrance to Rincon de la Vieja?
The entrance fee for self-guided visits to Rincon de la Vieja National Park is $24.95 per adult (13+) and $14.95 per child (2–12).
How far is Rincon de la Vieja from Liberia?
The Las Pailas Sector of Rincon de la Vieja National Park is located about 40 minutes from Liberia, while the Santa Maria Sector is approximately 45 minutes away. This makes the park a great option for a day trip from Liberia.
Are all trails in Rincon de la Vieja National Park included in the entrance fee?
Yes, your Rincon de la Vieja ticket includes access to all trails in the sector you booked.
Is Rincon de la Vieja worth it?
Yes, Rincon de la Vieja National Park is worth visiting because it offers much more than typical hikes. In the Las Pailas Sector, you can experience volcanic activity up close or hike to spectacular waterfalls. In the Santa Maria Sector, you can explore magical forest trails and enjoy natural hot springs surrounded by nature.
What to do in Rincon de la Vieja National Park?
Rincon de la Vieja National Park offers plenty of things to do. In the Las Pailas Sector, you can observe real volcanic activity like bubbling mud pots or steam vents and hike to La Cangreja or La Escondida Waterfall. In the Santa Maria Sector, you can explore beautiful forest trails, visit magical waterfalls and relax near natural hot springs.
What is Rincon de la Vieja known for?
Rincon de la Vieja National Park is best known for the Las Pailas Trail, where you can see volcanic features like bubbling mud pots and steam vents up close. But the park has much more to offer. If you’re up for a more challenging hike, you can visit La Cangreja or La Escondida Waterfall. In the Santa Maria Sector, you can hike through dense tropical forest, discover some enchanting waterfalls and relax near natural hot springs.
Is Rincon de la Vieja Volcano active?
Yes, Rincon de la Vieja is one of the most active volcanoes in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The volcano regularly produces small steam and gas eruptions, and you can observe continuous volcanic activity along the Las Pailas Trail, including bubbling mud pots, fumaroles, and boiling hot springs.
What are some good hikes at Rincon de la Vieja National Park?
The Las Pailas volcanic activity trail is the most popular hike in the park and suitable for most visitors. This 3.5 km loop trail passes geothermal areas like bubbling mud pots, steam vents and forest. For a more challenging hike, you can visit La Cangreja Waterfall or La Escondida Waterfall. If you prefer quieter forest trails far from touristic crowds, explore the Santa Maria Sector, where you can hike to some enchanting waterfalls and relax near natural hot springs.
What are some of the waterfalls in Rincon de la Vieja National Park?
There are various beautiful Rincon de la Vieja Waterfalls worth visiting: In the Las Pailas Sector, you can take on the challenging hike to La Cangreja Waterfall or La Escondida Waterfall. The Santa Maria Sector offers smaller waterfalls that are easy to reach along the forest trails, including Morpho Waterfall and the two waterfalls along the Enchanted Forest Trail.
What tours and excursions are available at Rincon de la Vieja National Park?
We offer guided combo tours of the Las Pailas Trail, combined with the nearby Oropendola Waterfall, a Costa Rican lunch and Rio Negro Hot Springs. Oropendola Waterfall is a great option for a refreshing swim if you don’t want to take the longer, more challenging hike to La Cangreja or La Escondida Waterfall. It’s only a 15-minute walk to Oropendola Waterfall, with two scenic hanging bridges along the way.