Rincon de la Vieja
Encompassed by the scenic Guanacaste Mountain Range, the Rincon de la Vieja cinder volcano sits amid 34,800 acres of national park territory. It is a great place to escape from Guanacaste's sun-splashed beaches and to enjoy cool air, refreshing waterfalls, beautiful birds, and fantastic hiking. Its unique environment offers a different kind of Guanacaste vacation experience.
More about Rincon de la Vieja
Ricon de la Vieja is located to the northwest of Guanacaste's main transportation hub, Liberia, and it features a wealth of great activities to keep visitors busy. Hiking trails and Horseback rides are great ways to enjoy the area's natural beauty and make memorable adventures. Other activities include tubing, mountain biking, and waterfall swimming. There are numerous waterfalls in the area, the largest of which are the Oropendola Waterfall (25 meters) and the La Victoria Waterfall (35 meters), which pour into the Colorado River.
The area around Rincon de La Vieja is active with geothermal activity. In fact, it is the most active area in the volcanic Guanacaste Mountain Range. The geothermal activity produces heat for a mixture of warm springs and bubbling mud pools. The mud is believed to be very therapeutic, and mud baths are a great way to relieve sore bodies following a long day of exploration.
The region surrounding its National Park is famous for cowboys and cattle ranching, which thrive to this day. Due to the popularity of ranching in the area, visitors can expect to see plenty of dry open fields for pastures and grazing cattle. At one time, the entire region was covered in dense forest, but now only a trace remains- most of which is sheltered within Protected Zones such as the Rincon de la Vieja National Park. The best time to visit the area is between November and April when you can expect low amounts of precipitation and a greater chance for viewing wildlife.
Lodging options are available in the small town of San Jorge, which provides a nearby base for entry to the Park. Also, many accommodations dot the area leading up to San Jorge and the National Park. Most are mid to upper-end hotels, haciendas, and Bed & Breakfasts. On a clear day, many of accommodations can provide views of the Pacific, Caribbean, and Lake Nicaragua. Of course, lodging and services are also available in the city of Liberia. The Rincon de La Vieja National Park entrance at Santa Maria Ranger Station is just 16 miles (25 km) from the city.
Moments to look forward to
Incredible Stays
Hotel Borinquen
Hotel Borinquen sits in the popular and diverse north Pacific region of Costa Rica. It offers unspoiled beaches, indigenous cultures, green forests, water sports, and much more. Make your vacation in Guanacaste complete by staying in the beautiful and serene mountains of Hotel Borinquen. The hotel is close to a wide variety of outdoor and adventure activities and is very close to the city of Liberia and the Daniel Oduber International Airport.
View DetailsHotel Guachipelin
Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin is located at the foot of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, in the northwestern region of Guanacaste. The hacienda borders the popular Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Natural hot springs, virgin forests, jungle waterfalls and volcanic mud pots are just some of the many attractions tourists can enjoy during a stay at the hacienda.
View DetailsLa Anita Rainforest Ranch
La Anita Rainforest Ranch offers 10 cabins in a valley surrounded by mountain ranges and volcanoes. The ranch itself has beautifully landscaped grounds with lush, tropical plants.
View DetailsBlue River Resort
The Blue River Resort is located 50 km from the town of Liberia in the Guanacaste Region of Costa Rica. This trip takes about an hour, but it is well worth it – the area hosts the Rincón de la Vieja National Park and volcano, countless waterfalls, hiking trails and hot springs.
View DetailsBuena Vista del Rincon
Buena Vista del Rincon sits on a large hacienda near the periphery of Rincon de la Vieja National Park in Guanacaste. The Guanacaste Province is a diverse geographic region containing many microclimates, and the landscape surrounding Rincon de la Vieja is markedly different from the flat plains and famous surfing beaches below.
View DetailsCanon de la Vieja Lodge
Surrounded by beautiful gardens and tropical forest, the Canon de la Vieja Lodge provides a tranquil environment and unbelievable access to a plethora of outdoor activities. Only 8km from Liberia, in the Guanacaste region, this family friendly establishment provides clean and comfortable rooms in a convenient location.
View Details