GENERAL INFORMATION

It is a National Park located around one of the most important volcanoes of the country and since 1973 has formed part of the Guanacaste Conservation Area, which includes the province of the same name. The mean temperature is 26°C and it rains over two meters (79 inches) a year.

LOCATION

It’s located on the massif by the same name, Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, and is made of two sectors: Las Pailas, located 25 km from Liberia and 10 km of Curubandé and the Santa María sector, located 25 km from Liberia via La Victoria. It belongs to the county of Liberia, province of Guanacaste and is part of the Guanacaste Conservation Area.

MAIN ATTRACTIONS

The outstanding aspects we can mention are the thermal waters and the panoramic views that visitors find in the Park; they are very different to those of the lowlands of the dry forest. One finds a moister landscape due to its altitude and precipitation. On this land we find: laurel (cordia alliodora), guanacaste (enterolobium cyclocarpum), cedro amargo (cedrela odorata), indio desnudo (naked indian) and copey (clusia spp), among others.

Likewise, it’s the refuge containing a great population of our national flower, the Guaria Morada and you can also appreciate over 300 bird species, among them which are worth mentioning are the great curassow, mot-mot, yellow-bellied siskin and the toucanet.

The Rincón de la Vieja massif is part of the watershed dividing line between the Caribbean and the Pacific in the northwest area of the country. In this zone are born thirty-two rivers, among them the Colorado, Blanco and Ahogados.

SERVICES OFFERED

General information, look-outs, camping area, lunch area, and natural trails.

REGULATIONS

• Trails vary in length from about 1 to 8 km. Please, never leave the trails.
  
• Do not forget to carry drinking water and use strong shoes or boots. Always carry a flashlight if you walk at night.
  
• The many clear cool streams at Rincon de la Vieja provide mosquito breeding grounds, which can be a nuisance at times. Come prepared with insect repellent.
  
• Due to their volcanic origin, some springs and creeks at Rincon de la Vieja carry high concentrations of chemicals. Avoid drinking its water unless its potability is ensured.
  
• Please do not toss your cigarette butts, and do not start fires.
  
• Please place all your garbage in the containers provided.
  
• It is forbidden by law to bring pets into the Park, and remove plants, animals, or any other natural resources. Take only pictures, leave only footprints.