- Rincon de la Vieja National Park: These 142 square meters (1528 sq ft) of protected land is home to over 300 species of birds, abundant wildlife, and lots of volcanic activity, such as volcanic vents and geysers.
- Geothermal Fields: Guanacaste has provided approximately 40% of Costa Rica’s electricity, since 1991, partially from the geothermal fields that utilize the magma that utilize magma close to the surface to generate renewable energy.
- Colorado River: This river cuts through the land, creating steep-sided canyons and challenging, but fun rapids that delight visitors of rafting, tubing, and zip line tours.
Rincon de la Vieja National Park
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Rincon de la Vieja National Park is located in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica, and is known for its diverse landscape and abundance of natural hot springs. The park is home to the Rincon de la Vieja volcano, which is currently in an active phase, as well as several other smaller volcanoes.
Some of the popular activities in the park include hiking, ziplining, and hot spring soaking. The park also offers visitors the opportunity to witness volcanic activity, including fumaroles and boiling mud pots. Nearby, travelers can see the Orosi and Miravalles Volcanoes.
Here's some of the most unique features of the Rincon de la Vieja volcano and surrounding area!
Adventure
Family
Wellness
Volcano
The Rincon de la Vieja National Park is home to a variety of ecosystems including dry forests, rainforests, and wetlands. The park is home to a wide variety of animals, including monkeys, sloths, jaguars, and a wide variety of bird species such as the Great Curassow and the White-throated Magpie Jay. Additionally, if visitors are lucky, they may also spot the endangered Giant Anteater, a mammal that can be found in the park. The elevation of this region ranges from 500-6,283 feet at the top of Rincon de la Vieja (1,640-1,916 meters)
Golden season
December to April
Green season
May to November
Average temperature
79 °F (26°C)
Average rainfall
78 inches (2,000 mm)
The name, Rincon de la Vieja, comes from an indigenous legend of a reclusive woman who lived on the mountain and had healing powers. The volcano has been active for thousands of years, with its last major eruption occurring in 1998, but with smaller activity occurring as recently as 2021. The park’s history dates back to 1973, when it was established as a national park to protect the area’s natural resources and biodiversity. Note: The tourist areas around the mountain are safe and will be closed if volcanic activity is deemed unsafe.
Where is the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano Located?
- 4.5 hours from Juan Santamaria Airport in San Jose (SJO) to downtown San Jose (11 mi/18 km)
- 1 hour from Guanacaste Airport in Liberia (LIR) (138 mi / 222 km)
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Wondering where to travel in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica may be a small country, but it actually has 18 different main regions, each with its own geography and culture. It’s not always easy deciding where to travel in Costa Rica, with so many landscapes and microclimates. However, we are confident that no matter where you choose, you’ll have a wonderful time, full of awe and memories.
