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Rincon de la Vieja Costa Rica

Rincon de la Vieja is located in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica near the border with Nicaragua. This amazing wonder is currently passing through a period of relative calm. It is one of the five volcanoes that make up the Guanacaste mountain range. It is composed of nine volcanic craters, including Von Seebach and Santa Maria. The latter is the tallest at 6,284 feet (1,916 meters). The last serious eruption was in 1983. Impressive, the Rincon de la Vieja volcano and the national park of the same name have been distinguished as some of the most lush and unexplored areas of the Costa Rican territory. The difficult access makes it a challenge and helps retain its mystery for visitors. Rincon de la Vieja’s beauty has varied colors, textures, and scents. To the south of the crater you can find a pure water lagoon. At the foot of the mount on the south side are the areas called Las Pailas and Las Hornillas. These areas cover a surface of 124 acres (50 hectares). The lagoons located in depressions of the volcano are filled with waters that boil continually. Hot springs and mud baths are one of the main attractions in the beautiful mountain lodges found in this Costa Rican region, and there are endless activities and day tours to enjoy here.

The National Park has an elevation that ranges from 2,132 to 6,400 feet (650 to 1,965 meters) on both the Caribbean and Pacific flanks of the Cordillera de Guanacaste (Guanacaste Mountain Range). The two sides differ in rainfall and vegetation. The Pacific side has a distinct dry season. If you are planning on climbing the craters, February through April is the best time to do so. The Caribbean side is lush and wet all year-round, with as much as 197 inches (500 cm) of rainfall annually on the higher slopes. Climbing the mountain is not for the casual hiker. The trail is 5 miles (8 kilometers) in length. The flora and fauna of the area are a significant reason this magical and mysterious place leaves visitors with unforgettable memories.

Many attractions lower down the slopes, and are reached by easy trials from the park headquarters. The Sendero Ecantado (enchanted path) leads through cloud forests full of “Guaria Morada” orchids (the national flower of Costa Rica) and links with a trail that continues for 7 miles (12 km) to Las Pailas. There are thermal waters that form small pools where you can bathe and take advantage of their curative properties. Other trails lead to four continuous hidden waterfalls. You will find a perfect swimming hole at the base of one of the falls. The various trails link all the volcanic attractions. To be able to enjoy all these attractions, and because of the long walk to get there, it is better to stay a couple of days. You can stay in basic accommodations at the ranger stations. It is best to bring a sleeping bag and mosquito netting. You can also camp at one of the available campsites. Remember that it can get very cold at night; come prepared. If camping, you are better off during the dry season. Visiting this area will leave you with a wonderful memory of Mother Nature.