Rincon de la Vieja National Park

Rincon de la Vieja National Park

The Rincón de la Vieja National Park, one of the parks in the Guanacaste Conservation Area, is rich in ecological diversity. Covering more than 34 000 hectares, the Rincón de la Vieja is home to two volcanoes, 32 rivers and streams, and an amazing range of flora and fauna. In the park you can hike, enjoy hot springs, swim, admire waterfalls, picnic and camp. The park is located about 15 miles northeast of Liberia, the capital of Guanacaste province. Thanks to its location and sheer size, this national park allows you to experience both the Caribbean and Pacific sides of the Cordillera de Guanacaste. Rincón de la Vieja is home to a wide range of tropical forests, including both dwarf cloud and montane ecosystems. Here you will find exotic and rare species of plants and animals, including kinkajous, pumas, monkeys, sloths, tapirs and jaguars. Rare Emerald Green Toucans and Blue-Crowned Motmots sparkle in the sunshine, as well as bright fuchsia and purple Guaria Morada orchids. Laurel and Guanacaste trees form a canopy for birds and mammals. The main attractions of the park include a variety of water attractions, including a freshwater lagoon, waterfalls, hot springs and hot mud pits. Along the hiking trails, waterfalls with swimming opportunities are common. Other evidence of the area's geothermal activity are the mud pools found along the trail.