Rincon de la Vieja
The Rincon de la Vieja National Park is located in Costa Rica's North Pacific region and is named after its major attraction, a massive steaming volcano. Natural wonders such as craters, vapor vents, bubbling mud pits, and hot springs, as well as an abundance of plants, make this national park a popular tourist destination.
Numerous acres of hiking routes surround the volcano, leading through woodland foliage and cloud forest to amazing sights such as gorgeous waterfalls, volcanic craters, mud cauldrons, and grasslands carpeted with purple orchids. The most popular hike, Las Pailas, is a short circuit trail that leads to hot fumaroles and boiling mud pots and is suitable for all levels of experience. Hikers can also access the park's most renowned cascades, the Hidden Waterfalls, which drop into magnificent lagoons and natural swimming pools, via the Sendero Cangreja. The eight-hour roundtrip trek to the crater at the volcano's peak is recommended for more experienced hikers looking for a greater challenge.
Location: Rincon de la Vieja, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Best time to visit Rincon de la Vieja: Rincón de la Vieja is stunning all year, but it is especially lovely during the start of the dry season (from December to February). The rains have faded to excellent weather over these months, yet the scenery is still lush and the waterfalls are still flowing.
