Rincón de la Vieja

Rincón de la Vieja National Park protects an active volcano surrounded by dry and cloud forest. The Las Pailas sector has an easy loop past bubbling mud pots and steam vents. It’s reached via Curubandé; the last kilometers are gravel.

About the park

Rincón de la Vieja National Park protects an active volcano in the dry northwest, about an hour from Liberia airport. It’s a rare chance to see bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles and hot springs on easy trails. The Las Pailas sector has the volcanic loop trail; the Santa María sector is quieter and wilder.

Things to do

• Las Pailas loop: about 3 km past mud pots, fumaroles and a small volcano crater (“volcancito”). Entrance is around US$15; buy tickets online on the official SINAC site and check closing days.
• Waterfall hikes (Catarata La Cangreja, Oropéndola) inside or near the park.
• Hot springs and mud baths at private ranches nearby.
• Adventure tours: ziplines, tubing and horseback riding at the big ranches on the access road.

Where to stay

Ranch-style lodges sit along the access road through Curubandé, roughly US$80–200. Many visitors stay in Liberia (cheaper, more restaurants) and visit as a day trip.

Practical tips

• The park opens early and closes in the afternoon; start early to beat the heat.
• Recent rainy seasons have damaged some trails and access roads, so check conditions before you go.
• Fill up in Liberia; there are no gas stations on the park roads.

Top things to do in Rincón de la Vieja

• Las Pailas loopMud pots, fumaroles and a volcanic lagoon.
• WaterfallsLa Cangreja and Oropéndola falls.
• Hot springs and mud bathsSeveral spots near the park.

Driving, parking & safety notes

• Small private-road fee at the Guachipelín gate.
• The park closes early; arrive in the morning.