Guanacaste Conservation Area

Costa Rica National Parks

Rincon de la Vieja National Park





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Park Map Rincon de la Vieja Costa Rica
Las Pailas Sector
The Station at Pailas Sector of Rincon de la Vieja National Park is open from 8am to 4pm daily.

Santa Maria Sector
The Station at Santa Maria Sector of Rincon de la Vieja National Park is open from 8am to 4pm daily.

Rincon de la Vieja and Santa Maria

La Catarata Waterfall

Area   Approx. 34,800 acres
Max. Elevation   Rincon de la Vieja 6,286' above sea level
Santa Maria 6,307' above sea level
Last Eruption   Rincon de la Vieja 1998
Precipitation   100 - 120 inches annually
Location
  Guanacaste Province
10.830°N   85.324°W
Date of Creation   16 Nov 1973


 








Park Attractions

Rincon de la Vieja volcano, and its dormant sister cone, Santa Maria, as well as the older dormant Cerro Von Seebach. Thermal mud pools, waterfall swimming areas and freshwater lakes are also available for visitor use.

Crater Rincon de la Vieja

Rincon de la Vieja, the largest volcano in the country's northwest, comprises a remote volcanic complex in the Guanacaste Range. At least nine eruptive vents are located within a 15-kilometer-wide caldera. The twin cone of 1,916 meter Santa Maria volcano, the highest peak of the Rincon complex, features an incactive crater 500 meters across.


Driving Directions


From San Jose, take the Interamerican highway to Liberia.

SANTA MARIA STATION
Take the road from Liberia leading NE and follow the Park signs.

Waterfall Las Pailas Costa Rica

PAILAS STATION
Continue on the Interamerican highway past Liberia about 5 miles. Turn right toward Curubande and follow the Park  signs.



Rincon de la Vieja Mud Pools

Costa Rica Map - detailed road map of Liberia County in Guanacaste Province

A well marked trail system through Rincon de la Vieja National Park leads visitors to the Park's attractions and between the Sector Stations.



Park Facilities and Hours


Camping areas at Rincon de la Vieja National Park are open 24 hours. Also available are restrooms, showers, and picnic areas.

Well marked park trail systems lead visitors through the tropical forest to the park's attractions.

Trail guides can be arranged at either the Pailas or Santa Maria Station.


Mini Volcano Mud Pot


The last major eruption of Rincon de la Vieja occurred about 3,500 years ago. All subsequent eruptions, including numerous historical events dating back to the 16th century, have occurred in the mountain's lake-filled active crater.







© 2005-2023 CCSA all rights reserved - Costa Rica National Parks data and maps adapted from SINAC and MINAE