About the Park
Rincon de la Vieja is the largest and most active volcano in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Standing at 6,286 feet (1,916 meters) high and nine miles (15 km) wide, the giant is called the Colossus of Guanacaste. The massive 600,000-year-old geological wonder has at least nine volcanic craters and at least 32 rivers flow down its sides, which bridge the Continental Divide.
The impressive Rincon de la Vieja Volcano and its dormant sister Santa Maria Volcano form the center of the fantastic Rincon de la Vieja National Park – part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Guanacaste Conservation Area.
Located 15.5 miles (25 km) northeast of Liberia in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, the park’s 24,800 acres (14,090 hectares) are split into two sections: Las Pailas and Santa María. Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin is located minutes from the Las Pailas entrance to the national park.
Google Map
The Legend of Rincon de la Vieja Volcano
Rincon de la Vieja means “Corner of the Old Woman.” An indigenous legend tells about Princess Curubandá, daughter of the Curubandé tribe chieftain, who fell in love with Prince Mixcoac, the son of an enemy tribe chief. Curubandá’s father ended her forbidden lover’s life by throwing him into the live volcano crater.
Devastated, Curubandá became a recluse, living the rest of her life high on the volcano’s slope. She learned natural medicines from the volcano and developed healing powers. People seeking medicinal cures were told to go to “the corner of the old woman” by the volcano. And thus, the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano received its name.
Your Visit
Meaning “The Cauldrons” in Spanish, the Las Pailas area spectacularly shows off the awesome power of the live Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. Steaming fumaroles, mini-geysers, bubbling volcanic mud pits, natural hot springs and jungle waterfalls give you an incredible experience like no other volcano in Costa Rica. Although the volcano’s activity once served as a natural lighthouse for ships at sea, its last big eruption was in 1998.
Hiking in the Rincon de la Vieja National Park on the Las Pailas loop trail takes you 2.5 miles (3.5 km) through exotic dry tropical forest to see incredible nature, volcanic activity, and wildlife. Rincon de la Vieja National Park is home to 300 bird species and many mammals, including white-faced, howler and spider monkeys, armadillos, collared peccaries, pumas, and white-nosed coatis.
Leave a Positive Impact in Rincón de la Vieja National Park
Small actions that protect nature, honor local culture, and strengthen our community.
Keep your eyes open for the diversity of wildlife
Protect Nature
- Enter only during established visiting hours.
- Avoid bringing single-use plastics.
- Do not remove natural resources such as rocks, plants, seeds, or shells.
- Do not smoke within the protected area; this is a smoke-free space.
- Campfires are not allowed.
- Keep music and noise levels to a minimum.
- Bicycles are not allowed on the trails.
- Stay on designated trails and official areas.
Respect Wildlife
- Pets are not allowed, in accordance with National Park regulations.
- For your safety and the protection of ecosystems, avoid water activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling in unauthorized areas.
Responsible Coexistence
- Maintain a respectful attitude toward others and the environment.
- Alcohol consumption should be moderate, as this is a public space.
- Always follow the instructions of authorized staff.
Special Activities
- Commercial filming requires prior authorization and payment of the corresponding fee.
- Drone use requires prior authorization.
Your Participation Matters
- Save water and energy during your stay.
- Reuse towels and bed linens whenever possible.
- Properly separate waste in designated areas.
Emergencies
- In case of emergency, call 9-1-1 and notify park staff immediately.
Traveling is also caring.