Rincon de la Vieja National Park, home to the active Rincon de la Vieja volcano offers visitors a great day hiking in the tropical dry forest.
It’s a great day trip from the Guanacaste coast beaches for every traveler who enjoys walking and hiking.
If you’re planning on visiting, here are our tips to help you plan your visit.
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Entrance Fee and Hours
Park tickets must be purchased online on the SINAC website. They will not sell park tickets at the national park entrance anymore.**
The park which is located in the Guanacaste province is divided into 2 sectors: Santa Maria and Pailas.
Rincon de la Vieja National Park hours are 8 AM to 3 PM for the Las Pailas sector Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays).
If you plan to do the La Cangreja or Escondida waterfall hike in the Las Pailas sector, you must enter before 12 PM. No entry after 12 PM for the waterfalls, only the boiling mud pots trail.
The Santa Maria sector is open Thursday to Monday, 8 AM to 330 PM.
The Rincon de la Vieja National Park entrance fee is $16.95 USD for adult foreigners and $5.65 USD for children ages 2-12. Ticket price is the same for both sectors. Credit card only – no cash.
Location and Directions
Rincon de la Vieja National Park is 230 kilometers from San Jose (143 miles) and 24 kilometers (15 miles) from Liberia.
How to get to Rincon de la Vieja National Park
You can find Rincon de la Vieja on Google Maps and Waze as “Parque Nacional Rincon de la Vieja” and make sure to select the La Pailas sector.
Important thing to know: To get to the Las Pailas park entrance, you have to pass through the Hacienda Guachipelin property. You will come upon a security station with a gate. To pass, you have to pay a fee of around 800 CRC per person.
To Santa Maria sector: You will need to look for the Santa Maria Ranger Station on Google Maps and Waze.
Parking and 4×4 Required?
A 4×4 is not necessary to reach Rincon de la Vieja National Park for the Las Pailas sector.
The road there is not 100% paved, there is a section when you turn off of the Interamericana highway 1 that goes from gravel to paved roads with pot holes but it is flat.
There is a large parking lot in front of the Las Pailas national park office (free).
For the Santa Maria Sector, it is recommended to have a high clearance car due to the last few kilometers of the road in poor condition.
Services
The Las Pailas park office has bathrooms. There is a small convenience store with bathrooms right below the park office that sells snacks, bottled water and drinks.
However, there aren’t any restaurants or full size markets at the park.
Las Pailas Hiking Trails
The Las Pailas sector has several hiking trails.
There is a 3.5 kilometer (2.2 miles) loop around the boiling mud pots and a 10.2 kilometers (6.2 miles) roundtrip trail to Catarata Escondida/La Cangreja.
If you do the waterfall trail, you must enter the park before 12 PM.
*The trail to the crater summit is currently closed due to volcanic activity.*
Sendero Las Pailas (Boiling mud pots trail) – 3.5 kilometers loop
For our first trip, we did the 3 kilometers loop to the Rincon de la Vieja boiling mud pots.
This trail leads to several different interesting things to see: volcancito (little volcano), a seasonal waterfall and the mud pots.
This trail is straightforward. There are no switchbacks or steep climbs. It probably wouldn’t take more than an hour to walk the whole loop, even with stopping here and there.
We did this hike on a hot February day and even though it’s only 3 kilometers, it felt like longer because of the heat.
Luckily, we weren’t walking under the hot sun all day.
The first half of the trail was under the cool forest canopy with a nice breeze and fresh air.
Once you walk out of the forest, you encounter this everlasting landscape. All you see is the the mountain range, forest and clear skies ahead of you.
It’s amazing how polar opposite the landscape is like in dry season since most of it is so yellow!
Seasonal Waterfall
About halfway through the loop is the seasonal waterfall. They aren’t joking when they named this waterfall, as you can see it’s barely a trickle!
This was taken in February.
In the peak rainy season months like September and October, this waterfall has a lot more water.
Mud Pots
There are two areas where you could observe the mud pots on the trail. One of them looked like a little lake (laguna fumarolica) that bubbled every few seconds or so.
Further down the trail, is Volcanito (little volcano). This part of the mud pots is really active and it’s constantly bubbling which is cool to see.
It’s boiling so much that they reach up to at least a foot and you can hear the splattering of mud meters away when the sulfuric smell slowly penetrates your senses.
It was pretty neat to see the boiling mud pots, especially knowing that the country uses this geothermal energy as power.
You’re very close to the end of the loop at this part of the hike.
Sendero Catarata La Cangreja (La Cangreja waterfall 5.2 kilometers)
This trail starts off as one trail and branches off to two different waterfalls.
I recommend to do one or the other unless you are a very avid fast hiker in great shape and you enter the park right when it opens.
Bring plenty of water and food/snacks if you plan to do both.
To visit both waterfalls, you will have to walk a total of about 13 kilometers (8 miles).
We chose to hike the La Cangreja waterfall because it has a beautiful blue color. Catarata Escondida is smaller and isn’t quite as “sparkly.”
We set off towards the east (walk up to the left from the entrance office, past a gate) and headed into the forest.
For the first half of this trail, you’re under the forest canopy so it was nice and shady.
You have to cross a few small rivers and some parts of the trail under the forest is a bit hilly. Be prepared for when you go back, the last few hundred meters of this trail is very steep!
Change of Landscape
Soon you’ll notice less and less trees until you get to a clearing. This part, besides the waterfall is the most spectacular part of the hike.
You’re surrounded by rolling hills and various layers of yellow grass and green forests around you. It took my breath away!
As you look around you, it’s hard to imagine that there is a waterfall in there somewhere!
The last part of the trail past the sign gets quite steep and I had to get down on my hands and knees to balance myself.
As soon as that part is over, you reach your reward. A tall, sparkling waterfall crashing down into a bright blue pool.
We wasted no time jumping into the water, It was a very hot and sweaty 2 hour hike!
Cangreja Waterfall
This waterfall is one of our favorites in Costa Rica. You can see why in the photo!
***There is now a sign that says that swimming is not allowed. However, you may still see tourists swimming in the pool. You’re technically not allowed due to safety reasons so keep that in mind.***
We spent an hour or so at the waterfall, cooling ourselves off and re-energizing for the walk back.
If you can only hike to one waterfall, I recommend the La Cangreja one over the Escondida. It took us about 3 hours hiking total and the trail is a total of 10.2 kilometers, 6.33 miles.
Rincon de la Vieja Hotels
There are several lodges and haciendas in the Rincon de la Vieja area for those who want to stay close to the national park.
The closest one is Hacienda Guachipelin, Cañon de la Vieja Lodge and Hotel Rincon de la Vieja Lodge to the Las Pailas sector.
There are other lodges, such as Buena Vista Lodge and Borinquen Mountain resort that are a bit more north on the outskirts of Rincon de la Vieja.
We absolutely loved Borinquen Mountain Resort, situated deep into the forest on a huge property with elegant rustic cabins. The other hotels have more ranch style, simple rooms.
Rincon de la Vieja National Park Tours
It is extremely important to note that the national park itself does not have tours like ziplining or horseback riding.
These activities are offered by lodge and adventure parks located around the park exterior such as Buena Vista, Guachipelin and Vandara .
If you need recommendations for a tour to Rincon de la Vieja National Park or any of the adventure parks, we have a partnership with a tour company that runs hiking tours to the park.
We also offer small discounts for the Guanacaste day tours as well as discounts for day passes to Vandara.
Click the links to check the tours and our discount or contact us if you would like a private, custom tour to Rincon de la Vieja National Park.
Rincon de la Vieja Hot Springs
Due to the high volcanic activity and plethora of rivers in the park, hot springs are very popular.
Each park (ones mentioned above) has their own hot springs and you can pay for a day pass to any of them.
Another popular thing to do with hot springs is the mud baths. You smear volcanic mud all over your face and body and then wash it off in the river! It feels so good and is very relaxing.
If you visit the Santa Maria sector, after the 3 kilometer walk from the local house, there are some natural hot springs.
Important Things to Know
- Wear shorts and a tank top for the hike. It’s hot!
- Use mosquito repellent, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks. I highly suggest bringing an insulated water bottle to keep your water nice and cold.
- As for shoes, hiking sandals will be fine if you don’t have any mobility issues. I wore closed toed hiking shoes.
- There is a small cafeteria right below the national park parking lot that has bathrooms and sells water, soda, chips, cookies and snacks. No other food.
- The park office has bathrooms.
- If you’re staying at one of the hotels near the park, I highly recommend renting a car in Costa Rica. You need to go to Liberia for supplies and a taxi will cost around $25-35 USD one way depending on your location and there isn’t really anything in that area.
Read about other national parks in Costa Rica!
Barra Honda National Park: National park in Nicoya with hiking trails, dry tropical forest and caves. Can go hiking or do a caving tour. Great national park from Tamarindo.
Palo Verde National Park: National park with the Tempisque River and Valley. Can take a guided boat tour down the river to see wildlife. Excellent place in Guanacaste to see wildlife.
Irazu Volcano National Park: Highest volcano in Costa Rica. Can walk to see the crater lake in the national park. About a 1.5-2 hour drive from San Jose.
Manuel Antonio National Park: National Park in the Central pacific with white sand beaches, hiking trails and lots of wildlife. About 3 hour drive from San Jose.
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Ann Schmidt says
We did the La Cangreja Waterfall hike today. The highlights were of course seeing the beautiful waterfall – but also we enjoyed watching about a dozen capuchin monkeys playing in the trees. Wildflowers were in bloom, gorgeous butterflies and some really interesting birds to see and hear. Highly recommended.
Tricia says
Have you hiked the Santa Maria Sector of Rincon de la Vieja? We are hoping to go there in January 2024. Any insights or information would be great on that sector!
Sammi says
We have been there but didn’t hike it, but we’ve had friends who did and they said it’s nice. Go prepared with insulated water bottles, snacks, food, etc.
Nadine Kahanyshyn says
Hello!
With regards to the Rincon de la Vieja hikes, if we were to do the BBoiling Mud Pots hike AND the La Cangreja hike, is that 3 hours TOTAL OR one hour for the mud pots and another three for the La Cangreja hike?
Gracias!
Sammi says
It’s about 1 hour for mud pots, about 3 hours for La Cangreja
Lea says
Hi Sammi,
We are going to Costa Rica in November, flying into Liberia. We are spending our first couple of nights in Rincon de la Vieja before heading to the La Fortuna/Arenal area. I was hoping to visit Tenorio Volcano National park on our way to La Fortuna to see the Rio Celeste waterfall. It seems to make sense to do this looking at the map, but I don’t know what the actual drive is like.
Sammi says
Yes it is definitely possible, the drive is fine, use Waze.
Holly MD says
We are flying into LIR arriving around 1:15pm and renting a car (thank you for the advice on that topic, we are using Adobe.) Is it possible to visit/hike at Rincon de la Vieja on our way to our Hotel in Playa Hermosa? I am unsure about travel times and how far out of the way it would be with the roads and what time it gets dark in July/August etc..
Thank you in advance if you have an answer for this.
Sammi says
You won’t be able to because the park closes at 3 PM and it’s the complete opposite direction of LIR – Playa Hermosa (about 45 minute drive from LIR Airport if you are going to Las Pailas sector) – that’s not enough time.
Nat Magan says
We will be flying into LIR and hope to hike and see waterfalls around Rincon de la vieja Pailas. We’d also like to check out La Leona area and Palo Verde. Being there in April, will there be any water? We’d rather not rent a vehicle. If we must, do the agencies try to find dents or scratches to keep the deposit? My 5th trip to Costa Rica over many years.
Blog is great with information you can’t find in a guide book. Thank you.
Sammi says
Palo Verde National Park (the river) always has water, the waterfall in Las Pailas is like a trickle in APril. La Leona Waterfall always has water, it’ll be low but it’ll have water. If you rent a car, you should partake in the inspection and take your own pictures, and you must always report if you get into any incident or get any damage as soon as it occurs to file a report. Here is our guide for renting a car in Costa Rica
STEPHANIE G DUNN says
Thank you so much for such a great site, we really appreciate it.
We are planning on driving to Rincon National Park, doing the Palais walk before a scheduled visit to Hacienda G, to visit the hot springs.
Do we need a park reservation for a mid week morning visit in February?
Sammi says
You can purchase park tickets for Las Pailas at the office
Franziska Grossmann says
Hallo.wir wollen in einem Monat nach rincon de la vieja. Gibt es nur die eine Wanderung zu den Blubbergruben und dann noch zwei andere zu Wasserfällen? Kann man an einem Tag beides schaffen erst zum wasserfall und dann noch die Blubbergruben also diese Schlammtöpfe oder ist das zu viel? Viele Grüße Franziska
Sammi says
You can if you’re an avid hiker but you must enter the waterfall trail by noon so I recommend to get to the park right when it opens to do the boiling mud pots trail first (easy walk) and then to the waterfall trail.
Bastien says
Hi,
We will be to Rincon de la Vieja soon with our baby 7 months. Are the hikings ok with a babycarrier ?
Thank you !
EL et BG 🙂
Sammi says
Yes, I would recommend the boiling mud pots trail, it’s a very easy on around 1.5 km and flat.
Bastien says
Which sector ? Thank you
Sammi says
Las Pailas, you can read more about it in this blog post
Carrie Tournillon says
Hi, we are planning a trip to CR in Feb. 2023. We will rent a car and drive from Liberia Airport to Rincon and then from Rincon to Tamarindo beach area. I saw your comment regarding not needing 4×4 to get from Liberia to Rincon. I assume that is for February in general? Also, do you need a 4×4 to get from Rincon to Tamarindo beach area and to drive around Tamarindo beach area?
Thanks!
Sammi says
Hello Carrie, that is correct a 4wd is not really needed to get to Rincon (Las Pailas sector) and in Tamarindo, we sent you an email with more information
Martin says
Inflation goes quite fast. The entry fee or toll to get past the gate today was 2000 colones per person.