Rincon de la Vieja National Park
Explore Costa Rica's volcanic heart with bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and stunning waterfalls. A hiker's paradise!

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat
Rincon de la Vieja National Park
Best Time
Beat the crowds & heat

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Costa Rica's volcanic heart with bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and stunning waterfalls. A hiker's paradise!
"A great park to see and experience the earth's geothermal wonders!"
Book Tickets Online
Reserve your entry tickets on the SINAC website beforehand to avoid disappointment. :admission_tickets:
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Comfortable hiking shoes are essential for navigating the trails, especially to the waterfalls. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Las Pailas Trail
Sector Santa María
Witness geothermal wonders: bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and vibrant hot springs. An easy, well-marked loop.

Oropendola Waterfall
Near Sector Santa María
A stunning cascade with turquoise waters, perfect for a refreshing swim after a moderate hike. Arrive early for solitude.

La Cangreja Waterfall
Sector Las Pailas
A more strenuous hike leads to this breathtaking turquoise waterfall, offering a rewarding swim in its pristine pool.

Volcanic Activity
Various points in the park
Experience the raw power of the earth with active fumaroles, boiling mud pits, and sulfurous steam vents.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets Online in Advance
Timing is Key for Waterfalls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Tickets Online
Reserve your entry tickets on the SINAC website beforehand to avoid disappointment. :admission_tickets:
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Comfortable hiking shoes are essential for navigating the trails, especially to the waterfalls. :athletic_shoe:
Start Waterfall Hikes Early
Begin hikes to La Cangreja or Escondida by noon to complete them before closing. :clock1:
Bring Cash for Gate Fee
Some entry points may require a small cash payment in addition to online tickets. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Tickets Online
Reserve your entry tickets on the SINAC website beforehand to avoid disappointment. :admission_tickets:
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Comfortable hiking shoes are essential for navigating the trails, especially to the waterfalls. :athletic_shoe:
Start Waterfall Hikes Early
Begin hikes to La Cangreja or Escondida by noon to complete them before closing. :clock1:
Bring Cash for Gate Fee
Some entry points may require a small cash payment in addition to online tickets. :moneywithwings:
Pack Water & Snacks
Stay hydrated and fueled on the trails. Limited facilities inside the park. :water_wave: :apple:
Early Bird Gets the Waterfall
Visit waterfalls like Oropendola at sunrise for a private experience. :sunrise:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Rincon de la Vieja National Park for its unique volcanic landscapes and beautiful waterfalls, offering a great hiking experience. While some find the trails challenging, the natural beauty and geothermal wonders are consistently highlighted as major draws. The park provides a distinct adventure compared to other Costa Rican destinations.
"This is a great park to see and you don’t need a guide, but buy your tickets online before getting there if you do it on your own. The Las Palias Trail is well marked and it’s an easy walk. Lots of volcanic evidence from mud pits, boiling ponds, and steam vents from the ground. Saw a lot of animal activity from Neotropical Green Anole, white nose coatis, and monkeys"
Glenn Jones
"Excellent hiking, with fantastic nature! There is a gate halfway up the Volcano where you'll be asked to pay park entrance fee, cash, 800 colones per person. Then entrance to Hiking trail at the top is credit card only, about 10,000 colones per person. I suggest paying online, then you just show proof on arrival. The hiking is spectacular, the La Cangreja and Escondida waterfall hikes are strenuous and must be started by noon. The smaller loop hike is great for kids, and is filled with Geo-Thermal activity."
Matthew Connelly
"I really enjoyed this park. I hiked the Las Pailas loop and it was really awesome. There was so much to see and so many interesting features. I loved all the mud pots and the little volcano in the hot springs and the waterfall. Saw lots of lizards and beautiful flora. It was one of the most fun trails I've done in Costa Rica."
Kim Brown
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located about an hour from Liberia, Guanacaste. Google Maps is generally reliable for navigation, though Waze might be less so. Drive all the way to the end of the road where the main building is located to enter. :car: :world_map:
Yes, any type of vehicle can access the park entrance. The roads leading up to the park are generally manageable. :car:
While public transport options might be limited and time-consuming, many visitors opt for organized tours or private transportation from nearby towns like Liberia or Tamarindo. :bus: :taxi:
Renting a car or hiring a taxi/shuttle are the most convenient options from Liberia. Organized tours often include transportation. :car: :bus:
While most roads are paved, some unpaved sections might be encountered closer to the park. Drive cautiously, especially during the rainy season. :road: :warning:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Daily entrance fees are approximately ₡1000 for adults and ₡500 for children. Seniors often get free entry. Camping fees are separate. :ticket:
It is highly recommended to book your tickets online through the SINAC website a few days in advance to guarantee entry. :computer: :admission_tickets:
The park is typically open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays. :calendar:
There might be a gate fee halfway up the mountain (around ₡800 in cash) in addition to the online park entrance fee (around ₡10,000, credit card only). :moneywithwings: :ticket:
While some entrance fees might be cash-only, the main park entrance fee is often payable by credit card. It's best to confirm when booking online. :credit_card:
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Las Pailas trail is excellent for viewing volcanic activity. For waterfalls, consider the strenuous hikes to La Cangreja or Escondida. The shorter loop is good for families. :hiking_boot: :waterfall:
Swimming is generally not allowed at the waterfalls within the park, though some visitors mention swimming at Oropendola. Always check local regulations. :no_swimming: :warning:
You can witness fumaroles, boiling mud pits, steam vents, and hot springs, offering a unique glimpse into the earth's geothermal forces. :volcano: :steam_locomotive:
Yes, the shorter loop trails, like the one showcasing volcanic activity, are great for kids. The park offers educational opportunities about nature and geology. :family_mm: :child:
Keep an eye out for white-nosed coatis, monkeys, lizards, and various bird species. The park's diverse ecosystems support a rich array of fauna. :monkey: :lizard: :bird:
📸 📸 Photography
The Las Pailas trail offers dramatic shots of geothermal features. Waterfalls like Oropendola and La Cangreja are also highly photogenic, especially with early morning light. :camera: :mountain:
Early morning provides soft light for landscapes and wildlife, and helps you capture waterfalls without crowds. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also be beautiful. :sunrise: :city_sunset:
Drone usage is typically restricted in national parks to protect wildlife and maintain a peaceful environment. Always check park regulations before flying. :noentrysign: :drone:
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes and geothermal features, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions. :camerawithflash: :tripod:
Use a polarizing filter to reduce glare on mud pots and capture vibrant colors. Consider a wider aperture to get more of the steaming vents in focus. :filter: :steam_locomotive:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the hikes to waterfalls like La Cangreja can be more challenging, families with older children might find them rewarding. It's advisable to pack plenty of snacks and water, as facilities within the park can be limited. Visiting during weekdays and arriving early can help avoid crowds, making the experience more enjoyable for everyone. Remember to check the park's official website for any specific family-friendly activities or recommendations. :child: :monkey: :hiking_boot:
⛰️ Adventure Seekers & Hikers
Beyond hiking, the park is a gateway to other adventures. While not directly within the park, nearby areas offer activities like mountain biking on challenging trails, as seen in some social media content. The volcanic landscape itself provides a unique backdrop for exploration, with opportunities to witness raw geothermal power. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, carry ample water, and start your hikes early, especially if aiming for the waterfalls, to maximize your adventure time. :hikingboot: :mountainbiking: :volcano:
📸 Nature Photographers
The park's waterfalls, particularly Oropendola and La Cangreja, are iconic subjects. Shooting them in the early morning light can yield stunning results, with soft illumination and fewer people in the frame. Don't forget to bring a telephoto lens, as the park is home to various wildlife, including monkeys and birds, offering chances for captivating wildlife photography. Remember to use a polarizing filter to enhance the colors of the water and volcanic features, and a sturdy tripod can be beneficial for low-light conditions or capturing the movement of steam. :camera: :waterfall: :monkey:
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Volcanic Heart
These geological wonders are a result of the Rincon de la Vieja volcano, the park's namesake. While the main crater is not typically accessible for hiking, the secondary volcanic activity is easily observable. The park's unique geology also contributes to the diverse flora and fauna found within its boundaries. Visitors often report seeing monkeys and various reptiles along the trails, adding to the immersive nature experience.
For those interested in the science behind these phenomena, the park offers a fascinating, albeit sometimes pungent, educational experience. It's a reminder of the dynamic geological processes shaping our planet. Remember to stay on marked trails to ensure your safety and preserve the delicate environment. :volcano: :steamlocomotive: :earthamericas:
Chasing Waterfalls: Oropendola and La Cangreja
La Cangreja Waterfall requires a more strenuous hike, but the reward is a spectacular cascade plunging into an equally mesmerizing turquoise pool. This hike is best started by noon, as it can take a significant amount of time to complete. The journey to La Cangreja is an adventure in itself, winding through the park's diverse landscapes.
It's important to note that while some reviews and social media posts might show people swimming, park regulations often state that swimming is not permitted at all waterfalls. Always verify the current rules upon arrival. Regardless, the visual spectacle of these falls makes the trek worthwhile. :waterfall: :swimmer: :hiking_boot:
Navigating the Trails and Park Access
Accessing the park requires purchasing tickets online in advance through the SINAC website, a step that many visitors emphasize is crucial for a smooth entry. There might also be a separate cash-only gate fee collected halfway up the mountain. It's advisable to have both cash and your online reservation confirmation ready. The park's main entrance is typically located at the end of a road, and driving directly there is the most common method of arrival.
Park hours are generally from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Tuesday through Sunday, with Mondays being a closure day. To make the most of your visit, especially if you plan to hike to the waterfalls, it's recommended to start your treks by noon due to the time required for completion. This ensures you can enjoy the trails without feeling rushed and can appreciate the natural beauty at a comfortable pace. :hiking_boot: :ticket: :clock1:
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit