Rincon de la Vieja national park in Costa Rica

Rincon de la Vieja national park in Costa Rica

Rincon de la Vieja National Park in Costa Rica (translated it means The old woman corner) is a volcano which is 1916 meters above sea level spread out over 400 square kilometers of land. This park has an area of 14,084 hectares and is located 264 kilometers from the capital San Jose and features a dry-tropical forest with its characteristic plants and animals. It is a very biodiverse area contrary to what many might think.

It was formed due to the simultaneous explosion of several volcanic cones that grew and came together in a single mountain. It has been identified by nine independent sites of volcanic activity at the top of the mountain. One is active while others are slowly being eroded by the elements. Steam geysers and hot springs and are a common phenomenon in this area. In addition, there are lakes that contain sulfur dioxide, with layers of steam in constant boiling.

Rincon de la Vieja National Park in Costa Rica

The thermal activity at the park increases in the rainy season by the amount of water constantly heated and evaporated. Studies carried out in the park have documented 257 species of birds. There are also small populations of mammals such as deer, tapirs and pumas and sloths bears.

Rincon de la Vieja is located in the north-eastern region near Liberia, Guanacaste. This park can be accessed by taking a dirt road of 21 kilometers, why we recommend going in a car with double traction.