Rincón de la Vieja is a fascinating park to explore. While not quite as well-known as Arenal, this park is actually our favorite volcano national park in Costa Rica to explore, especially if you’re traveling through Guanacaste rather than the central highlands. Read on for more about why you shouldn’t miss it!
Overview of Rincón de la Vieja National Park
Rincón is unique in that it consists of a variety of terrains. Hikes will take you along lush forest, river canyons, and dry, open plains, with volcanic features to view along the trails. This makes for quite a different hiking experiencing for Costa Rica, which is primarily known for its rainforests.
The park is named after the Rincón de la Vieja volcano (which is currently active), but there's also a second dormant volcano, the Santa Maria. While you cannot currently hike to the summit of Rincon de la Vieja due to its volcanic activity, you can see impressive fumaroles, hot springs, and bubbling mud pots.
The park has two sectors, and it's important to review hours of operation for each, as they vary slightly. The Las Palais sector is the more popular side of the park with shorter, well-maintained trails and more volcanic features, while the Santa Maria sector has less-maintained trails requiring stream-crossing.
Tip: Las Pailas sector is closed on Mondays. Santa Maria is closed Saturday and Sunday. Purchase passes online ahead of time at https://serviciosenlinea.sinac.go.cr/.
Where Is Rincón de la Vieja and How to Get There
Rincón de la Vieja is in the westernmost province of Costa Rica, Guanacaste. Conveniently, it's located just over an hour from Guanacaste Airport in Liberia. This makes it much easier to get to than some of the other volcanoes in Costa Rica, and easy to combine with a beach vacation in Guanacaste. Because of its location, Rincón fits especially well into Guanacaste-focused trips in a one-week Costa Rica itinerary.
Getting to the park is fairly simple. When you pull up directions, be sure you specify either the Las Pailas or the Santa Maria ranger stations. From Liberia, the Santa Maria station is a straight shot northeast on route 918. The road is not fully paved and is a bit rough at some sections to reach both sectors of the park.
To get to the Las Pailas station, you'll turn off 918 shortly before reaching Santa Maria. Reaching Las Pailas requires passing through an entrance gait on the hotel property, where you will pay a fee of a couple of dollars if you are not staying on the property.
If you'd like to spend multiple days at the park, there are a few great lodging options nearby. The nearest lodging is option is Hotel Hacienda Guacephelin. This property is huge, with multiple onsite trails and waterfalls to hike, and guests have complementary access to Rio Negro Hot Springs. It is also an adventure center where a number of guided tours depart.
Tip: If you prefer only one day at Rincon, you can easily stay a bit further away from the park and plan a day trip. Rincon de la Vieja is just 1.5-2 hours from some of the more northern Guanacaste beaches.
Best Things to Do in Rincón de la Vieja
Explore the La Pailas Loop
If you do only one thing in Rincón de la Vieja, make it the Las Pailas loop. It's the most popular trail for good reason! It's a relatively short and easy trail, but it's full of so much to see: steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, sulfur vents, and stark volcanic terrain (in addition to forest). This trail is suitable for young children, making it a great option for families traveling through Costa Rica who still want a true national park experience. Because there's so much to see, the kids were fully engaged the whole time, and we never had to pull out some of our trail entertainment ideas, as we sometimes have to do on less exciting hikes!
Much of of the trail is in the open sun, so go early to beat both the heat and the crowds during peak season. That being said, we recently visited in late November (the shoulder season) and didn't get to the Las Pailas loop until late morning, but it wasn't busy at all. We ran into a few other groups on the trail, but it didn't feel crowded, and we got some great tips about wildlife sightings from other hikers.
The trail takes 2-3 hours, depending on how much time you take at each geographical lookout. While I wouldn't go expecting a ton of wildlife sightings, we were pleasantly surprised by this family of spider monkeys directly overhead. Getting to see this mother and baby in the wild was an amazing experience! My daughter and mother-in-law also saw an ocelot dart across the trail that the rest of us weren't quick enough to spot.
Hike Waterfalls
The Las Pailas Loop includes a small waterfall along the trail, while the spectacular La Cangreja Falls and the Hidden Waterfall are along separate trails. To reach these, you'll head west at the Las Pailas ranger station and you'll reach a fork to the two different falls. These are both moderate difficulty trails and are 5-6 mi each. You can hike both in a day if you start early in the morning and keep a good pace, but I'd suggest just hiking the to La Cangreja to give yourself time to enjoy the scenery and any potential wildlife spottings.
Tip: Hikers must enter the waterfalls trails by 12:00 pm.
Visit Hot Springs
The Santa Maria sector has some beautiful hikes that include natural hot springs, but these are not swimmable. For hot springs you can soak in, visit Rio Negro Hot Springs. This thermal spring and mud bath is located on the property of Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin. If you are a guest of the hotel, your entrance to the hot springs is included; otherwise, you can purchase a pass. These springs are quite nice, with volcanic mud bath and multiple pools of different temperatures. The facilities include changing rooms, lockers, and towels.
The Rio Negro Hot Springs entrance fee is $35 for adults and $30 for children.
Join a Guided Tour
Is a guided tour of this park worth it? I think it depends. We always have a great experience with tour guides in Costa Rica, because they are so knowledgeable about the country, the wildlife, and the geographical features. If you really enjoy learning along your nature hikes and it's not too much of a budget stretch, you won't regret joining a tour. But it's definitely not a necessity at Rincon; you'll love the scenery regardless of whether you have a guide.
Where I'd say a guided tour is of much greater value is if you plan to combine your Las Pailas Loop hike with a hot springs pass, and with seeing Oropendola waterfall (which is outside the park). Once you start adding up the individual fees, it can make more sense to join a tour. This tour includes all of three activities (including the park entrance fee) and lunch, so the expertise of the local tour guide on top of that becomes a bargain!
Hiking in Rincon de la Vieja
Ricon de la Vieja has a variety of trails of varying difficulties, all with interesting features. In the Las Pailas sector, Las Pailas loop is an easy trail a little over 2 miles long and is entirely suitable for young children, but still full of fantastic views adults will also appreciate. La Canjegra Waterfall trail is around 6 miles and of more moderate difficulty. Combining these two trails in one day will give you great views of both a gorgeous waterfall and all the volcanic features, but just keep the temperature in mind.
Much of the trails is unshaded and can get quite hot in the warmer months. If you plan on doing La Canjegra, definitely start first thing in the morning with the easier, more shaded Las Pailas Loop to follow. On our last trip in November, the weather was perfect; not too hot and with very light showers.
Tip: If the wetter seasons, good hiking shoes can really be helpful even if you're just doing the Las Pailas Loop. We hiked in the shoulder season and even though it hadn't been too rainy and much of the trail is uncovered, there were sections of slippery, muddy rock.
We have not gotten to hike in the Santa Maria sector, but it would be absolutely worth adding it to your itinerary for a different, more rugged view of the park that includes natural hot springs. Be aware that there are streams to cross, so it may not be appropriate for toddlers, or for younger kids if there has been an abundance of rainfall.
Las Pailas Sector Trails:
- Las Pailas Loop - easy; about 2 miles long. Give yourself about 2 hours so you're not rushed and can enjoy the sights along the way.
- La Canjegra Waterfall - moderate difficulty; 6 miles long
- Hidden Waterfall - harder difficulty; 5 miles long
- There is a trail to reach the crater in Las Pailas, but it has been closed for some time due to volcanic activity.
Best Time to Visit Rincon de la Vieja
Unlike destinations like Monteverde or La Fortuna, Rincon de la Vieja sits in a tropical dry forest, so seasonal changes are more noticeable. The best time to visit depends on whether you prioritize trail access and ease or lush scenery and fewer crowds.
Dry Season vs Green Season: Tradeoffs
Dry season (December–April) is the most reliable time to visit.
- Trails are dry, clearly marked, and rarely closed
- Las Pailas loop is almost always accessible
- Roads to the park are in better condition
The downside is that the landscape can feel brown and dusty by late dry season, and waterfalls may be less dramatic.
Green season (May–October) brings a very different experience.
- Vegetation is greener and waterfalls are more powerful
- Fewer visitors compared to peak dry season
- Cooler temperatures
However, rain increases the chance of trail closures, muddy conditions, and limited access to longer hikes like La Cangreja. September and October carry the highest risk of disruptions.
Heat Considerations
Heat is one of the most underestimated factors at Rincon de la Vieja. Even in the dry season, midday temperatures can be intense, especially on exposed trails like Las Pailas. Expect hot, direct sun with minimal shade on stretches of the trail. March and April are probably the most uncomfortable months.
Tip: If you struggle with heat or are hiking with kids, aim for the earlier part of the dry season or the shoulder months.
Where to Stay Near Rincon de la Vieja
To get the most out of your visit, staying nearby the park can be helpful so you can start your day as soon as the park opens, especially if you want to hike the waterfall trails.
1. Hacienda Guachipelin Top pick
A laid-back, ranch-style hotel right at the edge of the park, making it a very convenient base. It’s a great fit if you want simple, comfortable rooms and like the idea of having trails, waterfalls, hot springs, and adventure activities all close by.
A bit further out at around an hour away from the park, Borinquen is a quiet, spread-out resort, known mainly for its thermal pools and mountain views. Ideal if you want a slower pace rather than a busy adventure hub.
A small lodge located very close to the Las Pailas entrance to the park. Rooms are simple, the setting is quiet, and it works best for hikers and budget-minded travelers who plan to spend most of their time outdoors.
Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin
On our recent trip, we stayed at Hotel Hacienda Guaciphelin, which is by far the most convenient hotel to the Las Pailas sector. This sprawling property is just a few minutes drive to the Las Pailas ranger station, so it's incredibly convenient. It also serves as an adventure center, and you can book a number of activities right on property - my son and I booked a river tubing trip.
But there are also plenty of things to do without spending extra money; there are several waterfall hikes directly on the property, cozy fire pits, and complementary access to the Rio Negro Hot Springs.
Breakfast is included and consists of a wonderful buffet of traditional Costa Rican foods, pastries, fruits, and a made-to-order omelet station. There are several restaurants on the property, from causal to upscale, but all incredibly delicious.
Sample 1-Day and 2-Day Rincon de la Vieja Itineraries
These sample itineraries work well whether Rincon de la Vieja is a dedicated stop or part of a longer Costa Rica itinerary.
1-Day Itinerary - Easy
Best for: Casual hikers, families, or anyone prioritizing volcanic features without a long hike.
Morning: Las Pailas Sector. Plan to arrive early (ideally by 7–8 am)
- Hike the Las Pailas Loop Trail (about 3.5 km / 2.2 miles)
- Highlights include bubbling mud pots, fumaroles, and volcanic steam vents
- The trail is mostly flat and well maintained
- Allow around 2–2.5 hours including stops
Afternoon: Oropendola/Hot Springs
- Lunch at Hacienda Guachipelin
- Oropendola Waterfall and/or Rio Negro Hot Springs (both on the Hacienda Guachipelin and require separate entrance fees)
1-Day Itinerary - Challenging
Best for: Strong hikers who want both waterfalls and volcanic features in one day.
Morning: La Cangreja Waterfall
- Start early. Entry is not permitted after 12:00 pm
- About 10 km (6 miles) round trip
- Allow 4–5 hours total
This is one of the most rewarding waterfall hikes in the park, but it requires commitment and an early start.
Afternoon: Las Pailas Loop Trail
- Shorter and less physically demanding
- Good option after a longer morning hike
While it makes for a full day, the shorter distance and flat terrain of Las Pailas make it manageable even after La Cangreja.
2-Day Itinerary (Moderate Difficulty)
Best for: Active travelers who want waterfalls and volcanic features without stacking long hikes back-to-back.
Day 1: Volcanic Features + Short Waterfall or Hot Springs
Morning: Las Pailas Loop Trail
- Arrive early (7–8 am)
- Hike the Las Pailas Loop Trail (~3.5 km / 2.2 miles)
- Bubbling mud pots, fumaroles, and steam vents
- Mostly flat and well maintained
- Allow 2–2.5 hours
Afternoon: Oropendola and Hot Springs
- Oropéndola Waterfall
- Rio Negro Hot springs
Day 2: La Cangreja Waterfall
Morning
- Early start, before noon
- ~10 km (6 miles) round trip
- Allow 4–5 hours total
Afternoon
- Lunch and rest back at your lodge
2-Day Itinerary (Challenging)
Best for: Confident hikers comfortable with long distances, heat, and early starts.
Day 1: La Cangreja Waterfall + Las Pailas Loop
Morning: La Cangreja Waterfall
- Start as early as possible
- ~10 km (6 miles) round trip
- Allow 4–5 hours
Afternoon: Las Pailas Loop Trail
- Shorter, flatter trail after the longer hike
- Expect higher temperatures and fewer people
- Allow 1.5–2 hours
Day 2: Santa María Sector
Morning
- Drive to the Santa María Sector
- Hike to Santa María Waterfall
- Longer, less-visited trail with a more remote feel
Afternoon
- Return to your lodge for rest
FAQs About Rincon de la Vieja
Do you need a guide?
No, Rincon de la Vieja is well-suited for self-guided hiking. As always, you'll learn learn and have a better chance at spotting some wildlife with a guide, but it's definitely not a necessity here.
However, if you're not staying at Hacienda Guachipelin and are interested in visitng Oropendola Waterfall and Rio Negro Hot Springs, an guided tour becomes much more cost-effective (since these are all separate entrance fees otherwise).
Can you swim in the waterfalls?
Unfortunately no. The nearby Oropendola Waterfall, just outside the park, allows simming. This requires a separate entrance fee unless you are staing at Hacienda Guachipelin.
Can you visit in the rainy season?
Yes, but check trail closures with the park rangers ahead of time.
Where is there to eat nearby?
The closest place to eat near the park is at Hacienda Guachipelin, which has a couple of restaurants open for lunch. If you're planning on doing both the waterfall and Las Pailas Loop in one day, pack your lunch.
For more Costa Rica planning, read some of our other guide: