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Rincon de la Vieja National Park
Area
Approx. 34,800 acres 400 sq. km.
Max. Elevation
Rincon de la Vieja 6,286' above sea level
Santa Maria 6,307'above sea level
Last Eruption
1998
Precipitation
100 - 120 inches annually
Location
Guanacaste province
27km. – 43.2 miles from Liberia
Date of Creation
November 16th,1973
Opening Times:
The Station at Pailas Sector of Rincon de la Vieja National Park is open from 8am to 4pm daily.
The Station at Santa Maria Sector of Rincon de la Vieja National Park is open from 8am to 4pm daily.
Entrance fee
US $ 6 p.p.
Simply one of the most beautiful parks in C.R. the Rincon de la Vieja National park is located in the Guanacaste Vulcanic mountain range half way between the provinces of Alajuela and Guanacaste some 27 km. (43.2 miles) northwest of Liberia.
The park offers breathtaking views, waterfalls, streams formed by hot springs, rivers, solfataric lakes, picknic areas, relaxing thermal waters, a distinctive volcano, camping grounds, well posted trails paths, a surprise at every corner.
The Park was created in 1973 in order to protect Guanacaste’s water resources, so vital for the life keeping of one of the driest lands in Costa Rica.
It is divided in two sectors of some 8 km. (5 miles) apart, Las Pailas and Santa Maria.
The Rincon de la Vieja Volcano (1916 mts.) was formed by the simultaneous explosion of several volcanic cones that merged to form a single mountain. It apreads out for some 400 sq. km. (34,800 acres) Nine craters were identified some often give signs of activity.
The first recorded one dates back in 1851 when - during a number of eruptions - ashes and a thick cloud of smoke could be seen from miles away. The eruptions were so frequent that the volcano could be used as a lighthouse for sailors navigating along the Pacific Coast. More serious eruptions were recorded in 1967 when during a strong eruption stones weighing more than 3 lbs created havoc among the nearby villagers. Forest and grassland were lost in the blaze and the emission of toxic gases caused pollution to the rivers and streams.
The eruptions that took place in 1983, 1984, 1991 and 1995 are the confirmation that the Volcanocan erupt at anytime. The last recorded was in 1998 when a series of eruptions affected the north side of the park, an inhabited area.
Another interesting aspect of the park are the different levels of altitude ranging from 600 m. to 2000 m. thus offering a large variety of flora and fauna. The frequent rainfalls and the ashes of the volcano have also contributed to the growth of such rich habitat.
Between 600 and 1,200 mts. (2,000/4,000 ft.) we found the dry forest with trees like “Guanacaste” (Enterolobium cyclocarpum), the National Tree, “Laurel” Autograph Tree (Cedrela odorata) and Cedro amargo (Cedrela odonta). Some of these trees a real nature monuments, they give shelter and nourishment to thousands of insects and birds, strength to the soil and shade for us to rest under the wings of its branches.
At 1,200 mts. and above (4,000 Ft.) the wet forest collects more rain and other types of trees are observed like “Copeys” (Clusia rosea) a tree that is also found in Haway. It is the ideal place to admire the Cattleya Skinneri orquid, best known as “ Guaria Morada” the costarican national flower.
The park is home of many species of animals like howler and spider monkeys, white faced capucins, agoutis, coatis , like deer, peccaries, sloths, pumas and tapirs and iguanas. Armadillos have become rare sight nowadays, but with a bit of luck you might seethem too.
Studies carried out in the park have also identified 257 species of birds, including the three-wattled bellbird and the emerald toucanet.
Since animals can sense our presence before we can sense theirs, we recommend to be quiet and discreet inside the park and in the forest, it increases the chances to see them.
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