Las Pailas
The most visited sector, with a loop of a few kilometres past mud pots, fumaroles and a small volcanic crater, and a trail to a waterfall.
Liberia · Guanacaste · Costa Rica
Rincón de la Vieja National Park
An active volcano in Guanacaste with fumaroles, mud pots, waterfalls and dry-forest wildlife.
- Created in 1973
- About 14,000 ha
- Volcano about 1,900 m
- Part of the Guanacaste UNESCO site
About the park
Rincón de la Vieja is an active volcano in the north-west, in the province of Guanacaste, with a landscape of fumaroles, boiling mud pots, rivers, waterfalls and forest. The park is part of the Guanacaste Conservation Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The best-known walk is the Las Pailas loop, which passes volcanic mud pots, small craters and fumaroles and is an easy half-day. The park also has waterfalls and hot rivers, and the area around it offers canopy tours, horse riding and tubing, so it fits a day or two from Liberia.
- Volcanic mud pots, fumaroles and craters
- Waterfalls and forest trails
- Part of a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Easy day trip from Liberia and the beaches
Wildlife
Howler and white-faced monkeysCoatisToucans and the national flower, the guaria morada orchidArmadillosHummingbirds
Sectors and walks
Santa María
The second sector, with a quiet forest, hot springs and the start of longer climbs.
Waterfalls and adventure parks nearby
Outside the park there are waterfalls, hot rivers, canopy tours, tubing and horse riding.
Plan your visit
- Opening hours
- Daytime. The hours of the sectors differ. We confirm them when you book.
- Reservation
- Entrance is booked in advance through the SINAC online system. We handle it for you.
- Entrance
- Paid per person per day according to the SINAC fee schedule, which changes from time to time. We confirm the current price in your quote.
- Closures
- Parts of the park, including the crater, can be closed because of volcanic activity.
- Best time
- The dry season from December to April; in the green season, mornings are clearer.
- What to bring
- Sun protection, a hat, water, closed shoes, a rain jacket and a swimsuit for the hot springs.
Book your entrance yourself
Entrance tickets to the national parks are sold online through the official SINAC reservation system. Booking your own ticket there is the quickest and cheapest way.
If you book a tour, a stay or an itinerary with us, we can also arrange the reservation for you.
Dates, areas and conditions are approximate and based on published information from SINAC; hours, fees and rules can change. We confirm the current conditions when you book.
Getting there
By road
About 45 minutes to 1 hour from Liberia, with the last kilometres on a gravel road.
By air
Liberia International Airport is the nearest. We arrange private transfers.
Tours to Rincón de la Vieja
Frequently asked questions
Can I go up to the crater?
Not usually: the crater is often closed because of volcanic activity. The Las Pailas loop and the waterfalls are the main walks.
Is it a day trip from the beaches?
Yes, from Liberia and the Gulf of Papagayo it is a full day.
Do I need a guide?
Not for Las Pailas, but a guide explains the volcanic features and finds the animals.