Rincón de la Vieja is one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica. A towering volcano with nine extraordinary eruption points; at over 6,200 feet high, it is part of the Guanacaste Mountain Range. The name Rincón de la Vieja, means “the old woman’s corner”. According to a local legend, the indigenous people named the volcano after an old witch who lived at the top of the mountain and sent columns of smoke into the air when she was angry. It is a rigorous but spectacular, and breathtaking hike around the area of Las Pailas. Over 300 species of birds have been recorded to live within the park, like emerald tucanets, and long-tailed manakins.

Amongst the numerous insects, you could count butterflies of the Morpho genus. Three different species of monkeys and other extraordinary animals also know this place as their home. The Park protects the largest population of wild purple orchids (Guarianthe skinneri), which is Costa Rica’s National Flower. Twisted trees with many branches and epiphytes are also found here; some of them are Matapalos of the Ficus genus, Guanacaste trees, Jumbo Limbos and many other different and glorious species surrounded by magnificent transitional forests.

Along the hike, some 32 rivers rise out of this protected area, including the Colorado River and the Río Blanco, which carve through a white volcanic ash call ignimbrite. These rivers provide water to the Tempisque River, one of the most important in the province of Guanacaste.

Difficulty: Hard
Category: Nature
Duration: Full Day

Includes: Transportation, local bilingual tour guide (Spanish / English), entrance fee and lunch.
What to bring: Hiking shoes, comfortable clothes, sunblock, insect repellent, hat, binoculars and camera.

Remarks:

• This tour requires a minimum number of people to operate.
• Not recommended for children under 5 years old.
• Not recommended for people with heart conditions and/or limited mobility and pregnant women.