Rincon de la Vieja National Park
Rincon de La Vieja National Park was established in 1973 and is located in the Guanacaste Province. This park encompasses 34,800 acres and is filled with diversity. This area stretches over six climate and life zones that are comprised of volcanoes, their craters, and various tropical forests. There are many hiking trails throughout the park that vary in elevation.
This volcanic chain has nine craters and includes the Santa Maria Volcano. This volcano is the most active in the Guanacaste Mountain range but hasn't had a major eruption since the 1960s. Rincon de la Vieja is the most commonly visited of the volcanoes in the mountain range, being that it is the most accessible. The months of January through July are the best months to reach the top of this volcano, which can be rather windy with poor visibility. The hike up is not the easiest as it is a total of eight kilometers, with sections of steep inclines. The lower parts of the volcanoes contain gorgeous waterfalls, hot springs and swimming holes that make for the perfect resting point after a long hike.
Rincon de La Vieja National Park is home to plenty of wildlife. Common bird sightings of the whitefronted parrot, curassow, and the red trogon. Mammals that are often seen include monkeys, sloths, anteaters, and armadillos. Lesser seen, but there are several species of jungle cats such as jaguars and pumas.
The Northwest Pacific is one of the driest climates in Costa Rica. The beach areas have a fairly steady year round temperature with daytime highs averaging in the upper 80s to lower 90s. Night time lows are usually in the upper 70s. Precipitation varies through the year with the nicest weather between November and August.
Visitors should pack a bathing suit, towel, shorts, tee shirts, appropriate shoes, rain gear, sun block, and insect repellent.
Fun Fact: In September 2011 Rincon de la Vieja experienced a couple mini eruptions sending large plumes of smoke in the air.
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