Rincón de la Vieja stands 1,916 meters (6,286 feet) above sea level.
There is a large number of fumaroles and hot springs on the volcano's slopes.
Quick Facts and Data
History
It was created in 1973 and its remoteness has allowed it to maintain a unique healthy, abundant population of wildlife.
According to locals, the indigenous people of the Guatuso tribe named the volcano for one of two reasons. Either there was an old witch on top of the mountain who sent columns of smoke into the air when she was angry, or there was a kindly old woman occupying the same nook, and the smoke was from her cooking fire as she prepared meals for weary travelers.
Flora and Fauna
The park has a great variety of wildlife. Some of the species you will find here are:
Flora: tropical forests, including sections of montane and dwarf cloud forest, span the park's base. Rain is liable to fall in any given year, covering the mountainside with lush vegetation.
The park has probably one of the largest populations of the national flower of Costa Rica, the orchid 'Guaria Morada'.
Fauna: over 300 species of birds, such as the three-wattled bellbird, blue-throated goldentail, oropendola, emerald toucanet and also various quetzals, curassows and eagles. Mammals seen in the park include cougars, monkeys, sloths, tapirs, kinkajous, jaguars, pumas and many more.Getting there
The nearest city is Liberia to the south of the park.
From San Jose, take the Interamerican highway to Liberia leading NE, follow the Park signs.
Bus services:
From San Jose to Liberia. Pulmitan Station, calle 14, 1 and 3 Av. A bus leaves the station every 2 hours, from 7 am to 8 pm.
From Liberia to the park. A small bus takes off from Guanacaste Hotel everyday at 7 am and 4 pm.
Services
Camping areas at Santa Maria Station are open 24 hours. Restrooms, showers, and picnic areas are also available.
Well marked park trail systems lead visitors through the tropical forest to the park's attractions.
Trail guides can be arranged at either the Pailas or Santa Maria Station.
Recreational Activities
A well marked trail system through Rincon de la Vieja National Park leads visitors to the Park's attractions and between the Sector Stations.
Hiking Trails
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Las Pailas Round Trail Length: 3200 meters. Time: 180 minutes. |
Santa Maria Sector Trail Length: 5500 meters. Time: 240 minutes. |
La Cangreja Waterfall Trail Length: 4800 meters. Time: 180 minutes. |
Von Seebach Carter Trail Length: 1300 meters. Time: 120 minutes. |
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Active Crater Trail Length: 2200 meters. Time: 180 minutes. |
Capelares Site Trail Length: 6100 meters. Time: 150 minutes. |
Hidden Waterfalls Trail Length: 1620 meters. Time: 90 minutes. |
Interesting facts
The name, Rincón de la Vieja, translates to English as 'the old woman's corner.'
Rincón de la Vieja is the largest of five volcanoes that make up the Cordillera de Guanacaste.
It is composed of nine separate but contiguous volcanic craters, with dormant Santa María the tallest and most easterly.
The main crater--Von Seebach, sometimes called the Rincón de la Vieja crater--still steams.
The last serious eruption was in 1983. However, it spewed lava and acid gases on 8 May 1991, causing destructive lahores (ash-mud flows). The slopes still bear reminders of the destructive force of the acid cloud that burnt away much of the vegetation on the southeastern slope.
Volcano mud has minerals and medicinal properties used in cosmetology.
Contact information
Phone number: (506) 2666-5051
Santa Maria Station: 2200-0296
Website: http://www.sinac.go.cr
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