After checking in to the amazing Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort, it was time to start exploring Costa Rica! One of this closest National Parks to explore was Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park – an active volcano (it last erupted in 1998) said to have some great little hikes.
We were interested in the popular Waterfall and Mudpots trail that you can begin right from the visitor center. This hike is about 3 Kilometers and takes about 2 hours to complete. It is a relatively easy, mostly-flat hike through a hot jungle with some portions crossing through a desert area. It is good for hikers of all levels of expertise, but be sure to bring enough water (and maybe a poncho).
Getting to Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park:
The drive from the Andaz Peninsula Papagayo Resort took about 1 and a half hours through mostly pothole-free, easily navigable, well-marked roads (although I highly recommend a GPS unit when driving in Costa Rica).
The Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park Visitor Center and Trailhead:
You’ll find the rocky parking lot on the left side of the road, right in front of the visitor center.
The Visitor Center
After paying the entrance fee for the park, you can walk into the park and the first thing you’ll notice is a table filled with all kinds of snakes in jars. Each specimen in the jars live within the park – and some of them are highly venomous like the Fer De Lance, Costa Rica’s most venomous snake.
Snakes (and other things) in a Jar
Once you get to the end of the corridor, you can pick up the Waterfall & Mudpots trailhead on the right, just past the little picnic area. The trail will lead you in a counter clock-wise direction in a large loop, eventually back to the visitor center.
The Hike:
The trail is paved and well marked as you begin the hike.
Stay on the trail! There are active volcanic features everywhere
Rain Forest Vegetation:
Colorful vegetation abounds in Costa Rica
Ficus macrophylla (also known as the Jurassic Park Trees)
Fungi
Pacaya Palm Tree Fruits
Volcanic Features:
Volcanic Fumaroles
Boiling water
Wildlife:
Leafcutter ants everywhere
Costa Rican Ctenosaur
Centipede
Finally, The Waterfall:
After about 2 hours and several light passing showers, we made it to the end of the trail loop to the big payoff — the waterfall.
Final Thoughts On Hiking Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park:
Hiking Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park is a great half-day trip in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. It is easy to get there, easy to hike, and easy to see all kinds of rain-forest wildlife and active volcanic features.
Cheers!
