Rincon de la Vieja National Park

Located just over 165 miles northwest of San Jose, is the Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Part of the Guanacaste Conservation area, the Rincon de la Vieja National Park features more than 34,000 acres of protected forest land, and two 6,000+ foot tall volcanoes. Created in 1973, the park plays an integral role in the protection of nearly 32 rivers and streams. Within it's borders, the park also houses the largest population of Costa Rica's national flower, the guaria morada. San Jose Costa Rica rental car travelers can spend days exploring this unique attraction, so what are you waiting for? Visit the Rincon de la Vieja National Park today!

A tourist friendly park

Unlike some of the other National Parks in Costa Rica, the Rincon de la Vieja park seems to be designed to accommodate tourists. While it's home to two volcanoes, both are classified as "gently active" and see very few minor eruptions. The base of the volcanoes are laced with acres of hiking trails and paths, many of which lead to unique features like volcanic craters, fumaroles, mud cauldrons and hot springs. One of the best hiking trails for San Jose Costa Rica rental car travelers to explore is the Sendero Encantado. This path leads along the park's lowlands, passing through cloud forests and plains covered in purple orchids. It eventually connects with the park's most famous trail, the Las Pailas.

The Las Pailas trail, which means "the cauldrons" or "mud pots" in English, is a short circuit trail that weaves through a variety of diverse terrain. San Jose Costa Rica rental car travelers will walk beneath giant strangler fig trees and past seasonal waterfalls, steaming fumaroles, and even a small volcano. And that's before you reach the trail's namesake attraction! The mud pots themselves look like boiling pools of tar, which is quite the contrast to the lush forest that surrounds it.

Get active...

If you've got a lot of energy to burn on your upcoming San Jose Costa Rica rental car vacation, Avanti recommends lacing on some hiking boots and tackling the eight-hour roundtrip trek to the Santa Maria crater, located at the volcano's summit. Travelers can do the hike solo or with a guide. The tour starts at the Santa Maria ranger station, east of the Las Pailas trail. The trail is characterized by scrubby mountainside, tall grasses, and a rugged path. The views at the end of the trail are well worth the grueling walk – San Jose Costa Rica rental car travelers can see all the way to Lake Nicaragua from the summit on a clear day.

...and then relax

After you've conquered the hike to the crater, it's time to kick back and relax in one of the park's famous hot-sulfur springs. Located at the volcano's base, the Los Azufrales springs bubble at a cozy 107 degrees and are ideal for bathing in. Just remember to hop out after a 30 minute period to cool off in the nearby cool-water stream.

Places to stay near the park

San Jose Costa Rica rental car travelers will only find a handful of hotels in the areas surrounding Rincon de la Vieja. Luckily, the area's accommodations range from budget hotels to luxury resorts, so there's something for everyone. If you're looking to earn a little money during your trip, Avanti recommends staying at one of the local cattle ranches. These business often take in travelers to help with daily chores, providing them with food and shelter in return. San Jose Costa Rica rental car travelers can also arrange for rustic camping accommodations with a little help from the park rangers.

The Rincon de la Vieja National Park is open daily from 7am to 5pm, with no entry after 3pm. Admission is just 10 per person. For more information on the park, contact the Guanacaste Conservation Area at 2666-5051.