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Rincon de la Vieja from Tamarindo
Rincon de la Vieja is located about 2 hours from Tamarindo. You can get there by car or by private transportation. All of the roads are easily drivable and do not require a for wheel drive vehicle.
| Destination | Distance | Duration (by car) |
|---|---|---|
| La Leona Waterfall | 91 km | 2 hours |
| Rincon de la Vieja National Park – Las Pailas Trail | 101 km | 2 hours and 15 minutes |
| Rincon de la Vieja National Park – Santa Maria | 101 km | 2 hours and 30 minutes |
How to get from Rincon de la Vieja from Tamarindo
Driving Directions for Rincon de la Vieja from Tamarindo
Leave Tamarindo via route 155
You will begin by leaving Tamarindo and heading down route 155. You will continue on route 155 until you reach Belén.
Head to Liberia via route 21
Once you reach Belén you will turn left onto route 21 toward Liberia. You will continue on route 155 until you reach Liberia.
Head to Curubandé from Libera
After arriving in Liberia you will turn left onto highway 1 until you see signs for Rincon de la Vieja National Park on your right side. You will then turn right and drive through the town of Curubandé until you reach Rincon de la Vieja National Park.
Road Conditions
All of the roads are paved and easily drivable without a 4 wheel drive vehicle. If you choose to head to the Santa Maria Sector of the National Park you will run into a lot of pot holes but a 4 wheel drive vehicle is still not necessary to arrive.
Transportation Options
By Car
Pros: Greater flexibility, you can make any stops you want along the way and can plan activities very last minute.
Cons: One person in your group needs to drive and is usually the most expensive option.
Private Transportation
Pros: Your entire trip is planned out for you and all you need to do is show up.
Cons: Can be more expensive depending on your location or for small groups and needs to be planned in advance.
Public Transportation
Pros: Less expensive then every other option and great for solo travelers.
Cons: Once you arrive in Liberia there are very few options to get to the Rincon de la Vieja area.
Activities in the Rincon de la Vieja Area
Located just 2 hours from Tamarindo the Rincon de la Vieja Area is filled with tons of activities. The Rincon de la Vieja area has something for everyone with its mix of adventure activities and relaxation.
La Leona Waterfall
La Leona Waterfall is a one of a kinds adventure hike that includes, river crossings, ladders, possible animal spotting’s, optional rock jumps, and more. Learn all about Costa Rica from the amazing tour guides and finally swim through a canyon to discover La Leona Waterfall. Unlike any other waterfalls, this waterfall is fully enclosed in a cave and only with the assistance of a local guide can you access it.
| Distance | Duration | Difficulty | Minimum Age | Guidelines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 miles each way (4km round trip) | about 2-3 hours (can vary based on the season) | Moderate Hike | Group Tour: 6 years old Private Tour: 4 years old | Not suitable for individuals with knee, ankle or mobility issues |
White Water River Tubing
This adventure includes going through 3 kilometers of class I, II, and III rapids. you will have several tour guides by your side the entire time for an afternoon full of adventure. This is an adventure you don’t want to miss out on while in Costa Rica. Keep reading to learn more about what this tour includes, how to book and booking options.
| Distance | Duration | Class of Rapids | Minimum Age | Guidelines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 kilometers (2.5 miles) | From 1 to 1.5 hours | Class I , II and III rapids | 6 years old | Not suitable for individuals with knee, ankle or mobility issues |
Las Pailas Trail (Rincon de la Vieja National Park)
Rincón de la Vieja National Park is located in the northern region of the country. It spans over 34,000 acres and is part of the Guanacaste Conservation Area.
The park is named after the active Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, one of the largest in the Guanacaste Mountain Range. The volcanic activity from Rincon de la Vieja Volcano has led to hot springs, bubbling mud pools, fumaroles, and many other attractions. The Las Pailas sector of the trail is known for the volcanic activity that you can get up close to.
| Distance | Duration | Difficulty | Hours of Operation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5km = 2.5miles | From 2 to 3 hours | Moderate | Tuesday-Sunday 8am-3pm (You can’t enter the waterfall trails after 12pm) |
Hot Springs and Mud Bath
Rio Negro Hot Springs and Mud Bath are hot springs naturally headed by the geothermal activity of Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. They are known for having mineral rich water with amazing benefits to your body. Rio Negro Hot Springs includes 10 thermal pools, a volcanic mud bath, hanging bridges, a waterfall hike with 4 small waterfalls and riverbank access.
| Distance | Duration | Difficulty | Hours of Operation | Minimum Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The hike to the hot springs typically takes around 10 minutes. | 1.5 hours | Easy (It is not advised for individuals with walking or mobility issues. ) | Rio Negro Hot Springs is open every day, from 9am to 6pm | Rio Negro Hot Springs is tailored for children aged 4 and up. |
Oropendola Waterfall
Oropendola is a very accessable and beautiful waterfall in the Rincon de la Vieja area. It only takes about 15 minutes to walk to the waterfall and has a beautiful and unique hike to get there with hanging bridges and staircases.
This waterfall is a great place to swim and cool off in the beautiful blue and refreshing waters below.
| Distance | Duration | Minimum Age | Open for Swimming? | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| It is about a 15 minute walk to the waterfall, you will walk down and up a hanging staircase as well has hanging bridges. 900 meters | 0.5 mile | About 45 minutes – 1 hour | There is no minimum age | It depends on the season and the water levels if it is open for swimming. | Easy |
Ziplining
Get ready for an adrenaline-packed adventure as you soar through the treetops near Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. Our zip line tour offers 8 exciting lines of varying speeds and lengths, taking you through breathtaking canyons and nature. This experience is perfect for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.
| Distance | Duration | Minimum Age | Number of Lines |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 lines and about 500 meters of walking | From 1 to 1.5 hours | 6 years old | 8 lines |
FAQs
How far is Rincón de la Vieja from Tamarindo?
It takes about 2 hours to get from Tamarindo to Rincon de la Vieja and is about 90-100km.
Do I need a 4×4 vehicle to visit Rincón de la Vieja?
A four wheel drive vehicle is not necessary to get to the Rincon de la Vieja area.
Can I visit Rincón de la Vieja as a day trip from Tamarindo?
Yes, lots of people take the day trip from Tamarindo to Rincon de la Vieja.
What is the best way to travel from Tamarindo to Rincón de la Vieja?
The easiest option to travel from Tamarindo to Rincon de la Vieja is by private transportation or by car if you have a rental car.
Are there tours from Tamarindo to Rincón de la Vieja?
Yes, there are tours with transportation included that will drive you from Tamarindo to Rincon de la Vieja.
How long is the drive from Tamarindo to Rincón de la Vieja?
The drive is about 2 hours from Tamarindo to Rincon de la Vieja.
Is there public transport from Tamarindo to Rincón de la Vieja?
There is a public bus you can take from Tamarindo to Liberia but there are no public transportation options directly to Rincon de la Vieja.