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) |
How to Book the Las Pailas Volcanic Activity Hike
We have both self-drive tours and tours with transportation available. Select the button for the corresponding tour of your choice.
Self-drive: For a self drive tour, you will drive yourself to the start of the tour. You do not need a 4 wheel drive vehicle for this option all of the roads are paved and easy to drive on. You will come across some potholes along the way but nothing that requires a 4 wheel drive vehicle.
Tour with Transportation Included: With transportation included, our driver will pick you up at your location, take you to the tour start, wait for you, and bring you back to your accommodation. We can also make a stop along the way for souvenirs or food during the ride.
Self Drive Tour
Tour with Transportation Included
How to Get to Rincon de la Vieja National Park – Las Pailas Trail
The easiest way to arrive at Las Pailas trail is by following a Google Maps link. This will take you directly to the park in the most efficient way. Keep in mind, to get to Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Las Pailas Trail you will have to cross through the of Hacienda Guachipelin (you must pay ₡800 CRC colones per person which is equal to about $1.50) once you go through Hacienda Guachipelin’s property and follow the signs until you reach the parking lot for Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Las Pailas Trail.
Las Pailas Trail Overview
Parking, Facilities and Checking in
Parking: There is free parking available for everyone visiting the National Park.
Checking in: You will check in at the main building and show them your reservation. A reservation online is required to enter the park. If you do not have a reservation you can try to book one online after you arrive but will still need to book on the website and cannot pay in person.
Facilities: There are both men’s and women’s bathrooms available, a water refill station, and a small giftshop. The bathrooms are clean and well maintained.
Main Trail and Attractions on Las Pailas Trail
Las Pailas Trail is known for its unique volcanic activity you can get up close to. This trail is a 3.5km loop (2.5 miles). This hike is accessible for most visitors and takes about 2-3 hours to complete. On the trail you will be surrounded by dry tropical forest with a variety of different plants and animals to see.
The volcanic activity you will see on the hike included,
- Las Hornillas
- Volcanic Lake | Fumarolic Lagoon
- Water Pots
- Volcanic Bubbling Mud
- Little Volcano
- Volcanic Fumes
- Seasonal Waterfall
Las Hornillas
Las Hornillas are vents in the ground that release steam and gasses from the volcanic activity beneath the surface. You can both feel and see the heat from these vents as well as you will notice a strong smell of sulfur in the area.
Volcanic Lake | Fumarolic Lagoon
The volcanic lake has a very high ph level meaning it is very acidic. This lake also continues unique colors from the different minerals that are present in the water. Off to the left of the lake you will see more vents releasing steam.
Water Pots
The water pots are also known as Pailas de Agua. These are geothermal pools that have bubbling water from the volcanic heat below it. At the ponds you will notice red, white and yellow from the sulfur, iron and calcium present in the ponds.
Volcanic Bubbling Mud
Most peoples favorite part of the trail is the Volcanic Bubbling Mud. This is the same mud that is used in mud baths and has amazing benefits for you skin. Here you can watch the mud and clay bubble from the geothermal activity below.
Little Volcano
The Little Volcano is also know as El Volcancito, it is a volcanic vent that releases steam very similar to a volcano. This allows you the opportunity to get up close to a volcano. This volcano used to be much smaller but recently it has grown much bigger in size.
Volcanic Fumes
The Volcanic Fumes are also known as the fumaroles. Here you will see smoke rising from the group and water bubbling in a small pool. This is caused from cracks in the earth and sulfurous gases being release from underground chambers.
Seasonal Waterfall
The last stop is at the seasonal waterfall. This waterfall looks very different in the dry season and the rainy season. In the dry season sometimes it is not flowing at all but in the rainy season it can be a giant waterfall cascading down the rocks.
Optional Waterfalls at Rincon de la Vieja National Park – Las Pailas Trail
There are 2 optional waterfalls you can visit as well. These waterfalls are not included in the guided tour but after the tour you are welcome to visit them after the guided tour concludes. The hikes to both of these waterfalls are not easy and should not be attempted unless you are in moderate shape and are prepared to hike 5+ miles for each waterfall.
La Cangreja
La Cangreja Waterfall is the easier hike of the 2 but is still not an easy hike. This hike is 3.2 miles each way but does not have too much gain in elevation. Along the way it is common to see different wildlife and you will be completely surrounded by dry, tropical, lush greenery.
La Cangreja waterfall is over 40 meters tall (130 feet) and has bright blue water. Also off to the left of the waterfall is a small natural hot spring. If you choose to swim in either waterfall you are doing so at your own risk and it is not recommended by the National Park.
You can enter the La Cangreja Waterfall trail until 12 PM. After that, no new hikers are allowed to start the trail. If you’re already on the trail, you must return by 4 to 5 PM at the latest.
| Distance | Duration | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| 5km = 3.2miles each way | 4 hours or more | Difficult – Advanced |
La Escondida Waterfall (Hidden Waterfall)
Las Escondida Waterfall is also known as the Hidden Waterfall. This is the most difficult hike in the park. Though it looks shorter in distance it is much more difficult because you are climbing straight up almost the entire time.
There is a river crossing you have to make at one point, many people mistakenly think this is the hidden waterfall. Make sure you don’t make that mistake and you will cross the river and then go to left until you see the hidden waterfall.
This hike is also almost entirely in the sun with little to no tree covering so make sure you come prepared.
At the end of the hike you will come across La Escondida Waterfall, this waterfall is tucked away and a hidden paradise.
| Distance | Duration | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| 8.4km = 5.2miles round trip | 4 hours or more | Very Difficult – Advanced |
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes (closed toed shoes or sandals with straps) NO FLIP FLOPS
- Comfortable clothes
- Water bottle
- Snacks
- Bug Spray
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses
How to Book
Self Drive Tour
For a self drive tour, you will drive yourself to the start of the tour. You do not need a 4 wheel drive vehicle for this option all of the roads are paved and easy to drive on. You will come across some potholes along the way but nothing that requires a 4 wheel drive vehicle.
Tour with Transportation Included
With transportation included, our driver will pick you up at your location, take you to the tour start, wait for you, and bring you back to your accommodation. We can also make a stop along the way for souvenirs or food during the ride.
Photos of Rincon de la Vieja National Park – Las Pailas Trail
