If you want to experience sulphur springs, boiling hot mud springs and steam vents, then Rincon de la Vieja National Park is meant for you. Near the southern slope of the volcano inside the Rincon de la Vieja National at Las Pilas and Las Hornillas, all these and more are in abundance.
The name Rincon de la Vieja was given by the Guatuso tribe and it means the Old Woman’s Corner. It is said that an old witch used to stay at the top of the volcano and sent out columns of smoke whenever she was angry. Another account talks about a kind woman who cooked food for weary travelers and the smoke was a result of her cooking.
When visiting the Rincon de la Vieja National Park, a 4 wheel drive is recommended during the rainy season. Camping is allowed in this area and potable water and rest rooms are available for the visitors. Among other facilities are a scientific research station, a tourist information services counter, park office and naturalist guide services.
The Rincon de la Vieja National Park is located in one of the hottest regions of Costa Rica. The rain is lesser between December and April but higher altitude means higher chances of rain. It can rainy any day, especially during the mid afternoon. The entire Rincon de la Vieja National Park is inhabited by cloud forest, tropical rainforest and upland tropical dry forest.
There are various mountain ranges and peaks that can be found near the Rincon de la Vieja National Park in Costa Rica. Climbing these mountains by foot is challenging and exhilarating. The hike up the craters is spectacular. You start amid premontane wet forest until you finally ascend to a region of exposed lava rocks that climb up steeply. There is a lot of volcanic activity in and around Rincon de la Vieja National Park and the crater of the Rincon de la Vieja still steams and bubbles.
Among other activities are bird watching, visiting natural hot springs and visiting waterfalls. Various species of flora and fauna are set to dazzle you as you climb up the volcano.
