The Legend of Rio Celeste

“Some places are hard to believe even exist until you see them and experience them for yourself! Rio Celeste was one of those places!” via @mc_photography406

Local legend has it that after God finished painting the sky, he washed his paintbrushes in Rio Celeste turning in the brilliant blue that fascinates us today.

Ranger Station

There is one ranger station within the park open daily from 8 am – 4 pm with restrooms, drinking water, restaurants, and first aid available.

The Rio Celeste Waterfall Trail

There is one hiking trail within Tenorio Volcano National Park which brings you past a multitude of wonders, but ultimately to the brilliant blue Rio Celeste. This challenging in-and-out trail – 3.7 miles in total – showcases the following highlights of the park (in order):

Rio Celeste Waterfall (250 stairs!)

Yes, the water really is that blue. Via @braybraywoowoo

The powerful Rio Celest Waterfall plunges 98 feet into a pool of bright blue water surrounded by dense tropical forest. The contrast is as striking in person as it is in photos – a true diamond in the rough.

From the ranger station to the waterfall turnoff, the trail is relatively flat and paved (about twenty minutes). Beyond that, the remainder of the hike is unpaved. Once you reach the turnoff point to the waterfall, you’ll need to descend a series of about 250 steep paved stairs. It’s a bit of a challenge on the return ascent, but it’s worth it! Just stop, breathe, and enjoy the scenery – often.

Some people choose to visit the waterfall last in the sequence to re-energize themselves before the trek back to the ranger station. If you choose to do that, the first highlight you’d come across would be Laguna Azul.

Laguna Azul: Beautiful Blue Lagoon

Many people say this magical little pool of blue water is reminiscent of the magic mermaid lagoon in Peter Pan.

Los Borbollones: Bubbling Geothermal Activity, Smells of Sulfur

After Laguna Azul, continue down to Los Borbollones, a spot in the river where sulfuric gases from the volcano bubble up through the water.

El Teñidero: Where 2 Rivers Meet

After crossing an Indiana-Jones-style bridge and a series of picturesque fixed low bridges, you’ll arrive at one of the last highlights of the trail. El Teñidero is formed where the minerals of two rivers meet (Quebrada Agria and Rio Buena Vista) – turning Rio Celeste bright blue. It’s an impressive sight to see as the otherwise normal-looking rivers converge into one electric blue current.

Notes:

• The trail can get pretty muddy in the green season (May – December). Wear your hiking boots!
• Swimming is not permitted within Tenorio Volcano National Park.

Guided Hiking in Tenorio Volcano National Park

Guides are fantastic for spotting wildlife in the forest that you would otherwise miss. These professionally trained guides know bird calls, animal behaviors, and the unique interconnected relationships within the forest. You will get a lot more out of your time in the forest with the help of a guide, and you’ll never get lost! We highly recommend one of the following guided hiking excursions to make the most of your time. Just ask one of our Costa Rica Experts and we can include one in your custom vacation package.

Rio Celeste Guided Rainforest Hike

Unreal colors at Rio Celeste via @cyrilcorsin

Early this morning, you will be driven approximately 2 hours to Tenorio Volcano National Park for this full-day excursion. This challenging hike through the forest will begin at the park entrance led by your professional naturalist guide. Discover the magnificent Rio Celeste Waterfall and the location where the light blue coloration of the river ends. You’ll pass a number of natural hot springs and observe the unique flora and fauna of the park. After your hike, enjoy a delicious and well-deserved lunch before returning back to your hotel for some rest and relaxation.

• Includes transfers, entrance fees, guide, and lunch.

Rio Celeste & Tenorio Volcano Guided Rainforest Hike & Heliconias Hanging Bridges

This tour begins the same as the previous tour, but with a guided hike through the Heliconias hanging bridges trail. You’ll arrive at Tenorio Volcano National Park for a challenging, but picturesque, two-hour hike. Visit the brilliant blue Rio Celeste Waterfall and explore the hot springs. Then continue to a guided tour through Heliconias suspension bridges trail, a unique setting for those who love birds and nature. Canopy-level bridges will allow you to experience the complexity of the forest from a different perspective.

• Includes transfers, a guide, entrance, and lunch.

Things to Know Before Visiting Rio Celeste Waterfall:

• It takes about 30 minutes to hike from the entrance to the top of the stairs to the waterfall (give or take).
• There are no restrooms inside the national park. There is only a bathroom at the ticket office.
• Single-use plastics are not permitted in the park. So don’t forget your reusable water bottle!
• The waterfall may not be as blue in the rainy season (mid-May – December).

Things to Bring:

We recommend bringing a refillable water bottle, snacks, hiking shoes with grip, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, a rain jacket, and a passport for entry.

Tenorio Volcano National Park FAQs:

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La Casona

La Casona photographed by @xplora_costarica

Santa Rosa National Park was the first national park designated in Costa Rica. Unlike most national parks in Costa Rica, Santa Rosa was created not to preserve land but to save a building, La Casona. In 1856, La Casona was the site of the Battle of Santa Rosa, where the American and soon-to-be declared president of Nicaragua, William Walker, and his men were forced to flee to Nicaragua. It was destroyed by arson in the early 2000s, but has since been rebuilt to its original likeness and proudly represents the independence of Costa Rica. Today, La Casona is a museum that presents the timeline of the events in both Spanish and English.

Flora and Fauna

Santa Rosa National Park is considered a dry forest due to the low amount of rain in the dry season (December-May). In fact, it’s possible not to have rain for months in the midst of the dry season. As a result, much of the vegetation loses its leaves until the return of the green season in summer.

Capuchin monkey via @jforonda_photo in Santa Rosa National Park

In addition to La Casona, Santa Rosa National Park protects a multitude of ecosystems including the savannah, deciduous forest, marshlands, and mangroves. It also has lovely recreational beaches. Many different animal species live within the park including several that are endangered.

There have been over 100 mammals recorded within Santa Rosa National Park. Some of the wildlife in Santa Rosa National Park include monkeys, peccaries, coyotes, coatimundis, tapirs,  jaguars, ocelots, armadillo, deer, and different varieties of land and sea turtles. In the winter months, as water sources dwindle, wildlife congregates around the water source – making sightings a bit more predictable.

The park has over 250 bird species. The park attracts the raucous white-throated magpie jay, parrot, parakeet, tanager, trogon, and more. Head toward the ocean to discover a variety of coastal birds.

Highlights

Witch’s Rock (Roca Bruja) at Playa Naranjo photographed by @paulurena

Aside from the flora and fauna and uniquely dry landscape of Santa Rosa National Park, other highlights of the park include nesting beaches for several sea turtle species and the well-known surf breaks of Witch’s Rock and Ollie’s Point.

Playa Nancite is the most popular beach for sea turtle nesting particularly during the months of September and October when it is possible to see as many as 8,000 sea turtles on the beach. Entry to the beach is restricted as the Playa Nancite is protected strictly, but entry can be obtained from park headquarters.

Ranger Stations

There are two different sectors within Santa Rosa National Park. The Santa Rosa Sector is the most frequently visited with some of the most notable attractions including access to La Casona. Naturalists and scientists visit the sector for its biodiversity and far-out trails.

The other sector, Murcielago, is located a bit farther north. Highlights of the more remote Sector Murcielago include the white-sand beach of Playa Blanca and the trailhead for Poza el General watering hole. The Murcielago Sector is not accessible via the Santa Rosa Sector

Hiking

There are several different hiking trails within the park, which are mostly only accessible by a 4×4 vehicle. There are also two hiking trails that depart from behind La Casona. We recommend experiencing hiking in Santa Rosa on a guided hike.

Guided Tours

We highly recommend exploring Santa Rosa National Park led by an expert naturalist guide. Not only will this save you time in navigation, but you are bound to see more wildlife and leave with a greater understanding of the environment and unique attributes of Santa Rosa National Park.

Santa Rosa National Park Guided Hike & Liberia City Tour:

Discover a dry forest of Santa Rosa National Park, the first designated national park in Costa Rica, which contains 2% of the world’s biodiversity. On the trails, you may see monkeys, deer, birds, and many more exotic animals.

After the hike, explore Liberia City, where you can walk around the city center. Historically, Liberia has been called “La Ciudad Blanca” because of its white adobe houses, white dirt roads, and inhabitants who dress completely in white to keep cool in the extreme heat. A guide will bring you to some of the most historic spots in the city. You’ll have the chance to do some souvenir shopping before returning to your hotel for the evening.

• The Santa Rosa National Park Guided Hike & Liberia City Tour includes transfers, entrance fees, guide, and lunch.

Santa Rosa National Park FAQs:

For more information, check out our favorite national parks in Costa Rica or browse our vacation packages to get started planning your trip!

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Birding at Palo Verde National Park

Roseate Spoonbills in flight

Palo Verde National Park is a fantastic birding destination. The wetlands can get really packed with thousands of birds – a true spectacle of nature! The park supports over 50,000 waterfowl and forest bird species. To see the great diversity of species, visit in the dry season (December – May) when the migratory birds arrive from the north to escape cold weather. Visiting deep in the dry season (March-April) can be especially rewarding as all the birds concentrate around what water is left.

Over 60 species of bird species use Palo Verde as a migratory stop. Bird Island, or Isla de Pajaros, is a popular nesting ground for many species. Roseate Spoonbills, Great Egrets, Anhingas, Wood Storks, White Ibis, Black-bellied Whistling-duck, and the Blue-winged Teal are just some of the species that inhabit the park.

Related: Top Ten Birding Destinations in Costa Rica

Points of Interest:

Isla Pájaros

For those booking a guided boat tour, you’ll have to check out Bird Island (Isla Pajaros), a nesting ground located on the Rio Tempisque only accessible by boat. The island is the nesting ground for Costa Rica’s largest colony of Black-crowned Night Herons as well as Cattle Egrets, Wood Storks, Roseate Spoonbills, Green-backed Herons, Great Egrets, and Anhingas.

Laguna Palo Verde

Palo Verde Lake is an excellent birdwatching spot, particularly from September through March when northern jacanas, egrets, and herons flock to the lake to eat and nest. The lake has a 20-meter boardwalk where researchers and visitors gather to watch the spectacle.

Tempisque River and Bebedero River

Sections of the Tempisque River and Bebedero River naturally form the outer limits of the park. One of the most popular tours in the park is a boat ride down the Bebedero River to Palo Verde National Park – which is known for its populations of migratory birds!

Guided Tours of Palo Verde National Park:

The most popular way to experience Palo Verde National Park is on a boat tour lead by a professional naturalist guide. Your guide will know exactly where to take you and have an in-depth knowledge of the area’s ecology as well as the ability to quickly identify by sight and sound the wildlife within the park. You will discover much more and gain a far deeper understanding of Palo Verde in less time with a guide! This is an excellent day trip for travelers staying in Tamarindo, Playa Conchal, or the Papagayo area.

Palo Verde National Park Boat Tour & Guaitil Pottery

Discover Palo Verde National Park, one of Costa Rica’s most important wetland ecosystems. Established in 1970, the park is a refuge for migratory birds and other wildlife. Discover the park with a professional guide by boat, looking for roseate spoonbills, crocodiles, monkeys, wood storks, white ibis, and more. Then, enjoy a delicious lunch before visiting the Guaitil artisan village where you’ll observe artists at work and local handicrafts representing the Pre-Columbian heritage of Costa Rica.

Click here for more information on this tour.

Palo Verde Park Trails

While most visitors explore Palo Verde National Park by boat with a guide, there are also several hiking trails in the park. To see Palo Verde’s lake, Tempisque River, and Gulf of Nicoya, take La Roca Trail (0.34-mile circuit trail).  The El Mapache Trail (0.44-mile trail) will bring you to three unique habitations, lowland deciduous forest, limestone forest, and the evergreen forest. El Guacayan or Cerros Calizos (0.91-mile trail) is for the adventurous with a steep climb up to the El Cactus or Guayacan overlooks to see the Tempisque flatlands and Lake Palo Verde. El Pizote (0.40-mile trail) will bring you to La Jacana Boardwalk, an 80-meter walkway extending out over Lake Palo Verde to prime birdwatching spots! La Cantera (0.87-mile trail) leads you through nature up to a beautiful lookout over the Tempisque River. La Venada (1.30-mile trail) skirts Palo Verde Lake.

If you decide to set out on the trails, we recommend consulting with a park ranger before setting out to get an idea of current trail conditions. Additionally, setting out early will ensure you see more birds and beat the heat!

Palo Verde National Park FAQs:

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Things To Do Within Marino Ballena National Park

Photo via Kura Design Villas

For visitors to Costa Ballena, which encompasses Uvita, Dominical, and Ojochal, Marino Ballena National Park is a must-see. Playa Uvita is the main beach within the park and the perfect spot for a laid-back beach day! Visitors can swim, do yoga, and stand up paddle boarding from shore. We also highly recommend an offshore snorkeling tour (see an overview below).

If you walk out to the tip of the whale’s tail at low tide, there are many tide pools with all kinds of little fish and crabs – an incredible little ecosystem to explore! We recommend water shoes in the tide pools. Also, please pay the utmost attention while discovering the tidepools as the ocean waves can be unpredictable!

How To Get There

There are four main sectors of the park. Uvita is the most popular sector with a convenient parking lot directly in front of the ticket office, restaurants, and bathrooms. If you book a tour with one of our professional naturalist guides (see below), they will take care of the logistics!

Wildlife & Marine Life

On land, the beaches of Marino Ballena back up to lush dense rainforest inhabited by sloths, monkeys, scarlet macaws, toucans, tapirs, iguanas, and more.

By sea, the park protects the largest coral reef on the Pacific side of Central America, beaches, mangroves, and the breeding grounds of whales. The park is named for the Pacific humpback whales that return to the park annually to breed. The high season for whale watching is in the winter months (August to April), but it is said the best time within that time frame is from August to October. Other marine life found off the coast include brightly colored fish, dolphins, and sea turtles.

Related Article: Costa Rica Whale Watching Tour Guide: Where To Go When

Guided Tours of Marino Ballena National Park:

The best way to experience Marino Ballena National Park is on a guided tour led by a professional naturalist. A guide can point out the natural history of the region, make the most of your time, and bring you to all the best spots!

Book a Marino Ballena National Park Snorkeling Tour!

Snorkeling is one of the best ways to experience this marine park! Discover the underwater ecosystem of coral reefs and fish like the butterflyfish, parrotfish, and blue surgeonfish. This snorkeling tour will bring you to fantastic snorkeling spots like the reefs off Ballena Island, Punta Uvita, or the ‘Whale’s Tail,’ and Tres Hermanas Islets. Your guide will search for and lead you to marine life for about an hour at each snorkeling destination, and then explain what you have seen in more detail upon returning to the boat. For more information and to start booking this excursion with our Costa Rica Experts, click here.

Marino Ballena National Park FAQs:

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Wildlife

On land, monkeys, coat, sloths, iguanas, poison dart frogs, and more can be found in Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. Over 350 bird species can be seen within the park: the red-capped manikin, the red-lored parrot, and the chestnut-mandibled toucan to name a few.

Offshore, the coral reef attracts marine life to the park. The waters here are some of the clearest in the country when the water is calm (August through October) – ideal for snorkeling! Three different dolphin species (including an endemic freshwater species), four different sea turtle species (from March to July), manatees, crocodiles, lobsters, and long-spine sea urchins have been seen offshore.

Gandoca-Manzanillo Highlights

Mirador Gandoca Manzanillo via @ralf_cahuita

One of the highlights and best photo opportunities is Mirador Gandoca Manzanillo, the viewpoint overlooking the picturesque Manzanillo Beach. From the lookout, you can take the staircase down to the beach for a swim.

Within the wildlife refuge, Punta Mona (monkey point) is a refuge for waterfowl. South of Punta Mona is a natural oyster bank and the only red mangrove on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast.

Further south, Playa Gandoca is a brown-sand beach backed by wetlands where sea turtles return annually to nest.

Gandoca-Manzanillo Hiking

A coastal trail beginning in the town of Manzanillo stretches 3.4 miles to Punta Mona. The first section of the trail out to Tom Bay (a roughly 40-minute walk) is the most frequently traversed and clearly marked. If you decide to head out beyond that, it is recommended that you take a guide.

To reach the main hiking trail within the park, walk along the beach south of Manzanillo. You may have to cross a small river at certain times of the year. On the other side of the little river, the trailhead picks up!

Guided Hike of Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge:

We highly recommend exploring the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge with a professional naturalist guide. You will see much more wildlife and discover the unique attributes of the ecosystem within the park! Additionally, this is a less frequently visited area of the country. A guide will help you make the most of your time and bring you to the best places! Talk to a Costa Rica Expert to arrange the details of your adventure as well as any additional transportation or accommodation needs.

The Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge Jungle Hike

A great way to see the amazing and lush Caribbean rainforests of Costa Rica. You will see trees covered with lichen, bromeliads, orchids, and mosses creating an abundance of life and beauty. There are approximately 384 species of birds, that exist in the forest and your nature guide will point different species like hummingbirds, tanagers, owls, and toucans. You may also see different types of wildlife like white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, sloths, iguanas, snakes, poisonous frogs, and many other types of animals. You will learn about the many types of medicinal plants that are native to Costa Rica, learn about the natural history, and understand Afro-Caribbean customs. On your way back, you can stop and enjoy a delicious Caribbean meal at the popular restaurant Maxi’s at your own cost before we head to the beach! All of our guides speak both English and Spanish, but you may wish to request one of our French and German-speaking guides.

Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge FAQs:

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Cahuita Marine & Wildlife

Mom and baby sloth sighting in Cahuita National Park by @javier.chaves.photography

The park protects one of the last remaining coral reefs in the country. The reef contains about 35 different species of coral and is home to hundreds of vibrant tropical fish.

Inland, white-faced capuchin and howler monkeys can be seen or heard from the forest lining the beach and brightly colored crabs spotted (especially in the early morning hours) burrowing holes in the sand. Other wildlife within the park include iguanas, toucans, sloths, poison dart frogs, crocodiles, raccoons, snakes, and more.

Cahuita Town

The little town of Cahuita is located just outside the park. This little laid-back fishing village has developed its own culture distinct from the rest of Costa Rica with Jamaican influences, an English Creole Dialect, and reggae beats.

Cahuita Park Entrances

There are two entrances to Cahuita National Park. The generally preferred entrance, Kelly Creek, is located in town at the end of Cahuita village’s main street. It has lockers, changing rooms, and lockers. The other entrance is in Puerto Vargas (3 miles south of Cahuita) at the park’s southern end. It takes a couple of hours to hike to the best snorkeling spots from Puerto Vargas. So, if you’re looking for snorkeling, you’ll want to enter through the Cahuita entrance.

Cahuita Hiking Trails

Cahuita National Park trail via @evq.m

The trails within Cahuita National Park are flat and well-maintained despite the thick surrounding forest. The main trail runs parallel to the beach – only about 300 feet away. Hikers can trek on the trail in the shade of the forest or meander out to the beach for a swim at any time.

Guided Tours of Cahuita National Park:

Cahuita National Park beach via @giulio_dng

To make the most of your time, see more wildlife, and better understand the ecosystem we highly recommend a guided tour in Cahuita National Park. Below are three tours offered within the park that can be included in your custom Costa Rica vacation package.

Snorkel & Hike in Cahuita National Park Tour

Cahuita National Park is a playground of land and sea adventures. Begin your adventure at the beach! Climb aboard the boat that will bring you out to the coral reef. Enjoy a couple of hours in two different snorkeling locations within the national park. Discover colorful tropical fish, underwater marvels, and incredible coral formations. Then, fill up on tropical fruit on the beach before setting out on your hike through the coastal rainforest. Since the park is home to an abundance of diverse wildlife, you’ll likely see monkeys, sloths, tropical birds, iguanas, dart frogs, and more.

• Includes transfers, guide, and entrance.

Cahuita Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling Tour

Enjoy a picturesque boat ride along the coastline of the Cahuita National Park looking for Bottlenose and Atlantic dolphins. Then snorkel the coral reefs of the Cahuita National Park! On the way back to the shoreline, stop to have a fresh snack. Onshore, walk back through the national park (unguided) or take a boat ride back. For guests of Banana Azul Hotel.

• Includes boat ride, guide, equipment, and snack select beverages.

Cahuita National Park, Snorkeling & Hiking Tour

Cahuita National Park has the largest coral reefs in Southern Central America along with fantastic hiking trails full of wildlife. This excursion combines a boat ride, snorkeling, and hiking. First, take a boat ride out to Punta Cahuita. Discover the “underwater tropical forest”while snorkeling. Then, head back to land for a guided hike along lush rainforest trails. Uncover the natural wonders of the area. Be on the lookout for sloths, monkeys, iguanas, frogs, and awe-inspiring insects! For guests of Banana Azul Hotel.

• Includes transfers, guide, equipment, entrance, and snacks.

Cahuita National Park FAQs:

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Scarlet Macaws & Other Wildlife

Scarlet Macaw

Carara is perhaps most well-known for its endangered population of Scarlet Macaws living within the park. Even if you don’t see them right away, you will certainly hear them. Every morning, like clockwork, their boisterous squawks announce their presence within the park before heading to the coast each evening. Although Scarlet Macaw populations have decreased throughout much of Costa Rica, Carara is one location where the population can still be readily observed and appreciated! This vibrant red, yellow, and blue bird is most commonly found in pairs as they mate for life!

“In Huetar, Carara means “river of the lizards,” a name it’s had since before the arrival of the Spanish in Costa Rica. This area is considered a biological island, an effect of the intense agricultural activity that has developed around it. Carara is the last remnant of transitional forest in the country, because it is between the dry tropical forest characteristic of Mesoamerica and the tropical moist forest,” via @_pscbnt_.

Other flora and fauna of the park include toucans, motmots, jacamars, herons, hummingbirds, stilt birds, trogons, white-headed capuchin monkeys, sloths, morpho butterflies, iguanas, agoutis, caimans, armadillos, coatimundis, pacas, peccaries, leaf-cutter ants, blooming orchids and bromeliads, stranger fig trees, and more. The park brings you through a variety of ecosystems from mangroves to transitional forests to rainforests.

Ranger Stations

Carara is divided into two sections: Laguna Meandrica station and the main station, Quebrada Bonita/Sendero Universal Access.

Best Carara National Park Hiking Trails

Carara National Park has four main trails. They are all pretty flat and easy to hike.

Universal Access Trail

Universal Access Trail via @michael_j86

The Universal Access Trail is the first and most popular loop trail within Carara National Park. It’s 3/4 of a mile (about 1 hour) and fully paved. It’s flat and suitable for children, strollers, and wheelchairs. There’s an audio guide available at the entrance.

Quebrada Bonita Trail

Quebrada Bonita, or beautiful creek in Spanish, is the second loop trail, accessible from the Universal Trail. You’ll come across Quebrada Bonita about halfway through the Universal Access loop trail. From this point on, the trails are no longer paved, but still pretty flat.

Araceas Trail

Araceas is the third and final loop trail, accessible from Quebrada Bonita Trail. This is the most rustic of the three loop trails, an if you’re up for a workout, this trail has the most steps.

Meandrica Trail

Meandrica Trail is a bit separated from the other trails. It’s about 1.25 miles from the park entrance. It has a small parking lot. This trail is closed September – October because of green season flooding.

Carara National Park Guided Tours:

Scarlet macaws captured by @mdineenphoto

Not only will a professional naturalist guide be able to point out and help you spot more wildlife in the park, but they can also tell you where to find the scarlet macaws at any given time of day as they tend to migrate in predictable daily patterns. You will undoubtedly see more wildlife and learn more about this unique ecosystem when paired with an experienced guide.

Carara National Park Tour:

This morning you will be met and driven to Carara National Park. This protected area is relatively small in size but is home to approximately 48% of Costa Rica’s avian species. The importance of Carara stems from its location in a transition area between the tropical dry forest region to the north and the more humid Pacific Rainforest to the South. Carara has flora and fauna from both ecosystems and the virgin forest that covers most of the park is the ideal environment for such rare wildlife as the Scarlet Macaw, the Collared Aracari and monkeys.

• Includes transfers, guide, entrance fees, and lunch.

Carara National Park FAQs:

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The 34,000 acres of Rincon de la Vieja National Park are characterized by dry forest with straw-colored rolling hills and sprouting shrubs of yellow and orange flowers. The park is home to some wildly unique creatures including 300 different species of birds, the white-nose coati, agouti, and the nine-banded armadillo.

The Legend of Rincon de la Vieja

Rincon de la Vieja translates to “Corner of the Old Woman” in reference a local legend of a princess whose lover was thrown into the volcano when her father learned of their affair. According to legend, she went on living on the side of the volcano where she gave birth to a son, who she eventually threw into the volcano to be with his father. For the remainder of her life, the princess went on living near the crater where she acquired healing powers. From then on, her home earned the name “Rincon de la Vieja.”

Two Ranger Stations

There are two ranger stations within the park: Santa Maria and Las Pailas. Las Pailas is the most popular as it is the most accessible and closest to Liberia international airport.

Best Hiking Trails in Rincon de la Vieja National Park

Rincon de la Vieja is a fantastic hiking destination and experiences some of the best year-round weather. If you are hoping to see waterfalls, you will have the most luck in the green season (May-December). There are several hiking trails within Rincon de la Vieja National Park. The following are three of the most popular trails within the park and all are accessible from the Las Pailas sector:

Las Pailas Circular Trail (Boiling Mud Pots Trail)

This 2-mile loop will bring you to a variety of viewpoints, past boiling mud pots, fumaroles, a volcancito (small volcano) and beautiful views of the volcano. At certain times of year (green season), you may even see a small seasonal waterfall. This is an easy trail that can be done within the hour.

Escondida Waterfall Trail

The Escondida Waterfall Trail and La Cangreja Waterfall Trail both start off on the same trail before splitting off into two. If you are looking for a longer hike, we suggest choosing between one of these. The Escondida Waterfall Trail is 5.3-miles (8.6 km) total in and out (a couple of hours in each direction).

La Cangreja Waterfall Trail

La Cangreja Waterfall, also known as blue lagoon, is 6.2-miles (10 km) total in and out (a couple of hours in each direction). This trail is steep in areas and involves crossing small creeks/rivers. Swimming is not permitted in the waterfall.

*The Rincon de la Vieja Crater Trail is currently closed.

Guided Hikes in Rincon de la Vieja:

We offer a couple different guided hiking options for travelers looking for an opportunity to hit the trails with a professional naturalist guide and for those who don’t want to have to worry about logistics.

Rincón de la Vieja Waterfalls Guided Hike

Oropendola Waterfall

Start your adventure with a scenic hike to Victoria Waterfall, which drops down dramatically 115 feet into the Rio Negro. Explore the unique vegetation of the surrounding canyon and swim in the crystal-clear waters at the base of the waterfall. As you hike through the forest, enjoy awesome views of the volcano. Armadillos, iguanas, coatis, monkeys, and more than 300 species of bird live within the park. Explore stunning waterfalls like Las Chorreras Waterfall and La Oropéndola Rio Negro Waterfall, which is born from a source of thermal water.

• Includes transfers, entrance fees, guide, and lunch.

Rincón de la Vieja National Park Guided Hike

Hiking through Rincon de la Vieja National Park is an adventure for the whole family. The trails bring you close to residual volcanic activity such as boiling mud pools and fumaroles. You will have the opportunity to discover volcanic craters and see the sulfur springs and steam vents that are plentiful in the Las Pilas sector. Explore unique wildlife and exotic flora. After your hike, stop in Liberia City for lunch.

• Includes transfers, entrance fees, guide, and lunch.

Rio Negro Hot Springs

The hot springs within Rincon de la Vieja are naturally heated by the volcano. One of the most popular is the Rio Negro Hot Springs,  a series of 10 man-made volcanic heated springs accessible on either side by hanging bridges. Volcanic clay is also available for an all-natural body mask. Once your mud mask dries, rinse off in the cool river water, before relaxing back into warm hot springs.

At the hot spring entrance, there are bathrooms, lockers, and changing rooms. From there, you’ll walk along a forested trail less than 1/4 mile to the hot springs.

Rincon de la Vieja FAQs:

For more information, check out our favorite national parks in Costa Rica or browse our vacation packages to get started planning your trip!

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Why visit Poas Volcano?

Aside from its proximity to downtown San Jose, Poas Volcano is 8,900 feet high, one of six active volcanoes in Costa Rica, and has the second largest crater in the world. In fact, Poas’ last eruption was in April of 2017. The park was closed for 16 months before recently being reopened to the public.

Geothermal & Ecological Attractions

Poas Volcano is especially popular among visitors for its brilliant blue crater lake. With a pH of about zero, the lake is one of the most acidic in the world. This acidity is extremely toxic, but the result is its brilliant blue color. Additionally, geysers within the crater spit steam about 590 feet into the air, making it the largest geyser in the world. At 8,900 feet high, Poas Volcano is above the frost line making temperatures below freezing a possibility.

Is Poas Volcano National Park open?

Poas Volcano is active, but generally not disrupting tours. However, they are limiting visitors so it’s best to get there early. Some closures still occur if the Rangers feel that activity in the park is too high.

Is Poas Volcano safe to visit?

Following the volcano’s 2017 eruption and closure, the park has since reopened with new safety measures in place. The park now has gas sensors with live data to keep visitors safe from any toxic gases the volcanoes may be emitting as well as five safety shelters. Park access is now more organized and controlled with their online ticketing system. Additionally, groups visiting the volcano must remain under 50 people and are permitted access to the volcano’s lookout point for up to 20 minutes.

When is the best time to visit?

Poas Volcano on a clear day

The park is open daily from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm. One of the main factors of deciding when to visit Poas Volcano is cloud coverage due to converging winds from the Caribbean and Pacific slopes. Get to the park early for less cloud cover and fewer crowds. If you can, we recommend visiting during Dry Season, from mid-December – April, when there is typically less rain and cloud cover.

How do I get to Poas Volcano?

Poas Volcano’s accessibility is one of the top reasons for its popularity if Costa Rica. It’s easy to reach with just a 1 1/2 hour drive north of San Jose. A steep paved road with scenic views of the Central Valley and green pastures below allows visitors to drive right up to the top before hiking about a 1/2 mile to the crater.

Poas Volcano Day Tours

A guided tour of Poas Volcano with transportation is often combined with visits to Doka Coffee Plantation and La Paz Waterfall Gardens for a full day excursion with lunch included as well as all entrance fees. This is a nice tour of the Central Valley with all the logistics of travel pre-arranged and lead by a knowledgeable guide. These tours can be arranged privately as well. Talk to a Costa Rica Expert to coordinate the details based on your preferences.

Where to Stay

Poas Volcano is easily accessible from downtown San Jose as well as the surrounding Central Valley. Talk to a Costa Rica Expert for a personalized recommendation about what hotels will best suit your preferences and budget.

What to Bring:

While it’s not a strenuous trek to Poas Volcano, you will want to wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes. We also recommend layers as it can be chilly with the high elevation and then become warm. During much of the day, Poas Volcano is shrouded in cloud cover so a water-resistant jacket is recommended. Don’t forget to put on sunscreen! Even when it’s overcast and cool, you’ll get much more sun at the higher elevation. We also recommend sunglasses, bug repellent, and your camera.

Ready to discover Poas Volcano? Plan your trip with a Costa Rica Expert!

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Why visit Corcovado?

There are many reasons, but perhaps one of the most notable is that the park is virtually untouched. The animals of Corcovado are not fed and rarely have human encounters. Therefore, we are able to observe wildlife in their natural healthy environments in which they were meant to thrive.

What animals are in Corcovado?

Red-eyed Tree Frog

You won’t need to travel far before finding animals in Corcovado National Park. Thanks to its large size, Corcovado National Park is home to big cats like the puma, ocelot, jaguarundi, margay, and the endangered jaguar. Most of the Wildcats are nocturnal and rarely seen during the daytime. Corcovado is the only place in Costa Rica where you can see all four species of Costa Rica’s monkeys: the howler, white-faced capuchin, squirrel, and spider monkey. Other animals to look out for include two-toed and three-toed sloths, endangered Bird’s Tapirs, toucans, scarlet macaws, peccaries (wild pigs), crocodiles, sea turtles, lizards, and anteaters.

When is the best time to visit?

The driest months for Corcovado National Park are December to April. The rainy season begins in May and goes through early December. September and October generally see the most rain. Some lodges on the Osa Peninsula temporarily close in October due to high rainfall. Throughout the course of a year, the park receives over 25 feet of rainfall on average. Talk to an Expert about where to go during your travel dates.

How do I get to Corcovado National Park?

Sierpe

Getting to Corcovado National Park is an adventure. You will first need to travel to your eco-lodge located near the small towns of Drake Bay or Puerto Jimenez. If traveling to Drake Bay from Manuel Antonio or the South Pacific Coast, private ground transportation can be arranged to Sierpe where a boat will bring you along jungle waterways to your eco-lodge in Drake Bay. It’s also possible to reach Drake Bay by flight. However, the Drake Bay airstrip is temporarily closed so travelers can fly into the Palmar Sur domestic airport where they will take a short ground transfer to Sierpe and then travel down to their Drake Bay eco-lodge by boat. Many Drake Bay eco-lodges have a day tour to Corcovado National Park included in their standard packages. Alternatively, a 50-minute domestic flight will bring you to the town of Puerto Jimenez from San Jose. To reach Corcovado National Park from your eco-lodge, charter flight, boat, or four-by-four vehicles will likely be your modes of transportation to reach one of the park’s ranger stations. Sound like a headache? Talk to a Costa Rica Expert and we can arrange this all for you. 

Corcovado Ranger Stations

When visiting from Drake Bay, you will most likely enter Corcovado from San Pedrillo or Sirena Ranger Station, both of which are located on the northern coastline of the Osa Peninsula. Prepare yourself for a wet landing upon arrival at both stations. San Pedrillo Ranger Station is the most northern ranger station in the park and about 25-minutes away from the Drake Bay lodges by boat. Sirena Ranger Station is about one hour from Drake Bay by boat and one of the most biologically diverse locations in the park attracting scientists from around the world. The Sirena Ranger Station is also the headquarters and largest station in the park. Surrounded by secondary rainforest, many animals can be seen from the network of trails accessible from the Sirena Ranger Station. The facilities of the ranger stations are very basic. Sirena Ranger Station is the only ranger station that serves food from a restaurant. Please note that park service has greatly reduced the guest allowance into each park entrance and lodges cannot guarantee which ranger station you might be permitted to enter from.

What to Expect in the Park

There are no roads within the park. After the entrance points, park exploration is on foot. Humidity and heat can be intense. Corcovado National Park averages about 20 feet of rain each year. Dress accordingly! Hiking in the park can be especially muddy during the rainy season. Hiking along the beach can also be difficult when the tide is high.

Day Tours

Every lodge in the Osa Peninsula area has its own selection of day tours. It’s possible to explore Corcovado National Park by plane on a full day tour which includes a charter flight to Sirena Biological Station and lunch. You can also explore the park by land on a challenging full day hike which includes lunch. It’s also possible to reach the park ranger station by boat before continuing on foot. As of 2014, a certified licensed guide is required to access Corcovado National Park.

Where to Stay

Lapa Rios Luxury Eco Lodge near Puerto Jimenez

Our Experts recommend staying at one of the many eco-lodges outside Corcovado National Park near the town of Drake Bay or Puerto Jimenez. Many of the lodges on the Osa Peninsula are eco-boutique hotels. While all of them require a love of nature and a sense of adventure, a few lodges even cater to the luxurious eco-adventurer. Most of the lodges on the Osa Peninsula area are all-inclusive due to its remote setting. We highly recommend booking lodging to the Osa Peninsula in advance particularly during high season. Ask a Costa Rica Expert which lodge would be the best fit for your travel plans.

What to Bring:

Hiking Shoes, hiking sandals or water shoes, bathing suit, water bottle, hat, waterproof jacket, quick-drying pants and shirt, binoculars, camera, insect repellent, sunscreen, dry bag

*If you’re entering the park through Siena Ranger Station, there is a wet landing from the boat. Be sure to wear waterproof shoes and bring a change of shoes appropriate for hiking along the trails, beach, and stream beds.

Don’t miss Piedras Blancas National Park.

If Corcovado National Park had a sister, it would be Piedras Blancas National Park. Located on the other side of the Golfo Dulce, Piedras Blancas used to be a part of Corcovado. Unfortunately, the park went through some private landowners some of which contributed to the park’s deforestation in the 90’s. Today, we have two separate remote rainforest park experiences. If you are looking for a bit of vacation diversity, but want to keep your experience remote, wild, and rustic, hop over the Golfo Dulce and spend part of your vacation in Piedras Blancas National Park. A couple of eco-lodges back right up to Piedras Blancas with views of the Golfo Dulce and some of the most pristine rainforest beaches in the country. Ask an Expert which Piedras Blancas lodge would be best for you.

Don’t miss Cano Island.

About 10 miles off the coast of the Osa Peninsula, Cano Island is another natural gem to consider while visiting the Osa Peninsula Area. The island is especially popular for snorkeling and diving as there are a number of underwater rock formations and clearer waters than along the mainland shoreline. There are as many as fifteen different coral species that can be found here and a number of threatened sea creatures. Sea turtles, manta rays, sharks, dolphins, whales and many colorful fish are some of the animals that can be found off the coast of Cano Island. Many of the eco-lodges in the area can arrange day excursions.

For more information on traveling in and around the Osa Peninsula, check out our Osa Peninsula destination page here or plan your trip with a Costa Rica Expert.

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