Rincón de la Vieja is an active volcano in Costa Rica's dry northwest, near Liberia. The Las Pailas loop, about 3.5 km, leads to bubbling mud pots and hissing steam vents through dry tropical forest where howler monkeys and coatis live.
After the hike and lunch, the afternoon is for slowing down: volcanic hot springs and a mud bath, with time to soak before the drive back to your hotel.
Highlights
- Bubbling mud pots and steam vents on the Las Pailas loop
- Dry tropical forest, home to howler monkeys and coatis
- An afternoon in volcanic hot springs
- A volcanic mud bath
Know before you go
- The Las Pailas sector is closed on Mondays and open 8 am to 3 pm the rest of the week.
- Park tickets are sold online only. I book them for you together with the tour.
- Prefer a longer hike? The waterfall trails, like La Cangreja (about 10 km, challenging), require entry before noon, and I can plan your day around one.
- Guanacaste is hot and dry from December to April, so drink plenty of water and wear a hat on the trail.
- Rincón de la Vieja is an active volcano, and park rules or open trails can change at short notice.
- Monkeys and coatis are wild, so sightings are never guaranteed.
How the day goes
-
Morning pickup
From hotels in Liberia, Papagayo or Tamarindo. The time depends on where you stay, and I confirm it when I book.
-
Las Pailas loop
About 3.5 km with your guide, past mud pots and steam vents and through the dry forest. The trail is moderate, with some uneven ground.
-
Lunch and hot springs
After lunch, soak in the volcanic hot springs and try the mud bath, then ride back to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Included
- Round-trip transport from Liberia, Papagayo or Tamarindo
- Guide for the hike
- National park ticket
- Lunch
- Hot springs and mud bath
Not included
- Tips
What to bring
- Closed shoes for the trail
- Swimsuit and towel
- Sunscreen and a hat
- A change of clothes for after the springs
- Refillable water bottle