Home Destinations Mexico and Central America Costa Rica Sights Rincón de la Vieja National Park

Rincon de la Vieja National Park Review

Read our Costa Rica sights reviews. Or post your own.

Rincón de la Vieja National Park

Category: Parks
Location: Rincón de la Vieja National Park

Fodor's Review:

Parque Nacional Rincón de la Vieja is Costa Rica's mini-Yellowstone, with volcanic hot springs and boiling, bubbling mud ponds. The park protects more than 177 square km (54 square mi) of the volcano's upper slopes, much of which are covered by dry forest. Often enveloped in a mixture of sulfurous gases and cloud, the volcano dominates the scenery to the right of the Pan-American Highway as you head north. The volcano has two peaks: Santa María (1,916 m ) and the barren Rincón de la Vieja (1,806 m ). Fumaroles on the latter, which has one active crater, constantly let off steam, making it unlikely that it will erupt anytime soon. The wildlife here is diverse: more than 250 species of birds, including long-tailed manakins and blue-crowned motmots; plus mammals such as brocket deer, monkeys, and armadillos. There may still be a jaguar or two left, but these large cats are elusive and rarely seen.

Cost: $6
Open: Tues.-Sun. 7-5, last entry at 3 PM

Find more sights in Costa Rica »