Rincon de la Vieja National Park – Las Pailas Volcanic Activity Hike
The Las Pailas Trail Volcanic Activity Hike is part of Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Here you will get to see the volcanic activity up close and hike through the dry and humid tropical forest.
How to Get to Rincon de la Vieja National Park
Las Pailas Trail Sector
Las Pailas trail is located in the town of Curubande outside of Liberia. To get here from Liberia you will head down Ruta 1 highway where you will see a sign for Rincon de la Vieja National Park. When you see these signs, you will turn right towards Curubande.
Once in Curubande you will continue straight until you reach Hacienda Guachipelin. This is a private property that you will need to go through. To enter you will pay a toll which is 800 colones (about $1.50) per person.
You will continue through Hacienda Guachipelin until you see an intersection. You will then turn left and continue straight until you reach the National Park. The parking lot will be on your left side at the very end of the road
Rincon de la Vieja National Park
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Rincon de la Vieja National Park
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Location
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Curubandé, Liberia. (Guanacaste Province)
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Hours of Operation
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Las Pailas Trail 8am - 3pm | Waterfalls Trail 8am - 12pm(Whole Park is closed on Mondays)
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Entrance Fee for Foreigners
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Adults - $16.95 USD | Children (2-12 years) - $5.65 USD
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Entrance Fee for Residents
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Adults - 1,130 CRC | Children (2-12 years) - 565 CRC
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Included Attractions
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Las Pailas Trail, La Cangreja Waterfall and The Hidden Waterfall
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Las Pailas Trail Distance
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3.2km (2.5 miles)
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La Cangreja Waterfall Distance
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10km (6.2 miles)
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The Hidden Waterfall Distance
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8.4km (5.2 miles)
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Is a Guide Required?
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Self Guided and Guided Tours are Available
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How to Book Tickets
Self Guided
You can book a self guided hike directly through the National Park. For this option you will drive yourself to the National Park and explore at your own pace.
To book tickets for a self-guided tour you will go to National Parks (sinac.go.cr)
1. Select Rincon de la Vieja National Park
2. Select the buy button in the bottom right corner
3. If you do not have an account already you will need to create an account with the National Park website.
4. Once you have an account you can then log in
5. You will fill out the information on the page and select the date and time of when you would like to arrive at the National Park
Guided Tour
You can also book a guided tour. When booking this tour, you can book with transportation included or self-drive. It is important to note that this includes a guide for the volcanic activity trail only but not for the waterfalls, and the admission fee is also included.
To book a guided tour you will go to Rincon De La Vieja Tours & Tickets (rincondelaviejapark.com)
1. You will select either a self-drive tour or a tour with transportation included.
2. You will then select Volcanic Activity Hike and select the Volcanic Activity Hike of your choice.
3. Select the date, time and number of people attending the tour on the right side.
4. Press book now and fill out the rest of the information on the page.
5. Shortly after you will receive a confirmation email with a list of what to bring and any other information you may need to know.
The Check in Process
After arriving, you will go to the office right outside the start of the trail. Once inside you will check in and show them your reservation. A reservation in advance is required in order to enter the trail. If they are not at capacity, you may be able to go online and book, but you will still need to do it through their website and pay with card (there are no options to enter without going through the website). Also, spots can fill up fast, so it is recommended that you have a reservation already before you arrive.
After they confirm your reservation, they will allow you to enter the National Park and begin exploring.
Las Pailas Volcanic Activity Trail
The Las Pailas Trail Volcanic Activity hike is a very well-marked trail, making it very easy to follow. This trail is 3.2km or 2.5 miles long. It takes you through a dry tropical forest and along the way you will pass by several different attractions.
Laguna Fumarolica
Laguna Fumarolica also known as the Fumarolic Lagoon is the first attraction you will see on the Las Palias Volcanic Activity Hike. It is a pond of water that has turned a yellowish brown due to the volcanic minerals it contains. This pond is affected at the base by volcanic activities.
Water Pots
Next you will find ponds of water and mud that you can watch bubble and erupt caused by the volcanic activity below.
Volcanic Bubbling Mud
After you will see the most popular attraction on the hike, and these are the bubbling mud pots. Here you can watch the mud constantly bubbling from the volcano. This mud is known for having great benefits to your skin due to the minerals it contains.
Volcancito (Little Volcano)
At the little volcano you can watch the smoke coming from the ground and get a unique up-close interaction with this little volcano. You may notice unique spells at some of these locations due to the sulfurous gases being released from the volcano.
Volcanic Fumes
At the volcanic fumes you can also see the smoke from the volcano, as well as you can see the water boiling and bubbling in the pond below.
Seasonal Waterfall
The last attraction you will see on this hike is a seasonal waterfall. Just like it sounds, it depends on the time of year you visit for how large this waterfall will be. If you go during the rainy season, it is a large waterfall, but during the dry season it may be pretty small or not flowing at all.
Trail to La Cangreja Waterfall
La Cangreja Waterfall is a must-see waterfall in Costa Rica. When visiting this waterfall, make sure you are prepared for its long hike. Along the way you will see a variety of different terrains and unique plants, you may also see some wildlife along the way.
Distance: 10km (6.2 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate Difficulty (not suited for individuals with knee, ankle or mobility issues)
Waterfall Height: 40m or 130ft
Trail Hours: 8am-12pm (12pm is the latest you can start, after 12pm no one is allowed to enter the trail), then you are allowed to get out by 4pm
La Cangreja Waterfall
To reach La Cangreja Waterfall you will need to travel across several different terrains. This hike will take you to a bright blue pool below a beautiful waterfall.
Trail to The Hidden Waterfall
Along the way to La Cangreja Waterfall the trail will also split, and you will have the option to also visit another waterfall known as The Hidden Waterfall. This is a smaller waterfall and adds about 2.6km (1.6 miles) to your hike. It is known for being a very steep trail.
Distance: 8.4km round trip (5.2 miles round trip)
Difficulty: Very Difficult and Steep (not suited for individuals with knee, ankle or mobility issues)
Average Duration: 4-5 hours round trip
Trail Hours: 8am-12pm (12pm is the latest you can start, after 12pm no one is allowed to enter the trail), then you are allowed to get out by 4pm
The Hidden Waterfall
This trail is the most difficult trail in the national park because it is very steep. There is also a large section that is in an open area with no trees to cover so it can be very sunny. After completing this difficult hike, you will arrive at the Hidden Waterfall. This is a smaller waterfall, but it is without a doubt one of the best views.
What to Bring
- Closed toe shoes or Hiking Shoes
- Sunscreen
- Small bottle of water
- Bug’s Spray
- Snacks
Combo Tour Options
Las Pailas Trail (volcanic activity hike) + Oropendola Waterfall + Lunch + Hot Springs and Mud Bath
Las Pailas Trail (Volcanic Activity hike) + Oropendola Waterfall + Lunch
Other Attractions Near the National Park
La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike
On this adventure hike you will take a guided tour to La Leona Waterfall. This hike take about 2.5-3 hours and includes swimming through rivers, climbing up and over rocks and finally arriving at the one of a kind La Leona Waterfall.
White Water River Tubing
This tour consists of class I, II, and III rapids and lasts about an hour and 30 minutes full of adrenaline. You will be traveling through the Colorado River with expert tour guides by your side the entire time ensuring your safety while still having fun.
If your looking for an afternoon of relaxation, Rio Negro Hot Springs and Mud Bath has 10 different thermal pools to try out along with a volcanic mud bath.
One Day Adventure Pass
Included in the One Day Adventure Pass is a canopy zip lining tour, repelling and rock climbing, horse back riding, white water river tubing, lunch and a visit to the hot springs and mud bath. This offers a day filled with adventure and relaxation.
Included in the Mega Combo Adventure Pass is a jungle zip ling, horse back riding, tractor safari, volcanic mud bath, natural hot springs, volcanic steam sauna and a typical Costa Rican lunch.
FAQs
No a guide is not required to visit Las Pailas Trail in Rincon de la Vieja National Park, but guided tours are also available.
Yes, you can vist La Cangreja Waterfall while at the National Park for no additional fee.
No, there is not a minimum age to visit Rincon de la Vieja National Park.
This hike is not advised for individuals with knee, ankle or mobility issues becuase there are areas of stairs and areas with uneven surfaces.
The hike takes about an hour and 30 minutes to compleate and is about 2 miles.
You can book a guide for Las Pailas Trail at rincondelaviejapark.com
Some other popular attractions near Rincon de la Vieja National Park are La Leona Waterfall, White Water River Tubing, Rio Negro Hot Springs and Mud Bath and more!