Rincon de la Vieja National Park is a must see attraction while in the Guanacaste Province. There are several different trails available to visit while at Rincon de la Vieja National Park, as well as 2 different sectors.
The sector we will be looking at today is the Las Palias Trail Sector. Here you will get to see the volcanic activity up close and hike through the dry and humid tropical forest. There are also 2 other trails you can visit as well that will take you to La Cangreja Waterfall and the Hidden Waterfall.
Table of Contents
How to Get to Rincon de la Vieja National Park
Las Pailas Trail Sector
Las Pailas trail is located in the town of Curubandé 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 Curubandé 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: Las Pailas Trail
| Location | Hours of Operation | Entrance Fee for Foreigners | Entrance Fee for Residents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Curubandé, Liberia (Guanacaste Province) | Las Pailas Trail 8am-3pm (Waterfall Trails 8am-12pm) Closed Mondays | Adults – $16.95 USD | Children (2-12 years) $5.65 USD | Adults – 1,130 CRC | Children (2-12 years) 565 CRC |
| Included Attractions | Las Pailas Trail Distance | La Cangreja Waterfall Distance | The Hidden Waterfall Distance | Is a Guide Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Las Pailas Trail (volcanic activity hike), La Cangreja Waterfall and The Hidden Waterfall | 3.2km (2.5 miles) | 10km (6.2 miles) | 8.4km (5.2 miles) | There are both guided and self guided hikes available for Las Pailas Trail |
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.
You will begin walking down a paved path in between green pillars. You will come to an area will the road will split in 2. You can take either route because the National Park is one loop. If you are starting in the morning it is recommended that you start on the paved path. This route starts out in the sun so it is best to get through this part of the trail in the morning before it is too hot out. This means that during the hottest part of the day you will be going through the shaded sections.
Las Hornillas
The first attraction you will see is the Hornillas. This is an introduction to the upcoming volcanic activity. Here you can see how the cracks near the surface that are caused from the heat start changing the environment around it.
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. Here you can see the minerals that are created due to the volcanic activity. The yellow color is caused by the sulfur, red on the rocks is oxidized iron, and white on the rocks is caused by calcium.
Mud Pots
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. You will oftentimes see this same mud at the hot springs and used in mud baths. This mud is known for having great benefits for your skin due to the minerals it contains. Here you can see where that mud comes from.
Entrance to Santa Maria Sector
You will also find the entrance to the Santa Maria Sector along the way. If you go through the yellow gate you can cross through to this sector. The walk to this sector is about 7 miles.
Volcancito
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. Recently this little volcano has gotten a lot bigger and stronger so part of the lookout is closed off due to its increase in size.
Fumaroles
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. This is a natural pond that has water all year round and is heated due to volcanic activity underneath. This is a great example of how hot springs are created. To make hot springs they take a source similar to this, disperse the water into different polls and then regulate the water temperate with water from the river until it reaches a temperature that is safe for you to swim in.
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.
Wildlife on the Trail
On the trail you may have the opportunity to see a variety of different types of wildlife. This is when having a tour guide is a great benefit because they are experts at spotting these hidden animals. Keep in mind that spotting wildlife is never guaranteed on this hike.
Waterfall Trails
At the beginning of the trail for Las Pailas you will see an alternative trail. This trail leads you to 2 waterfalls. This trail goes several miles into the dry tropical forest, so make sure you come prepared before entering this trail. The 2 waterfalls it leads you to is La Cangreja and The Hidden Waterfall.
To get to both La Cangreja Waterfall and the Hidden Waterfall you will begin on the same trail. This trail is of moderate difficulty and is clearly marked the entire way. The entrance to these trails closes at 12pm so make sure to start these trails early enough. La Cangreja Waterfall is a 10km hike and The Hidden Waterfall is a 9km hike.
You will then come to where the trail splits for each waterfall. Though La Cangreja is a longer trail it is a much easier trail. The Hidden Waterfall trail is not recommended in less you are in moderate-good shape. Also La Cangreja Waterfall is the more well known waterfall at Rincon de la Vieja National Park.
Trail to La Cangreja
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
It will then open up in to a sunny area with open landscape.
The trail is marked the entire way and you will see signs marking different significant areas along the way.
La Cangreja Waterfall
This is one of the tallest waterfalls in Costa Rica. Here you can swim under the waterfall and off to the left of the waterfall you will find a hot spring you can visit. This waterfall has a bright blue pool below and is a waterfall you don’t want to miss out on while in Costa Rica!
After visiting La Cangreaja Waterfall you will go back down the same path until you get to where the trail splits again. At this point you can continue back to the start of the trail where you will get back to Las Pailas trail or you can go to the second waterfall. This waterfall is known at The Hidden Waterfall.
Trail to The Hidden Waterfall
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, this trail is not recommended for anyone who is not in good-moderate shape and has experience hiking. Though this trail is shorter it is much more difficult than the trail to La Cangreja Waterfall.
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
This trail begins pretty flat and then slowly increases in steepness. Once you get to the halfway point you will will arrive at a lookout. Here you can see so much of Costa Rica and even view the ocean.
After the lookout the intensity of the hike increases. At this point you will need to climb up and over many rocks on a steep incline. This area also has no covering from tress so be prepared to be directly in the sun.
You will then see a sign for the waterfall and at this point you are only 100 meters away. You will also be able to see another waterfall from the distance as well.
You will the travel downhill until you reach a river crossing. Many people think that the small waterfall here is the hidden waterfall but that is not the case. You must cross the river crossing and then travel up the rocks on the left side. (you can also drink the water at this river crossing)
You can either cross in the water or you can jump across the dry area but be careful if you make this jump because you are jumping right next to a large cliff.
You will then travel across a short path for about 5 minutes until you reach a blue rope. This rope will lead you directly to the waterfall.
The Hidden Waterfall is another amazing swimming spot in Costa Rica! This waterfall is much colder than La Cangreja Waterfall.
What to Bring to Rincon de la Vieja National Park
- Closed toed shoes or Hiking Shoes
- Sunscreen
- Water
- Bug Spray
- Snacks
- Rain Jacket in the rainy season
- Pants and long sleeves are recommended if you are hiking to The Hidden Waterfall (you will need to walk through areas of tall brush)
Rincon de la Vieja National Park Combo Tours Available
FAQs
Do I Need a Guide to Visit Rincon de la Vieja Park, Las Pailas Trail?
No, a guide is not required to visit Rincon de la Vieja National Park Las Pailas Trail, but guided tours help enhance your experience while here.
Is There a Waterfall at Rincon de la Vieja National Park?
Yes, you can visit The Seasonal Waterfall, La Cangreja Waterfall and The Hidden Waterfall while at the National Park for no additional fee.
Is there a Minimum Age to Visit the National Park?
No, there is not a minimum age to visit Rincon de la Vieja National Park.
How Hard is the Las Pailas Trails Volcanic Activity Hike?
This hike does not include much elevation gain and is on pretty flat surfaces making the hike not too difficult. This hike is not advised for individuals with knee, ankle or mobility issues because there are areas of stairs and areas with uneven surfaces.
How Long Does it Take to Hike Las Pailas Trail?
The hike takes about an hour and 30 minutes to complete and is about 2 miles.
How do I Book a Guide for the Las Pailas Trail Volcanic Activity Hike?
You can book a guide for Las Pailas Trail at rincondelaviejapark.com
What other attractions are near Rincon de la Vieja National Park?
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! One of the most popular attractions in the area is La Leona Waterfall!
Does the Guided Tour also Take you to the Waterfalls?
The guided tour ticket includes admission to all 3 waterfalls. You guide will take you to The Seasonal Waterfall but will not go with you on the other 2 waterfall hikes. After you complete Las Pails Trail you can then explore the other 2 waterfall hikes on your own if you would like to.