Rincon De La Vieja National Park & Natural Hotsprings

Nestled in the lush Guanacaste region of Costa Rica, Rincon De La Vieja National Park is a natural wonder that captivates visitors with its diverse ecosystems and remarkable volcanic activity. Travelers can explore steaming hot springs, bubbling mud pots, and towering waterfalls while surrounded by the park’s vibrant flora and fauna. Whether seeking adventure or tranquility, this dynamic destination offers a captivating experience that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• Rincon de la Vieja National Park is home to an active stratovolcano with diverse ecosystems, including tropical dry forests, cloud forests, and volcanic hot springs.
• The park offers opportunities for adventure-seekers and nature enthusiasts, with activities such as swimming in freshwater pools and climbing behind waterfalls.
• The Cortes Waterfall Trip is a popular 5-hour tour that includes a visit to the 49-foot Cortes Waterfall, lunch, and round-trip transportation.
• The tour features a maximum group size of 10 to ensure a personalized experience, and is not recommended for those with certain medical conditions or limited mobility.
• The park is known for its abundant wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and over 300 bird species, making it a prime destination for birdwatchers and nature lovers.

Location and Overview

Rincon de la Vieja National Park is located in the Guanacaste region of northwestern Costa Rica. The park is home to the Rincon de la Vieja volcano, an active stratovolcano that dominates the landscape.

Visitors can explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, which include tropical dry forests, cloud forests, and volcanic features like hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles. The park is known for its abundance of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and over 300 bird species.

With its stunning natural beauty and unique geological formations, Rincon de la Vieja National Park is a popular destination for adventure-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Tour Details

The Cortes Waterfall Trip offers visitors a chance to explore one of the highlights of Rincon de la Vieja National Park.

This 5-hour small group tour includes lunch at a local restaurant, admission fees, and round-trip transport from select Playa del Coco hotels.

Visitors can swim in a freshwater pool, climb behind the 49-foot waterfall, relax on a white sand beach, and listen for tropical birds and wildlife.

With a maximum of 10 people, the tour provides a personalized experience. Priced from $179 per person, the tour isn’t recommended for those with certain medical conditions or limited mobility.

Cortes Waterfall Trip

Offered as part of the Rincon de la Vieja National Park experience, the Cortes Waterfall Trip provides visitors a chance to enjoy the park’s natural beauty.

The small group tour includes a visit to the 49-foot (15-meter) Cortes Waterfall, where travelers can swim in a freshwater pool and climb behind the cascading waters.

Explore the Cortes Waterfall, where visitors can swim in a freshwater pool and venture behind the cascading waters.

After exploring the falls, participants enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant and take in the lush foliage and tropical wildlife of the surrounding forest.

The tour includes round-trip transportation from select hotels and lasts approximately 5 hours.

Activities at Cortes Falls

When visitors arrive at Cortes Falls, they can enjoy a variety of activities.

They can swim in the refreshing freshwater pool at the base of the 49-foot waterfall. Visitors can also climb behind the cascading waters, feeling the mist on their skin.

Surrounded by lush foliage, they can relax on the white sand beach and listen for the calls of tropical birds and wildlife in the forest.

With a small group size, the experience offers a personalized connection to the natural world.

Itinerary

The tour begins with pickup at 9 AM from selected hotels in Playa del Coco, Playa Ocotal, Playa Hermosa, Las Catalinas, Comunidad, or Liberia.

The 1-hour trip to Cortes Falls passes Rincon de la Vieja, Miravalles, and Tenorio volcanoes.

After arrival, visitors can:

• Swim in a freshwater pool

• Climb behind the 49-foot waterfall

• Relax on a white sand beach

• Listen for tropical birds and wildlife

Following the waterfall activities, the group enjoys lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the original departure point.

Additional Information

What else is included in this tour? The package includes lunch at a local restaurant, all admission fees, and round-trip transportation from select hotels in the Playa del Coco area.

Requirements include a valid passport and a moderate level of physical fitness, as the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for those with certain medical conditions.

Pricing starts at $179 per person, with variations based on group size. Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour begins.

Ratings

Rincon De La Vieja National Park’s tour receives an impressive 4.8 overall rating based on 12 traveler reviews, with no 1-3 star ratings recorded.

Travelers praise the tour, highlighting:

• The breathtaking Cortes Waterfall and surrounding natural beauty

• The opportunity to swim in the freshwater pool and climb behind the waterfall

• The delicious lunch at a local restaurant

• The personalized small-group experience led by knowledgeable guides

These stellar reviews reflect the tour’s ability to deliver an unforgettable adventure through Costa Rica’s stunning Rincon de la Vieja National Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Bring to the Tour?

For this tour, visitors should bring a swimsuit, towel, bug spray, sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and any personal items they may need. It’s also a good idea to bring extra cash for any additional purchases.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Activities?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, but it’s recommended that participants have a moderate level of physical fitness. Children under the age of 12 should be accompanied by an adult for safety reasons.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, there’s an option to extend the tour duration. Travelers can request a longer excursion, which may include additional activities or sites beyond the standard 5-hour itinerary, though this would likely incur an extra fee.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

You can customize the tour itinerary to your preferences. The tour operator offers flexibility to tailor the experience to your interests and needs, within the overall 5-hour duration.

What Is the Dress Code for the Activities?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but casual, comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended for the activities. Swimwear is advised for swimming at the waterfall pool, and a change of clothes may be useful.

The Sum Up

Rincon De La Vieja National Park is a captivating destination in Costa Rica, offering visitors a unique blend of natural wonders. From volcanic hot springs and mud pots to diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife, the park provides an immersive experience amidst lush landscapes. Whether seeking adventure or simply appreciating the beauty of nature, Rincon De La Vieja is a must-visit destination for any traveler exploring the wonders of Costa Rica.