Rincon de la Vieja is one of the active volcanos in Costa Rica located in the Guanacaste Range in northern Costa Rica. It is only a few miles south of the Nicaraguan border.
There are several eruptive vents aligned on a ridge running northwest - southeast. The volcano exists due to a continental margin (like all the others in Costa Rica) below the surface and it is defined as a compound volcano meaning that there are two or more vents or composite volcanos close to each other usually formed at different times. Of the nine eruptive craters the major individual stratovolcanos are named :
Recent activity has been concentrated inside Active Crater which includes a small lake in the crater. This recent activity began in the 1970's with the last explosion taking place on February 16, 1998.
The easiest way to see the volcano and national park named for it is to fly into Liberia, the capital city of the Guanacaste province. From there drive north a few miles on the Pan American highway to Cercedo and then through to the village of Curubandé. This trek is usually accomplished with 4 wheel drive vehicles. Reaching the summit of the volcano is difficult to say the least and takes 4-5 hours.
Fun Fact about Costa Rica
Local legend has it that a native princess named Curabanda had relations with Mixcoac, an enemy chief of a neighboring tribe. Curabande, her father found out, captured Mixcoac and threw him in the volcano.
Curabanda, distraught with grief, hid on the side of the volcano until she gave birth to his son and then threw him into the volcano to be near the side of his father. Curabanda later became famous for her healing powers.
Rincon de la Vieja means "corner of the old one."
About 30 minutes from the ranger station is a pretty lagoon that is blue due to the chemicals in the rocks and stones below. The lagoon is fed by a waterfall and includes a small hot spring providing a refreshing time for all.
Ride through the rainforest and to the volcano enjoying the wildlife and flora provided in the area.
Hikes to the summit are controlled by park rangers and checkin / checkout is required to ensure visitors are not lost hiking in the area. Rincon de la Vieja is a comparatively less traveled area of Costa Rica.
Arenal Volcano
Poas Volcano
Rincon de la Vieja Volcano (this page)
Costa Rica Volcanos
Cause of volcano eruptions
3 types of volcano
Volcano vocabulary & definitions
Do you have questions about Rincon de la Vieja and didn't find the answer here? Please contact us and tell us about it. This will help you find what you need and also let us know about information that should be on our site!
