Rincon de la Vieja National Park is located in Guanacaste Province in northwestern Costa Rica and offers a striking mix of volcanic landscapes, rolling green hills, gushing waterfalls and lush tropical forests. Named after the park's prominent volcano, Rincon de la Vieja, the protected area is known for its bubbling mud pools, natural hot springs and diverse wildlife. Visitors can explore hiking trails, discover fascinating geothermal features, spot colourful birdlife and enjoy the surrounding scenery. The park encompasses both tropical dry forest and cloud forest, providing habitats for a variety of plants and animals. Its name means 'The Old Woman's Corner' and comes from a local legend about a woman who was said to have developed healing powers. With its dramatic landscapes and opportunities for hiking and wildlife watching, the park is a rewarding destination for nature lovers exploring Costa Rica.
The Arenal Volcano erupted violently July 29th 1968 destroying the region west of its base with hot gases, rocks and later, lava flows. Today the volcano steams quietly and heats local rivers that have been developed into popular hot springs and spas. Forest vegetation is quickly returning and covering the massive rock fragments and lava flows, and rain forest wildlife once again flourishes in and around the park.
Neighbouring the spectacularly scenic 680-hectare Manuel Antonio National Park and situated along Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, the bustling beachside village of Manuel Antonio offers a variety of comfortable accommodation options for eco-explorers and adventurers who flock here to explore this beautiful area. The undeniable highlight is the adjacent Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica’s smallest national park, featuring lush biodiverse rainforests, mangroves, lagoons, offshore coral reefs, pristine white-sand beaches and abundant wildlife, including over 100 mammal species and almost 200 bird species. Visitors can enjoy a variety of exciting activities including fishing, swimming, snorkelling, wildlife viewing, bird watching, hiking and relaxing on tropical beaches.
