Why should you visit the Rincón de la Vieja region?
If you want to find yourself in a setting straight out of an adventure movie, Rincon de la Vieja is the place to go exploring. The national park, established in 1973 and covering 34,000 hectares, is divided into two sectors: Santa Maria and Las Pailas.
In the heart of the park lies the Rincon de la Vieja volcano, the colossus of Guanacaste, standing 1,916 meters tall. It has at least 9 different craters and is surrounded by some 30 rivers and streams. The park is teeming with wildlife, including capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, sloths, and more than 300 species of birds. You’ll also see a wide variety of plants, such as the country’s national flower, the Guaria Moradia orchid.
A wide variety of activities for everyone
Another advantage of this region is the variety of activities it offers. In fact, there’s something for all ages and tastes!
My favorite is a horseback ride right in the heart of the rainforest!
But there are other options, such as recharging in the natural hot springs, treating yourself to a mud mask to perfect your skin, hiking in the national park and catching a glimpse of the volcano’s fumaroles, tubing down one of the region’s rivers, or soaring through the air on a zip-line course…
Waterfalls, each one more beautiful than the last
What could be better than swimming in a natural pool at the foot of a waterfall?
Rincon de la Vieja is full of incredible waterfalls, and I’ve been able to swim in many of them! Take, for example, La Cangreja Waterfall, located in the Las Pailas area. It’s a little-known waterfall, 40 meters high, with hot springs nearby. Copper minerals from the volcano give the water its azure blue color, creating a stunning contrast with the green forest.
Head out to explore the Santuario Waterfall, nicknamed “The Cathedral” because it’s located in a rock cave that resembles the pedestals of a church. It’s a special spot to relax or—why not?—enjoy a romantic picnic.
Hike to the two Las Chorreras waterfalls, which merge into the Río Blanco. A small canyon of volcanic rock surrounds the falls and the natural pool, creating an intimate and private tropical oasis for a refreshing dip.
My Favorite Activity: Sensoria
Embark on an adventure through natural pools and the rainforest.
You’ll visit Sensoria Park, north of the Rinción de la Vieja region, accompanied by a local guide.
To start, you’ll head up high to look out over the rainforest and admire Nicaragua’s Lake Cocibolca from a platform at the treetops.
Next, head into the heart of the rainforest, where your guide will explain the uses of certain plants and help you spot wildlife. You’ll be able to relax in thermal pools and at two waterfalls surrounded by nature. It’s a total immersion in nature—you’ll feel like you’re alone in the world. Trust me, I’ve been there.
Eva, a travel planner and lover of horseback riding in the mountains
