Rincón de la Vieja Trips & Tours

Rincón de la Vieja Trips & Tours

Hike among the forests, volcanos and flowering trees of this dry national park in the far north-west

Every country has somewhere that takes the title of the ‘least-visited’ place and in Costa Rica, it’s probably Rincón de la Vieja. Sitting up in the north-west corner of the country, the national park spans 34,000-acres, allowing plenty of space for rivers, streams, an amazing number of flora and fauna, and not one, but two volcanoes. Up here, the climate is hot and arid (think American wild west crossed with an African savannah) and, despite the presence of those rivers – and some therapeutic hot springs – the park is Costa Rica’s only dry forest. Hiking and walking is the best way to explore and there are seven trails to choose from, all ranging in difficulty, excitement and terrain, and with varying highlights including waterfalls, gurgling volcanic mud pits, and fumaroles. Much of the wildlife is unique to this part of the country and amongst the rolling hills, you might spot white-nose coati, agouti, nine-banded armadillo, peacocks and pizotes. And if you’re wondering what any of those are, you’ll just have to visit to find out…