Rincón de la Vieja is an active andesitic complex volcano in north-western Costa  Rica, about 25 km (15.5 miles) or 45 minute drive from Liberia International  Airport, in the province of Guanacaste.

Rincón de la Viejaisone of 5 volcanoes in the Cordillera de Guanacaste  (Guanacaste Mountain Range).  It is a  ridge-shaped massif, with several volcanic vents lying along a  northwest-southeast axis. Several craters and peaks exist, with Santa María  peak being the highest at 1916m (6,286 feet) above sea level. Von Seebach peak,  1895m (6,217 feet) above sea level, has been the site of most historical  eruptions.  The volcano has a large  number of fumaroles and hot  springs on its slopes. It is formed by felsic lava.

One of the protected parks within the Guanacaste  Conservation Area (ACG), the Rincon de la Vieja National Park, is one of Costa  Rica’s most diverse ecological parks. Known for its stunning diversity of flora and fauna, this national park is home  to two volcanoes, the  Rincon de la Vieja and the Santa Maria, as well as six different volcanic  peaks, and thirty two rivers and streams.   The park boasts fantastic sceneries, beautiful waterfalls, soothing hot  springs, boiling mud pits, a fresh water volcanic lagoon, picnic areas and  long-winding trails that one can hike or horseback ride.

This national park extends on both the Caribbean and  the Pacific sides of the Cordillera de Guanacaste, and is divided into two  sectors: Las Pailas and Santa Maria. The Pacific slopes of the volcano have  distinct dry seasons, while the Caribbean side is wet and lush green. Spread  over 14,083 hectares, this park is also the habitat of an impressive array of  wildlife, insects and birds like the Spider Monkey, the Blue-crowned Motmot,  the Emerald Toucanet, jaguars, cougars and tapirs. Also found in abundance here  amidst the verdant vegetation are, Guaria Morada orchids, the national flowers  of Costa Rica as well as a plethora of Laurel and Guanacaste trees.

The name Rincón de la Vieja means "The Old Woman's Corner", a  reference to a local legend about a girl whose lover was thrown into the crater  by her father; she became a recluse living on the mountain, and was credited  with healing powers.  It is now believed  that the springs around the volcano have healing powers and can soothe sore  muscles and heal ailments that the best doctors have not been able to cure.

Large number of hot pools and areas of bubbling mud are found in two areas  on the slopes of the volcano, indicating substantial reserves of geothermal energy. Investigations have been  carried out into the feasibility of tapping these reserves, and the volcano is  estimated to have a generating potential of 140 megawatts. However,  as the area is protected within a national  park, drilling has so far been limited to test wells. Further drilling will  require approval after studies of the likely environmental impact.

In the past, hikers could  climb up to the crater.  However, as of  September 22nd, 2011, access to the crater is no longer available due to the  eruption of September 16th where volcanic ash and mud rose over 120 feet from  the regular crater lagoon.  Visitors can  still hike around the park, but they must be accompanied by a guide.

Several  lodges, resorts and hotels in the area offer hiking, forest canopy tours,  horseback riding, river-rafting, all-terrain-vehicle riding and  wall-climbing.  Thermal mud pools,  waterfall swimming areas and freshwater lakes are also available for visitors  to use.

One of the best times to visitRincon de la  Viejais in the green season (May to November) as this is when the  fumaroles and boiling mud pots are most active.  The temperature is usually 26°C (79°F).

There are many hotels and lodges  available for lodging.  Also, there is a  camping site available in the national park with restrooms, showers and picnic  areas.

Whether you spend the night or take a day trip from  Flamingo, Cocos, Ocotal, Tamarindo or other parts of western Guanacaste, you'll  find this one of your most memorable experiences on a tropical vacation to this  part of Central America.