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Rincon de
la Vieja National Park
The Rincon de la Vieja massif, 1,916 meters
high, is a composite structure. Nine eruptive
spots have been identified on its peak, some
of which still have fumorale activity. The
park contain hot springs which give rise to
very hot mountain streams ; sulfuric ponds
with small mud-filled depressions which bubble
continuously; geysers releasing jets of stream,
particularly during the rainy season; and
mud cones in all shapes and sizes. Several
waterfall exist throughout the park, as does
a small freshwater lake which lies south of
the main crater. In addition, Rincon de la
Vieja contains what is probably the largest
existing growth of the national flower-"guaria
morada" ( purple orchid ) found in the
wild in Costa Rica.
Rincon
de la Vieja National Park contains diverse
habitats, produced by the differences in altitude
and rainfall, the effect of volcanic eruptions
and the type of slope. In the lower regions,
trees include the Guanacaste, freijo, gumbo-limbo,
bitter cedar and capulin. In the central region,
between 1,200 and 1,400 meters, the most abundant
trees are the cupey, manwood, calabash, jicaro
danto and didymopanax. Beginning at 1,400
meters and continuing up to near the peak,
the woods are low and the densely-branched
trees covered with mosses and other epiphytes.
The most common trees are the cupey, didymopanax
and crespon. The peak of the volcano is covered
with ash and has very sparse vegetation. Plants
include the cupey and the poor man's umbrella.
The tapir, highland tinamous, black guan and
several cat species are very numerous in this
region.
Within
the park, 357 species of birds have been sighted,
including the three-wattled bellbird, great
curassow, emerald toucanet, elegant trogon,
blue-throated goldentail, spectacled owl,
white-fronted amazon and guaco. Some other
mammals found here include the red brocket
deer, collared peccary, agouti, tayra. Northern
tamandua, two-toed sloth, and howler, white-faced
and spider monkeys. Insects are very numerous
and include four species of the abundant and
beautiful morpho butterflies.
Special Considerations
Horseback riding, bubbling mud pits, geysers
of sulfer dioxide and hydrogen are just a
few of the unique attractions at Rincon de
la Vieja. However, any visit to Rincon de
la Vieja without a visit to the Blue Lagoon
is one wasted. Approximately 30 minutes from
the park headquarters, this small lagoon is
blue as a result of special minerals in the
lagoon's underlaying stones. A large waterfall
constantly replenishes the lagoon while a
small hot spring to its left provides a warm
welcome relief. The color of the lagoon is
at its bluest during the dry season, as the
volume of rainfall is at its lowest level.
Difficult to find on your own, any lodge will
gladly bring you to this special place in
the tropics.
Rincon
de la Vieja also offers terrific opportunities
for those interested in mountain biking. While
riding along the trails is prohibited, there
are roads which wind throughout the park,
all of which are challenging and easily accessible.
Mountain bike shops are present in the town
of Liberia.
How To Get There
Rincon de la Vieja, unlike most parks, is
nearly impossible to access with public transportation.
Located 6 km ( 3.6 miles ) north of Liberia,
along the Pan-American Highway, there is a
sign for the town of Cereceda on the right
side of the road. This dirt road is in good
condition and passes through large deposits
of white volcanic rock. Ample parking is available
at the ranger station, as with the lodges
which surround the park. For those using public
transportation, we recommend that you take
one of the many direct buses which depart
daily from San Jose to Liberia. Most lodges
will provide pick-up service from Liberia
for an additional cost. Be sure to arrange
for this service long before arriving in Liberia. |
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Surfing
Snorkeling
