Costa Rica Travel to Rincon de la Vieja

In the Guanacaste province on the slopes of the Rincón de la Vieja volcano there is a very special agro-ecological lodge in the middle of the lush rain forest that borders the Rincón de la Vieja National Park.

It’s remote and rustic, yet you’ll be glad you went the extra distance when you are basking in the natural hot springs or eating a home-cooked meal with all local ingredients.

Just outside your door at the rustic lodge you will see dozens of birds, butterflies as well as the occasional Agouti paca. During the day on the trails around the lodge you are likely to see monkeys and other mammals like Tapirs and Coatis.

Oscar, also known as “Mapache” (raccoon in Spanish), is a life-long resident and the administrator of the lodge. He is an original mountain man and is an amazing naturalist to help visitors spot wildlife.

Along with his family and other campesinos from the area Mapache has built a cooperative that purchased property right next to the national park and built a lodge with several dorm rooms and a covered kitchen and dining area. Not only has this project brought tourism dollars into a rural area that really benefits from it, it also encourages conservation among the locals and other sustainable tourism projects.

The locals don’t speak more than a few words of English so a translator guide (either Sarah Joy or Julio) will accompany you to bridge the language gap and coordinate your stay and transportation.

Some of the most exciting activities that our clients often do during their time at the Rincón de la Vieja eco-lodge:

1. Night hike to give you a totally different view of the flora and fauna of the rainforest. Most animals and insects are nocturnal and your guide will show you the secrets of the forest after dusk!
2. Exploring the area on a fun horseback ride. Cross rivers, explore waterfalls and end the day in the hot springs with warm water coming from the heart of the volcano.



[custom_script adID=155]
3. An exciting and strenuous hike to the crater of the volcano. It’s a long walk (depending on fitness the range is between 3 and 6 hours) but the view and the satisfaction of being one of the few tourists who do this in Costa Rica is worth the effort. Close to the crater is like a moonscape with many volcanic rocks and at the top is a steaming crater. You’ll also end the tour with a visit to the hot springs for a relaxing soak after the hike.
4. A hike to the Río Pénjamo is a more relaxed hike to see wildlife and enjoy the beautiful views.

Written by Sarah Joy Staude.

Customer Comments: From client/friends from the 2006-07 Baile de los Diablitos tour:

“Sarah Joy & Julio have built a bridge to the indigenous community that was educational, fun, and non-invasive to the people who live there… They provide tours with a heart. If one wants to see the common tourist sites that is very easy but with Sarah Joy and Julio one can experience the true Costa Rica with friendly and informative guides who will provide you with an unforgettable experience of your visit to ‘paradise’.” Annalisa Bandalera, San Isidro de Heredia, Costa Rica (originally from USA)

“It was beyond a doubt one of the best adventures of my life. What a unique and authentic experience. The landscape is beautiful and the people of Boruca are curious about us as much as we are about them. Living, eating with, and spending time with Boruca families gave me a first-hand insight into their unique lifestyle. Those five days felt to me like a real escape into another dimension.” Gosia Duszak, San Pedro de San Jose, Costa Rica (originally from Poland)

“You guys are great! What personal attention! What a great group of people! I am in love with the smiling Pedro (our local guide)! When can we go again?!!!” Laurie Burns, Heredia, Costa Rica (originally from USA)

These guided tours and solo trips are all designed to show you the real Costa Rica, it’s people, nature and traditions. Your hosts Julio (from Costa Rica) and Sarah Joy (from the USA) would love to show you one of the most breathtaking and ecologically diverse countries in the world – Costa Rica!

If you would like more information about these eco-adventure tours, please use the form below to email Sarah Joy and Julio:

Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.