 |
La Riviera Hotel
Belen, Costa Rica
Reservations phone:
(506) 2293 0909
How to Get
fax:
(506) 2293 2582
|
|
|
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. |
| |
|
|
|
|
