Rincón de la Vieja is known for its impressive diversity of flora and fauna... (+ info)

About La Hacienda

Hacienda Guachipelín Hotel, dedicated to ecotourism, is situated at the foot of the Rincon de la Vieja volcano, Guanacaste Costa Rica. You’ll find the hacienda surrounded by wealthy gardens with native trees, exotic flowers, a great variety of birds and astonishing views at the Rincon de la Vieja volcano as well as at the Pacific Ocean.

In this ambiance a lot of “adventure” activities are waiting for the alternative tourist who likes to spend his holiday in a different way. We offer: horseback riding, canopy, tubing at the rapids of the Río Negro, various hiking trails, natural hot water springs, rivers and crystal clear waterfalls, virgin forests with birds, mammals, reptiles and insects. Relaxing volcanic mud pools may close this incomplete list of attractions that you can enjoy while staying at the hotel.

Rincon del Vieja Volcano National Park, Guanacaste Costa Rica

Rincon de la Vieja National Park, is an impressive park surrounding two volcanoes, 25 kml northeast of Liberia, Guanacaste. The parks´s 14,090 hectares have been split into two sections, Las Pailas and Santa María. Las Pailas (The Cauldrons) includes the active volcano, Rincon de la Vieja (Old Woman´s Place), complete with fumaroles, mud pots and steam vents, plus a number of waterfalls.

Rincon de la Vieja Volcano is a massive 600,000-year-old geological wonder with at least nine volcanic cones. The rim of the most active crates is 1,806 meter high with near-vertical sides denuded of vegetation. No less than 32 rivers flow down the mighty volcano that bridges the Continental Divide, and its activity once served as a lighthouse for ships at sea.

Rincon de la Vieja National Park´s diverse ecosystems offer a variety of flora. Its high forested slopes feature gnarled dwarfed trees draped in moss mats that provide the arboreal base for orchids and epipythes. It hosts a large population of Costa Rica´s national flower, the Guaria Morada orchid and in the center of the brushwood is an immense 800-year-old ceiba tree- the start of one of the several Canopy Tours. Rincon de la Vieja is home to 300 bird species including the creted guan, blue-crowned marmot and emerald toucanet, as well as a variety of mammals such as collared peccaries, agoutis, nine-banded armadillos and several species of monkeys.

How to get there:

The route lead to Rincon de La Vieja. From Liberia itself, head west and drive the Pan-American Highway 3 miles/5.8km north of the Liberia main intersection (Burger King) then turn right to Curubande, national park Rincon de la Vieja, Sector Pailas. You’ll pass the village of Curubande at about 8.5 miles/13.6km and after 1 mile/1,7km more you reach the gate of Hacienda Guachipelín Hotel. (See map)

From the Liberian airport Daniel Oduber Quiros, you first drive 20 miles/32km east to reach the Liberia main intersection. (There you turn left to the north)

What to do in Rincon de la Vieja

Hiking trails at the hacienda as well as at the Rincón de la Vieja National Park, Canopy, Tubing (kind of rafting), rappelling at the canyons and waterfalls, Horseback riding tours, Hot springs, Volcanic mud pools, Rodeo, Bird- and butterfly watching, Cowboy for one day, Ranch hand or just visit the farm. Make your choice with the one-day pass.All our activities are organized and start at our “Adventure Centre” located in the hotel.

Weather in Rincon de la Vieja National Park

The average temperature is about 78ºF/26ºC. The dry season lasts from December to March with hot and sunny days and magnificent sunsets. From May to November is the rainy season, which is dominated by sunny mornings and rainy afternoons, but is famous for its green and blossom views on de mountain slopes as well as on the plains. All our activities are organized and start at our “Adventure Centre” located in the hotel.