Rincon de la Vieja

Rincon de la Vieja National Park is located in Guanacaste and Alajuela provinces, into the Guanacaste Conservation area. This National Park receives its name from its volcano: Rincon de la Vieja Volcano.

Climate and temperature

With an elevation of 120 m.a.s.l, the climate in this area is dry and warm from December through April; full sun, trade winds and starry nights. The rainy season normally starts in the middle of May and ends in the middle of November.

It is characterized by the greenness of its landscapes, sunny mornings and showers in the afternoons almost every day. In July and August we have a beautiful Indian summer.

Organization

In order, to achieve administrative convenience, this Park is divided in two: Santa Maria sector and Las Pailas sector. The first sector was one of the largest farms around, until the creation of the park. Las Pailas owns its name to the volcanic activity in the area.

Hidrology

The volcano divides waters on two fronts or slopes, Pacific and Atlantic. In addition, there are about 32 rivers in this area plus other smaller rivers.

Flora and fauna

Because of the volcanic activity and the height differences, several ecosystems are easy to maintain.

Flora

Lower trees are found on highest lands. Species such as laurel (Cordia alliodora), indio desnudo (Bursera simarouba), Guanacaste Tree (terolobium cyclocarpum), cedro amargo (Cederla odorata). Also the national flower of Costa Rica abounds which is the Guaria Morada (Cattleya Skinerii).

Fauna

More than 260 species of birds have been identified such as the peacock, tucancillo and hummingbirds, among others.
The most common mammals around are the agouti, tapir, peccary, ant-eater, sloth bear, alouatta, spider monkey and capuchin monkey.

Morpho butterflies are also found in this area with four different species.