Approach
The first destination is Liberia, the largest city in NW Costa Rica. There are hourly buses to Liberia from San Jose from the terminal at Calle 24 and Avenida 5.
Liberia now has a major airport. Call SANSA at (Int) 221-9414 for information.
There is public transportation available to the trailhead from Liberia. Small tourist buses leave from several inexpensive hotels south of the town square in Liberia. Two of the hotels are Hotel Liberia and La Posada de Tope. Transport cost $10 a person and leaves Liberia at 7AM and leaves the trailhead at 4PM arriving back at Liberia at 5PM
Route Description
The trail starts at the ranger station and is well sign-posted. This is a 3 km loop hike that passes many boiling mud pots, hot springs, a waterfall, and lush rainforest. We saw much wildlife along the trail including many white faced and spider monkeys and grisons. The trail has some up and downs, but is not too strenuous.
Exploding "mud pot" on Rincon de la Vieja.
Essential Gear
A good pair of boots, raingear, and a camera.