The Most Unique Destination in Costa Rica. There is Truly Nothing Like It.
Rincon de la Vieja National Park is an impressive park surrounded by two volcanoes, located 25 kilometers northeast of Liberia, Guanacaste. The park consists of 14,090 hectares and has been divided into two sections, Las Pailas and Santa María. Las Pailas includes the active volcano Rincon de la Vieja, complemented by fumaroles, volcanic mud baths, and natural saunas as well as a large number of waterfalls. Though not as grand as Yellowstone, it is the same type of geological system.
You won’t be bored at Rincon de la Vieja National Park! There is plenty to do. This area features numerous natural attractions, abundant wildlife, and trails to walk or ride for hours. There are hot springs, and bubbling mud pits. You can visit the waterfalls by foot or on horseback. Whitewater tubing is great fun, as are the ziplines and opportunities to rappel.
The Legend
The name translates to “Old woman’s Corner”. Of course, there is a legend attached. And of course, it is a tragic one.
There was once a daughter of a local indigenous chief, her name was Curubandá. She fell in love with the son of a rival chief, from a different tribe. Her father was furious. But he hides his fury, and invites the young man over. He gets him drunk, and kills him by throwing him into the volcano. Upon hearing of her paramour’s death she leaves her family forever. Unbeknownst to anyone else, she is carrying the child of the young man. She throws her newborn son into the volcano, so that it can be with his father forever.
She lives a long life, and learns to be a healer. For many year’s local tribe members would go to the “old woman” for her treatments of their various ailments. I’ve also heard a version, in which she also furnished love potions.
It is said that if you listen closely, you can hear the sound of Curubandá weeping in the breeze. She is mourning her lost love and child.
If you don’t hear her, you will probably hear rushing waterfalls, tropical birds, and the gurgle of volcanic mud pits.
Fun Fact
You will pass a geothermal power plant on the way to Guachapelin. This is part of Costa Rica’s commitment to clean energy. 95-98% of the country’s energy is supplied by Solar, Geothermal, Wind, and Hydro Power.