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Hike to Las Pailas Trails at  Rincon de la Vieja National Park
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Hike to Las Pailas Trails at Rincon de la Vieja National Park

4.5(6 reviews)
3 hour(s)
english
Liberia, Costa Rica

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Guided hike along the famous Las Pailas loop trail

Close-up views of volcanic features: fumaroles, bubbling mud pots and boiling clay pools

Opportunity to spot diverse wildlife and over 300 bird species

Convenient access directly from Hotel Hacienda Guachipelín

Las Pailas Hike Reveals Volcanic Power and Wildlife in Rincón de la Vieja


A scenic hiking adventure from Hotel Hacienda Guachipelín leads travelers into the heart of Rincón de la Vieja National Park, one of Costa Rica’s most dynamic volcanic regions. The journey begins with a 45-minute walk through dry tropical forest, where wildlife sounds and sweeping landscapes set the tone for an immersive nature experience.


Upon reaching the Las Pailas sector, visitors enter a remarkable geological zone shaped by the active Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. Guided by a bilingual naturalist, guests explore the 3.5 km loop trail that showcases the raw energy of the earth beneath their feet.


Along the route, dramatic volcanic features appear at every turn, including steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, boiling clay pools, and sulfur vents. These natural phenomena create a surreal landscape that highlights the powerful forces shaping the region.


The area is also rich in biodiversity, with more than 300 bird species and wildlife such as monkeys, coatis, armadillos, and iguanas commonly seen along the trail. After completing the loop, guests return peacefully to the hotel, concluding a journey that blends volcanic wonder, wildlife observation, and tropical forest beauty.

What's Included
  • Guided hiking tour
  • Bilingual naturalist guide
  • Access to Las Pailas loop trail
What's Not Included
  • Entrance fee
  • Gratuities
Price start from

$ 40

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Activity Provider: Hacienda Guachipelin

Customer Reviews

4.5
Excellent
Based on 6 reviews
E
Evan R.Google
October 14, 2025

The main trail is a loop. The loop has some pretty steep portions, but is doable for most. We saw an old lady with a cane complete it, but her and her party were moving very slowly. We had trekking poles with us and were out of breath. The seasonal waterfall is amazing. The mud pots are pretty cool to see. We saw some monkeys and birds. Apparently the trail can connect from Pailas all the way to the Santa Maria ranger station, but we were told by the ranger that the river crossings were too treacherous to make the trek. You have to pay a fee online to enter the park. Overall, the nature was cool, the walkway was very walkable but a fair amount of elevation to make the loop.

G
Glenn J.Google
September 29, 2025

This is a great park to see and you don’t need a guide, but buy your tickets online before getting there if you do it on your own. The Las Palias Trail is well marked and it’s an easy walk. Lots of volcanic evidence from mud pits, boiling ponds, and steam vents from the ground. Saw a lot of animal activity from Neotropical Green Anole, white nose coatis, and monkeys

K
Kim B.Google
June 25, 2025

I really enjoyed this park. I hiked the Las Pailas loop and it was really awesome. There was so much to see and so many interesting features. I loved all the mud pots and the little volcano in the hot springs and the waterfall. Saw lots of lizards and beautiful flora. It was one of the most fun trails I've done in Costa Rica.

Explore More Hike to Las Pailas Trails at  Rincon de la Vieja National Park
Explore More Hike to Las Pailas Trails at  Rincon de la Vieja National Park
Explore More Hike to Las Pailas Trails at  Rincon de la Vieja National Park
Explore More Hike to Las Pailas Trails at  Rincon de la Vieja National Park
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Day In a City

Explore More Hike to Las Pailas Trails at Rincon de la Vieja National Park

Discover the wonders of Liberia, Costa Rica with this unforgettable experience. Embark on an unforgettable hiking adventure through the Las Pailas sector of Rincón de la Vieja National Park, located just a short walk from Hotel Hacienda Guachipelín. Your journey begins with a scenic 45-minute path through dry tropical forest, surrounded by the sounds of wildlife and sweeping views of the volcanic landscape. Upon reaching the park entrance, you’ll step into one of Costa Rica’s most extraordinary geological destinations, where the power of the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano takes centre stage. Highlights of your tour include: Guided hike along the famous Las Pailas loop trailClose-up views of volcanic features: fumaroles, bubbling mud pots and boiling clay poolsOpportunity to spot diverse wildlife and over 300 bird speciesConvenient access directly from Hotel Hacienda Guachipelín. Embark on an unforgettable hiking adventure through the Las Pailas sector of Rincón de la Vieja National Park, located just a short walk from Hotel Hacienda Guachipelín. Your journey begins with a scenic 45-minute path through dry tropical forest, surrounded by the sounds of wildlife and sweeping vi. This tour includes: Guided hiking tourBilingual naturalist guideAccess to Las Pailas loop trail. Embark on an unforgettable hiking adventure through the Las Pailas sector of Rincón de la Vieja National Park, located just a short walk from Hotel Hacienda Guachipelín. Your journey begins with a scenic 45-minute path through dry tropical forest, surrounded by the sounds of wildlife and sweeping views of the volcanic landscape. Upon reaching the park entrance, you’ll step into...