Northern Volcanoes

Costa Rica’s Northern Volcanoes

Costa Rica’s north is a hotbed of volcanic activity. At its southern end, Arenal represents just the beginning of an expansive volcanic chain, extending 68 miles to the northwest. Eight other major volcanoes are found in this rugged range—the Cordillera de Guanacaste—each surrounded by protected wilderness.

Rincon de la Vieja

One of the most accessible volcanic parks is Rincon de la Vieja, located 30 minutes northeast of Liberia. The park is anchored by an active volcano of the same name.

Volcan Rincon de la Vieja is flanked by two higher volcanic peaks: a sister cone known as Volcan Santa Marta (6,286 feet) and the dormant Cerro Von Seebach (6,217 feet).

Therapeutic hot springs flow from Volcan Rincon’s forested base, filling the pools of nearby spa hotels. The park’s tropical dry forest is the largest in Central America—home to bellbirds, toucanets, trogons, and monkeys.

Guanacaste National Park

Located to the northwest, Guanacaste National Park connects the coastal dry forest of Santa Rosa with the high-elevation cloud forests cloaking the Orosi and Cacao volcanoes. These forests are vital habitats for more than 300 bird species, as well as monkeys, coatis, and deer.

Rio Celeste and Volcan Tenorio

Volcan Tenorio National Park, located east of Miravalles, is best known for the pale blue pools of the mineral-rich Rio Celeste. The surrounding rainforest echoes with the sounds of monkeys, toucans, and bellbirds. Trails lead to swimming areas, waterfalls, and the park’s famous hot springs, flowing from the twin Tenorio and Montezuma volcanoes.

Our Favorite Hotels

What to do in the Northern Volcanoes

The Northern Volcanoes are well-known for their soothing hot springs. However, this area features a range of adventure activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy. Park visitors can enjoy:

• Hikes to waterfalls, fumaroles, and bubbling hot spots
• Horseback riding
• Zip-line and rappelling tours
• Whitewater tubing trips
• Mountain Biking
• White water rafting on the Tenorio River
• Birdwatching Tours
• Night Explorations
• Chocolate Tour
• Cave Explorations

What is the Weather Like?

Costa Rica is located in the tropics and close to the equator and is considered a rainforest country with warm temperatures being characteristic throughout the year. There are two well-defined seasons:

Dry Season: December – April
Green Season: May – November

This area has a tropical savanna climate. The average annual temperature is 59°F degrees with the warmest month being August and the coolest February. Even though this area has a dry season, rainfall is common year-round, approximately 244 days a year. There are about 400 inches of rain in a year. The average humidity is 80%.

These averages are changing, please check extended weather forecasts using your favorite weather app prior to departure.

Getting There

LANDED’s favorite lodges in the area are approximately one hour from Liberia International Airport. Visits to the northern volcanoes are easily paired with stays in Arenal (two and a half hours) and the Northern Nicoya (two hours).

Short regional flights connect Liberia with several domestic airfields. Private charters can also be arranged.

For domestic flights within Costa Rica, you will most likely be traveling on a small aircraft which imposes weight restrictions on luggage, typically 25 pounds per person.

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