Comparing the Pacific Side to the Caribbean side
Read about Pacific side hike of Rincon de la Vieja
Rincon de la Vieja is among the most popular places to vacation in Guancaste, Costa Rica. On the Caribbean side there an abundance of ecotourism, hotels, ecotourism lodges and mountain lodges. Your adventure vacation and tour includes the rainforest, hot springs, blue rivers, waterfalls, spa and hiking the volcano.
The Caribbean and Pacific sides of Rincon de la Vieja offer quite different experiences. Rincon de la Vieja’s north side is called the Caribbean side and the west side of Rincon de la Vieja is called the Pacific side. Hiking Rincon de la Vieja from the two sides and visiting the surrounding areas are also different, with respect to geography, weather, and climate.
The region around the Caribbean side is cooler and is made up of lush, tropical rainforest. The gorgeous, unique, volcanic blue rivers are only found on this side and the source can be seen by hiking this side of the Rincon de la Vieja volcano. Here you can enjoy the best of Rincon de la Vieja’s hot springs and natural mineral “green” hot spring pools, considered the best in Costa Rica.
In contrast, the weather in the Pacific side is dry and hot. Though there are opportunities to soak in pools that utilize the geothermal properties to produce hot water, there are no hot springs on the Pacific side.
Hiking to the national park’s volcanoes inside Rincon de la Vieja is possible from either side. Upon entering the park, the weather is similar on both sides, but the experience is quite different. Rincon de la Vieja, on the Caribbean side will include walking through old lava flows, with many water features and more abundant and greater variety of wildlife and plants. Here you’ll find the source of the volcanic blue rivers and opportunities to soak in natural mineral hot springs. However, hiking this side of Rincon de la Vieja is steeper and more strenuous.
The Liberia, Guanacaste hotels are a bit farther away. If you are looking for a volcano hotel, a Rincon de la Vieja hotel or a mountain lodge offering natural hot springs and ecotourism, Blue River Resort & Hot Springs is the best choice as we offer top accomodations in a perfect location. There are also other rustic lodges in the area offering basic accommodation, without hot water, but a very homey atmosphere. For those coming from Liberia, the beaches, Upala or Nicaragua, Rincon de la Vieja’s Blue River Resort & Hot Springs is a great vacation spot to visit for the day. Besides having natural mineral “green” hot springs pools that rival Tabacon and Baldi in La Fortuna, this hotel has a rainforest botanical garden, butterfly garden, mud treatments, natural steam room, spa, many nearby eco-tours and much more, including great food. Your Costa Rican vacation really starts here with us!