Canas Dulces, Guanacaste

Cañas Dulces is located in the province of Guanacaste on the northwestern region of the country. The hot and dry climate in this area is the perfect escape for travelers who want to get away from the cold winter weather. Individuals coming from Daniel Oduber International Airport will have about a 45-minute drive to this region. A public bus is also an option to reach Cañas Dulces, which depart from Liberia to the Hacienda Guachipelin three times per day. Cañas Dulces, a district and capital city with its namesake is near the famous Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park.

Incredible Biodiversity

Boasting tropical rainforests, mountains and dwarf cloud forests at the park's base, Rincon de la Vieja National Park features biodiversity at its finest. Because of the varying elevations, this region is home to an extensive amount of flora and fauna. The park has one of the largest populations of the national flower of Costa Rica: the Guaria Morada, a vibrant orchid.

Animals Galore

Rincon de la Vieja has a myriad of bird species, and a variety of mammals and reptiles as well. Travelers may hear the howls of the white-faced monkey or squirrel monkey in the trees, or witness the three-wattled bellbird or long-tailed manakin in flight. This park also features a population of two-toed sloth, armadillos and baird's tapir.

Rincon da la Vieja Volcano

The main attraction in this park is the Rincon da la Vieja Volcano. Hiking to the summit is best during the dry season, which is between February and April. However, a series of eruptions around the crater have raised concerns recently. Currently, visitors are not allowed to hike near the crater, but may be allowed once the activity dies down.

Map of the Area

Click to enlarge map - Map of the Area

Hikers through the region may notice steaming vents and boiling mud in certain parts, although the safest trails steer clear of these areas. Along the marked trails on the lower slopes, travelers will find cascading waterfalls and swimming holes are ideal for cooling off. The Catarata la Cangreja waterfall flows into a shimmering lagoon, and the Cataracts Escondidas is a smaller waterfall.

Endless Adventures

Adventures are abound in this park! Travelers can go on a canyon tour, horseback ride, canopy tour, go tubing down the white-waters of the Rio Negro or rock climb near waterfalls. Afterwards, relax in the soothing volcanic mud pools or hot springs. Campers are also allowed in this park for the ultra-adventurous types.

However, travelers don't even need to leave the Cañas Dulces to experience wildlife. Keel-tilled toucans, white-face capuchin and spider monkeys are popular in this area.