Hike to the top of Rincon de La Vieja Volcano

 Here is an adventure you will not soon forget!  Hiking to the top of Rincon de La Vieja Volcano in the middle of the Rincon de La Vieja National Park is a challenge for the hardiest hiker.  The best time to under take this trek is during April and May when the skies tend to be more clear and you can see the Pacific to the West and Lake Nicaragua to the North.  The hike starts at the Rincon de La Vieja Ranger Station just north of Hacienda Guachipelen.  It is about a 1 1/2 hour drive from the beaches.  The hike is not easy and will take 8 hours or more.  This is not a hike for the unfit!  Be sure health wise you can handle the extensive up hill hiking and in some places you will need to do a little difficult climbing.  The hike starts off in a gentle climb through beautiful rain forest trees and vegetation.  After 4 or 5 kilometers it changes into wind swept volcanic rocks and vegetation.  Near the top as you can see in the pictures it is barren rocks like the Rocky Mountains we are familiar with back in Alberta.   Remember this is the mountains and bring necessary clothing as the weather can change quickly and you could see rain even in the dry season coupled with the altitude and winds, it can get chilly.    The hike signs say it is 10 kilometers to the top from the Ranger Station but in my opinion this distance is a typical Tico guestimate and the distance is considerably further.  We left at 8:00 AM and returned by 5:00 PM - very tired after a long day filled with adventure.  We had our good friend Danny as a guide and would highly recommend you take a guide with you.  They are available at the Ranger Station start most days.  We highly recommend this Costa Rican Adventure - Pura Vida!