Rincón de la Vieja is an active volcano in north-western Costa Rica, about 25km from Liberia. Its name means 'The Old Woman's Corner', a reference to a local legend about a girl whose lover was thrown into the crater by her father. She became a recluse, living on the mountain, credited with powers of healing. Rincón de la Vieja is one of seven active Costa Rican volcanoes. It erupted most recently in February 1998. The volcano has a large number of fumaroles and hot springs on its slopes. The active crater is currently filled with a hot, acidic crater lake.

Sightseeing
You can visit the waterfalls and do some bird-watching or visit the natural spa in the centre and relax in a mud bath.

Getting there
The best way to reach the volcano is by car. Leave Liberia, heading north on the Interamericana highway and, after about 5km, you should come across a dirt road on the right-hand side. This road leads to the eastern slope. Or you can travel for 7 km on the highway, until you reach a paved road marked Canãs Dulces. Follow this road to the volcano, it will become a dirt road too after about 5km.