Rincon de la Vieja

This national park extends on both the Caribbean and the Pacific sides of the Cordillera de Guanacaste, and is divided into two sectors, Las Pailas and Santa Maria. The Pacific slopes of the volcano have distinct dry seasons, while the Caribbean side is wet and lush green. Spread over 14,083 hectares, this park is also the habitat of an impressive array of wildlife, insects and birds like the Spider Monkey, the Blue-crowned Motmot, the Emerald Toucanet, jaguars, cougars and tapirs. Also found in abundance here amidst the verdant vegetation are, Guaria Morada orchids, the national flowers of Costa Rica as well as a plethora of Laurel and Guanacaste trees.