Getaway to Rincon de la Vieja

One of the reasons we wanted to live in Costa Rica was the opportunity to explore so many amazing natural areas. Last weekend we did a little trip to just outside of Liberia to the area near Rincon de la Vieja National Park. The drive isn't too bad at just over two hours, and we had been wanting to explore some of the volcanoes in Costa Rica.

We decided to stay at a place called Aroma Del Campo. It is owned by a family from Belgium, and they are pretty amazing. The woman owner speaks four languages and her husband speaks five! It was a nice small place to stay. They offered the opportunity to eat breakfast there each day for a small extra cost, which we enjoyed the convenience of, and they also offered the chance to eat dinner there for a cost. We did that once as well, and it was a lovely Belgian stew. I would definitely recommend staying there if you visit the region for a cost-effective, but lovely option.

During our time there, in addition to just relaxing, we went to visit the National Park. While there, we did a nice hike around a loop to view volcanic activity. It reminded me a lot of Yellowstone, just on a smaller scale. It was so cool, and I felt like I was in an adventure movie or headed to Mount Doom.

by the entrance to the hiking trails

We also got to see some cool wildlife including a bunch of little bright green geckos and even some hard-to-spot spider monkeys thanks to Kalen's great vision and hearing.

After this, we had a picnic lunch (which we bought from our hotel), and headed to Rio Negro Hot Springs and Mud Baths. These were super cool and very chill. The hot springs were very relaxing and the mud baths are actually warm mud pots that you pour or paint on yourself and then wash off in the refreshing river nearby. There was even a pool that went up to 113 degrees F. We put our feet in and quickly left!

insanely hot! That was a nope from me!

mud masks!

Kalen and I both agree that this was one of the cooler experience we have done and we thought it was a good value. We would go back for sure!

The next day, we went on an adventure hike to La Leona waterfall. This hike is truly an adventure hike. You have to go with a guide due to some of the risks involved. Our guide was okay, but I wish he had done a bit more guiding of where I should put my feet when climbing rocks or ladders. Kalen had to help me a decent amount. This hike is definitely not suitable for people with knee issues or fears of climbing a little or scrambling.

In addition to the hiking portion, you also have to go in water several times. I did use a life jacket as I am not a strong swimmer. We did this hike in August, which is the rainy season, but not the rainiest part of the rainy season. It was still very difficult for me to get through the current at the entrance to the waterfall. The guides had to pull me up and in. They had to do this for several people. It didn't feel awesome, not going to lie. However, the waterfall itself was really cool and beautiful to get to see. Fair warning, do not do this during the rainiest part of the rainy season. I asked a guide if people make it in the waterfall cave during December, and he said that only the very strongest people can. I did have fun riding the current out of the waterfall, though. If you have any questions about this hike, please leave a comment.

La Leona Waterfall. The water appears blue if it isn't too rainy due to volcanic activity.

On our way home to Samara, we stopped in Liberia for a few things. We happened upon my favorite cafe I have been to so far in Costa Rica--Cafe Negro. All of the decor is in cartoonish black and white. It was super fun and the coffee was lovely too!

inside the black and white cafe in Liberia.

All in all, it was a lovely and restful weekend away.