The north side of Rincon de la Vieja National Park is called the Caribbean side. It has many advantageous characteristics:

1. Rincon de la Vieja’s two gorgeous blue, volcanic mineral rivers start in the park and run only along the Caribbean side – Rio Celeste and Rio Penjamos. Blue River Resort & Hot Springs offers tours by horseback and vehicle to Rio Penjamos and private warm waterfalls.

2. The natural mineral "green" hot spring s, are only found along the Caribbean side of Rincon de la Vieja. Blue River Resort & Hot Springs have harnessed them to create spectacular pools and offers tours to a small warm-water river at the base of the park.

3. The sources of the blue volcanic rivers and sweet-water rivers are found in the Rincon de la Vieja National Park on the Caribbean side.

4. Only on the Caribbean side of Rincon de la Vieja National Park are the unique dry lava flows containing water and waterfalls with many opportunities to swim.

5. Everywhere is lush tropical rainforest, with many flowers blooming throughout the year.

6. There are greater numbers of more varieties of tropical mountain birds and other animals along on the Caribbean side of Rincon de la Vieja.

7. The Caribbean side receives far fewer tourists, so the surrounding villages and the people are as yet, unspoiled and authentic.

8. The weather on the Caribbean side is averages 5 F cooler.

The drive to the Caribbean side of Rincon de la Vieja takes about 1.25 hours from Liberia and about 1.25 hours from Upala.

Excerpt from article: Rincon de la Vieja National Park