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The trip to Volcano
Ricon de la Vieja - February 1999
The Legend of Volcan Rincon de la Vieja. Volcan Rincon de la
Vieja means 'the little space of the old lady'. As the legend goes, a long
time ago, there were two Indian tribes living around the volcano. 
The Chief's daughter
from one tribe, fell in love with the Chief's son from the other tribe. Forbidden to
see each other, the couple escaped into the forest and had a baby. During this time,
the girls' father was tracking them down. When he found them, he took the baby and
threw it into the Volcano's crater. In deep depression, his daughter never left the
woods. Living alone in this environment, she became very good with natural,
herbal medicines. As the word of her knowledge spread, people would travel for days
and days for natural remedies. When they traveled to see her at the base of the volcano,
they would say that they are going to Ricon de la Vieja... The little space{ricon} of the
old lady {vieja}.
Nature Trail Entrance. The trails are in very good condition, easy follow. |
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The trees in this rain forest are ENORMOUS ! What a beautiful walk. |
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Volcanic boulders mark the trail as you walk through an arid area. |
On of the numerous mud pots. This stuff is hot, about 175 degrees. |
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The waterfall has refreshing cold water, but, 300 yards down stream..... |
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... it is percolated with volcano's steam vents, turning the water a rich blue, and
very hot (+/- 150 deg) |
Volcan Rincon de la Vieja is located about 15 miles from Liberia, but it will take
close to an hour to get there. The last 10 miles are a slow going. Its safe,
but lots of stones, which is why you need to take it slow. The National Parks have a
small office at the base of the Volcano. To get to the crater's rim, you will have about a
4 hour hike. We opted to the nature trail (1 hour - 3k) walk through the rain forest at
the base.
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The Chief's daughter
from one tribe, fell in love with the Chief's son from the other tribe. Forbidden to
see each other, the couple escaped into the forest and had a baby. During this time,
the girls' father was tracking them down. When he found them, he took the baby and
threw it into the Volcano's crater. In deep depression, his daughter never left the
woods. Living alone in this environment, she became very good with natural,
herbal medicines. As the word of her knowledge spread, people would travel for days
and days for natural remedies. When they traveled to see her at the base of the volcano,
they would say that they are going to Ricon de la Vieja... The little space{ricon} of the
old lady {vieja}. 
