Rincón de la Vieja National Park is named after the iconic Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, whose name translates to “Old Woman’s Corner.” According to local legend, the volcano was named after a beautiful indigenous woman who was abandoned on the volcano’s slopes, symbolizing the enduring spirit of the region.

The area surrounding Rincón de la Vieja has long been inhabited by indigenous peoples such as the Chorotega, who lived off the land and revered the volcano as a sacred site. Over time, the region’s volcanic activity shaped the landscape, creating the hot springs, mud pots, and geothermal features that make the park so unique today.

The park was officially established in 1973 to protect its diverse ecosystems and geothermal wonders. Since then, it has become one of Costa Rica’s premier national parks, attracting visitors eager to explore its volcanic terrain, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage. Rincón de la Vieja remains a powerful symbol of natural beauty intertwined with indigenous history and folklore.