The Miravalles Volcano Protected Zone is a protected area surrounding the Miravalles Volcano in Guanacaste. The summit of the volcano rises 6660’ above sea level (the highest peak in the Guanacaste Mountains) and can be reached by hiking.  That can be difficult though, as there are no clear trails and it can take 5 hours at a very steep incline to reach the top. The most popular area is called “Las Hornellas” – this is where the fumaroles are located.  The park is covered with primary cloud forest and rainforest with many rivers, thermal hot springs, and waterfalls.

Wildlife is plentiful and you may see ocelots, jaguars, cougars, and tapirs.  Miravalles Volano Protected Zone was established in 1976, is 28,840 acres in size with elevations to 7242’ at the volcano summit.  The average temperature is 75 - 90 degrees F.  It is located about 100 miles north of San Jose near the Rincon de la Vieja National Park.  The GPS coordinates are Lat - 10.741983, Long - 85.15150.  Rainfall is approximately 140” per year. There is no admission fee to this park.

Note:  Visitors interested in bathing in the hot springs can do so at the Centro Turistico Yoko