Volcanic Pools, Rincon de la Vieja, Costa Rica

Rincon de la Vieja is one of the least visited national parks in Costa Rica.  We passed only a handful of people in the hours we were there.  I don’t know why because it has ‘everything’ and is a fabulous place to visit.  

The park has two volcanoes one of which is active.  It’s been erupting on and off since the 1960s, the last time last year!

We followed the Las Pailas Trail.  It starts under the cool forest canopy from which you emerge into the open dry landscape.  

You smell the bubbling volcanic mud pools before you see them - sulphur is in the air! The yellow tree on the edge of the fumarole looks incongruous.  It’s called Cochlospermum Vitifolium (the buttercup tree) - it’s one of the first plants to be seen after a volcanic eruption.  

There was lots of amazing flora AND fauna today but our hearts were stolen by the spider monkeys.  We were so lucky to see them swinging around the forest using their hands, feet and tail and at quite close quarters!  Its arms are significantly longer than its legs. Its prehensile tail can support its entire body weight and is used as a fifth limb. Sadly it’s an endangered species.

The extras (added once home) from today's fauna spot include the scarlet macaw, howler monkey, spider monkey and a blue mot mot bird. 

EXTRAS - HELP - I’ve got loads of extras but I can’t see how to upload them using my iPhone.  Does anyone know if I should be able to do that and how? Thank you!