Situated in the vibrant heart of Guanacaste province, the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano is a stunning spectacle of nature with its verdant tropical forests and a treasure trove of archaeological sites. This iconic landmark reveals the vibrant histories and daily lives of its ancient inhabitants through its hidden ruins and cultural relics, offering a unique blend of natural wonder and historical intrigue.
This ancient world is presently on exhibition in the Costa Rican Central Bank Museum in San Jose called “A Past between the Lines: rock paintings in the Guanacaste Volcanic Mountain Range”. This compilation invites you to learn about the particularities of the representations engraved or painted on stone in different sites of the Guanacaste Volcanic Mountain Range. The exhibition is a way to disseminate research and travel to this area of the country with information, photographs, videos, and educational resources.
Exploring the Indigenous Past
The Rincon de la Vieja Volcano and its surrounding national park are a geological wonder and a cultural treasure trove. The archaeological sites discovered around Hacienda Guachipelin provide a tantalizing glimpse into the lives of the region’s ancient inhabitants, offering visitors a chance to connect with the past and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of this remarkable place.
Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin, a luxury eco-lodge located just minutes from the Rincon de la Vieja National Park, has an exciting archaeology tour that takes visitors on a journey through time of sites on its property. Led by expert guides, the tour showcases several archaeological sites that date back to between 300 and 800 AD, providing valuable insights into the lives of the indigenous people who once called this area home.
While much is unknown about the people who lived in the area, a lot can be learned about their way of life through the artifacts and burial sites that have been discovered.
Hacienda Guachipelin has created the Archeology Tour as a way of rescuing the cultural traditions of Guanacaste. The archaeology tour also includes stops at some of Hacienda Guachipelin’s other natural attractions. This combination of ancient history and modern eco-tourism makes for a truly unique and engaging experience.
Uncovering Ancient Burial Practices
One of the most fascinating aspects of the archaeological sites around Hacienda Guachipelin is the prevalence of cemeteries. Almost all of the discovered sites are burial grounds, offering a glimpse into the funeral practices of these ancient people.
In addition to the burial sites, the area features petroglyphs and tomb markers dating back to around 500 AD, which have been found in the nearby riverbeds. These ancient rock carvings provide a tantalizing glimpse into the artistic and cultural traditions of the region’s indigenous inhabitants.
A Journey Through Time
An internationally funded research project called the Guanacaste Archeological Project (PRAG) headed up by a multi-national team from Costa Rica, Germany, and France from 2017 to 2022 identified 74 archeological sites in Guanacaste of rock art including 24 unregistered sites. Its main objective was to study, relocate, and record these sites to try to understand, as far as possible, who, when, how, and why they were developed.
As visitors follow the narrow paths through the tropical dry forest to the archaeological sites, they can’t help but imagine what life might have been like for these early settlers.
Rincon de la Vieja: A Geological and Cultural Treasure
The archaeology tour at Hacienda Guachipelin means that visitors to Guanacaste will have the opportunity to explore this fascinating aspect of the region’s history while enjoying the many other adventures and attractions the hotel offers. From zip-lining through the forest canopy to soaking in natural hot springs, there is no shortage of ways to immerse oneself in the natural and cultural wonders of this remarkable corner of Costa Rica.
So why not plan a visit to Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin on the slopes of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano and discover the secrets of the past for yourself? With its stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and fascinating archaeological sites, this destination is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.
