Information
Landmark: Tenorio Volcano National ParkCity: Guanacaste
Country: Costa Rica
Continent: North America
Tenorio Volcano National Park, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, North America
Overview
Tucked away in Costa Rica, Tenorio Volcano National Park (Parque Nacional Volcán Tenorio) treats visitors to rugged volcanic slopes, dense green rainforest, and the Río Celeste-a river so vividly turquoise it looks like liquid sky.In northern Costa Rica, this park draws nature lovers, hikers, and anyone chasing rare wonders-like the sight of mist curling over volcanic peaks.Tenorio Volcano National Park, tucked into northern Costa Rica’s Guanacaste and Alajuela provinces near the town of Bijagua, has been protecting 31,794 acres of rainforest since 1995 as part of the Arenal Tilarán Conservation Area.Its heart is the dormant Tenorio Volcano, crowned with four peaks and two craters that feed geothermal springs and create unusual mineral formations.The park’s star attraction, Río Celeste, shimmers an otherworldly turquoise where two clear streams meet at the Teñideros-a color born from volcanic minerals like sulfur and calcium carbonate.Dense jungle shelters sloths, tapirs, ocelots, howler monkeys, toucans, quetzals, red-eyed tree frogs, and countless other species.Visitors can hike the moderately challenging 7 km Río Celeste Trail to reach the waterfall, hot springs, and the famed blue waters, though expect mud in rainy months.Natural hot pools steam in the forest, but swimming is restricted to protect the fragile ecosystem.Facilities include restrooms, picnic spots, and a small visitor center; guided tours add insight into the park’s geology and wildlife.Open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with last entry at 2 p.m., the park charges about $12 for adults and $5 for children.It’s about a two-hour drive from either Liberia or La Fortuna, with bus service to Bijagua and taxis or tours needed for the final stretch.The dry season (December–April) offers clearer trails and the brightest blues; the rainy season brings richer greens and fewer crowds.Pack sturdy shoes, rain gear, insect repellent, sunscreen, water, and snacks, and start early to beat the afternoon showers.Nearby, Bijagua offers eco-lodges and local fare, Tapir Valley Nature Reserve boasts prime wildlife viewing, and Arenal Volcano National Park tempts with zip-lining and more hot springs.Above all, Tenorio Volcano National Park safeguards a rare slice of tropical rainforest and the life it shelters.The park lies within the Guanacaste Conservation Area, a UNESCO-recognized site famed worldwide for its ecological importance, where dry forest meets the sound of distant howler monkeys.In conclusion, Tenorio Volcano National Park offers a rare mix of wild beauty and rich ecosystems, crowned by the turquoise shimmer of the Río Celeste and its breathtaking waterfall.Hike beneath the rainforest’s dripping canopy, stand in awe at jagged volcanic ridges, or sink into the quiet warmth of the hot springs-this park delivers a journey you’ll never forget, whether you crave adventure or simply love the wild.
