Tenorio Volcano National Park

Tenorio Volcano National Park, in northern Costa Rica, is a true natural wonder, offering visitors spectacular volcanic landscapes. The park is most famous for its magnificent Rio Celeste, whose turquoise waters surprise visitors from all over the world.

Geography and Context

Tenorio Volcano National Park is located in the Cordillera de Guanacaste in northern Costa Rica. It covers an area of around 12,810 hectares and is dominated by the Tenorio volcano, a stratovolcano with four peaks. The park has been a protected area since 1995, and is part of Costa Rica’s network of natural parks and reserves (SINAC).

Tenorio Park is characterized by an impressive diversity of ecosystems, ranging from tropical rainforests to cloud forests and high-altitude zones. This diversity is largely due to the variation in altitude, which ranges from 600 to over 1,900 meters above sea level. The region’s climate is fairly rainy. The weather is often sunny in the morning, becoming overcast in the afternoon.

How do I get there?

Just 1:45 north of Arenal Volcano National Park, access is fairly easy. The small town of Bijagua is the closest to the park. If you’re coming from the beaches of Guanacaste, you’ll need to pass through Cañas before reaching Bijagua.

The main roads are in very good condition. Secondary roads into the park require a 4×4.

Main attractions

The Río Celeste

Description : The Río Celeste is without doubt Tenorio’s most famous attraction. This river is renowned for its intense turquoise-blue color, which seems almost unreal. This color is the result of a chemical reaction between the sulfur and calcium carbonate present in the water. The phenomenon begins at a specific point in the river called Los Teñideros.
Swimming is now prohibited in the national park, but the view alone is worth the detour. However, enthusiasts will have no trouble bathing in the Rio Celeste at spots upstream or downstream of the park. Some nearby lodges have private access to the Rio Celeste. The river is not exclusive to the national park. 🙂

Celeste River waterfall

Description : Another of the park’s major attractions is the Rio Celeste waterfall, about 1.5 km from the main trailhead. The waterfall falls from a height of approximately 30 metres into a natural pool surrounded by lush vegetation. The turquoise blue of the water and the intense green of the forest are a supernatural sight. It is, without doubt, the most photogenic waterfall in Costa Rica and Central America.
The hike to the Rio Tenorio waterfall is relatively easy. In recent years, a staircase has been added, making the descent much more suitable for all types of traveller.

Los Teñideros

Description : “Los Teñideros is the confluence point where two rivers join to form the River Celeste. This is where the magic happens, transforming the water into a bright, opaque blue thanks to a natural chemical reaction. This phenomenon is one of the reasons why the Rio Celeste is so famous. Visitors can stop here to observe the color change from clear to turquoise water.

Laguna Azul (Blue Lagoon)

Description : Laguna Azul is a small natural lagoon fed by the Rio Celeste. As its name suggests, this lagoon is a very deep blue in color and provides another picturesque vantage point. It’s an excellent place to rest and admire the scenery, surrounded by dense rainforest.

Borbollones

Description : Borbollones are areas of the river where the underlying volcanic activity is visible in the form of small bubbles and steam escaping from the water. These areas are ideal for observing the park’s geothermal energy.

Panoramic view of the Tenorio volcano

Description : The Tenorio volcano is visible from various points in the park. For more experienced hikers, longer trails lead to viewpoints offering panoramic views of the volcano’s peaks and the surrounding forest. These hikes are more demanding and require good physical condition, but the views of the volcanic landscape and rainforest are well worth the effort.

Fauna and flora

Tenorio Volcano National Park is home to an incredibly rich flora and fauna. The park’s biodiversity is due to its location in a transition zone between the low-lying regions of Guanacaste and the higher cloud forests. The Rio Celeste is a perfect ecosystem for many species.

Flora

The park is dominated by a dense vegetation of giant trees, ferns, mosses and orchids. The park’s cloud forests are particularly rich in epiphytes, plants that grow on other plants, often high up in the canopy.

Fauna

Tenorio Park is home to a wide variety of mammals, including tapirs, pumas, jaguars and howler monkeys. It is also a haven for many bird species, including the rare resplendent quetzal, toucans and macaws.
The park’s rivers and lagoons are also home to a variety of fish and amphibians, including some endemic species.

Activities close to the national park

The area surrounding the Tenorio volcano also offers a multitude of activities that perfectly complement a visit to the park. In fact, whether it’s the Rio Tenorio or its tributaries, the region’s waters are subject to indisputable geothermal activity. Whether you’re a lover of hiking, wildlife, outdoor adventure or simply looking to relax, the region offers a variety of experiences to suit all tastes.

Cocoa crops

Costa Rica is famous for its coffee crops, but cocoa is also well developed. Near Bijagua, several fincas offer the chance to discover this drink of the Gods. A visit to one of these plantations offers an excellent opportunity to learn more about the cultivation and production processes of these emblematic Costa Rican products.

Thermal springs

These springs offer relaxing hot baths in an exceptional natural setting. Less frequented than the Arenal, this is a natural paradise that we recommend. An excellent way to soothe tired muscles after a hike.

Tubing and rafting

The rivers, the terrain and the rapids of certain rivers are ideal for fun activities in the Tenorio Park area. Tubing is an activity accessible to all. Comfortably installed in a large buoy, you let yourself slide down the river.

Birdwatching

The Bijagua / Tenorio region is one of Costa Rica’s most popular for birdwatching, thanks to its forests, ecosystems, altitudes and climatic conditions influenced by the Caribbean and the Pacific. The region is home to over 300 resident species, and many migratory birds stop off in the wetlands. Numerous organizations offer birdwatching trips that stop off near Bijagua and Tenorio Park.

Birdwatchers should stop off at Tenorio during their trip to Costa Rica. You can easily see : toucans, motmots, hummingbirds, oropendolas, tanagers, the umbrella coracina, the golden-eared toucanet, the golden eagle, the great hocco, the bellbird (Araponga tricaronculata), the tigerbird, the hooded caique, the white-necked manakin, the rufous-winged callist… It’s a veritable bird sanctuary, and the reserves near the park are excellent observation spots.

Indigenous territories

The Tenorio region holds a wealth of cultural attractions. The presence of the Maleku indigenous reserve, the only reserve of its kind in the entire north of the country, provides an opportunity to discover the way of life of the indigenous people and their history. The Maleku population currently numbers around 1,400. The Maleku indigenous territory is a must-visit place for its cultural tourism rich in traditions, dances, food and unique, colorful handicrafts.

Practical tips for visitors

Access: the park is accessible via well-maintained roads from the towns of Bijagua and Cañas. The main entrance is near Bijagua, a small town offering basic services for tourists.
Best time to visit: the best time to visit the park is during the dry season, from December to April. However, the Celeste River is magnificent all year round, even during the rainy season.
Equipment: bring waterproof clothing, sturdy hiking boots and plenty of water. Trails can be muddy and slippery, especially after rain.
Guides: we recommend hiring a local guide to learn more about the park’s unique geology and to maximize your chances of spotting wildlife.
Opening hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. Tickets can be booked online.

Tenorio Volcano National Park is a must-see destination for nature lovers and adventurers. With its impressive volcanic landscapes, lush forests and the magnificent Rio Celeste, it offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of Costa Rica’s wilderness. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a naturalist photographer or simply looking for tranquility, Tenorio Volcano National Park will leave you with an unforgettable memory of your trip to Costa Rica.