Tenorio Volcano National Park

Volcan Tenorio is a national park in the northern part of Costa Rica, part of the Arenal Tilaran Conservation Area. Just a few kilometers from Bijagua, the jewel in the park’s crown is the volcano from which it takes its name. The volcano has been part of the park since 1995 and is located in the province of Guanacaste.

Comprising four volcanic peaks and two craters, it reaches an altitude of 1,913 m. One of the craters is sometimes referred to as the Montezuma volcano.

One of the park’s major attractions is undoubtedly the Rio Celeste, whose blue color is due to the emanation of sulfur and mixing with calcium carbonate. In the words of the poet Alvarado: “This is where God rinsed his brushes after painting the sky!”

Hot springs, geysers, waterfalls, lagoons and panoramic views make this an enchanting visit.

The upper reaches of the park are dominated by primary cloud forest, while the lower regions are carpeted with secondary rainforest. Tapirs, agoutis, monkeys and, more rarely, the elusive puma can be seen in the area. A wide variety of heliconias, bromeliads and orchids can also be seen.