Your 2025 Adventure Starts Here: Tenorio Volcano National Park Travel Guide

Looking for places to go in Costa Rica? Whether it’s your first or hundredth visit, there will always be somewhere new to explore in this lush and beautiful country. Tenorio Volcano National Park is one of those. Best known for its star attraction, the bright turquoise Río Celeste, this park is a must-visit.

Since too many travelers skip over the opportunity, this guide will give you the inside scoop on why it’s worth seeing, along with some key points of interest, information on how to get there, and whether I think a tour of the park is merited (as opposed to going on your own).

Let’s get into it:

Tenorio National Park is located in the Alajuela Province of Costa Rica close to the town of Bijagua. This is one of the youngest Costa Rican national parks  and was created in 1995 to protect the Tenorio Volcano and surrounding area from development. The park features different ecosystems including cloud forest, rainforest and river habitats and tons of diverse wildlife, especially many species of birds.

What to do near Tenorio Volcano National Park?

Hiking in Rincón de la Vieja National Park:

A bit farther away (about 2.5 to 3 hours by car) is Rincón de la Vieja National Park. This national park features two sectors, a good number of trails, tons of geothermal features and waterfalls you can swim in.

Hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park:

Another longer drive, Arenal Volcano National Park, Lake Arenal and the town of La Fortuna are about 1.5 to 2 hours by car. This national park has two sectors and a few trails but other highlights in the area include kayaking/paddle boarding in Lake Arenal, La Fortuna waterfalls, the town of La Fortuna and other activities nearby.

Las Hornillas and Miravalles Volcano:

Las Hornillas is at the base of Miravalles and allows visitors to walk across an active crater where there are hot water pools, boiling mud pits and fumeroles. After hiking around this area, spend the rest of the time enjoying the sauna, mud baths and hot springs.

Llanos de Cortez:

This waterfall is located in the town of Bagaces, just 30 minutes south of Liberia and right off Highway. It is easily accessible from Liberia, Rincon de la Vieja, and even Tamarindo. There is a quick 15–20-minute hike to this free waterfall where you can swim in a pool formed from the falls. Since it is easily accessible (right off the highway) and free, it is a good option for a half day trip. Stop on the way into or out of Rincon de la Vieja if you want to have a dip in a refreshing natural pool.

Las Pumas Rescue Center:

Las Pumas is a non-profit rescue center off Highway, close to Llanos de Cortez. It is a great educational center for children but is also a good stop for adults. This center mostly contains animals that are unfit to be returned to the wild and provides permanent homes for them. Some of these animals include jaguars, ocelots, margays, toucans, macaws, pumas, spider monkeys, howler monkeys, capuchins, peccaries, parrots, jaguarundis, and many more. Guides are willing to give anyone a tour and most speak very good English.

Miravalles Hot Springs:

There are three main natural hot springs located near Miravalles. These are Yoko Termales, Colinas del and Thermomania. Yoko Termales and Colinas del are both hotels that offer day passes to their hot springs and pools. The pools at Yoko Termales surround a restaurant and bar. The pools at Colinas del are much more isolated. I would highly recommend this location at sunset into night-time. Watching the sunset over summit of the volcano is amazing and then staying in the warm pools into the night gives you an incredible view of the stars in the night sky. Thermomania is more of a water park featuring water slides and lots of kids.

Tenorio Volcano National Park Travel Guide:

Here are some essential tips to make the most of your visit to Tenorio Volcano National Park:

Plan Ahead:

Before visiting the park, take some time to research and plan your trip. Familiarize yourself with the park’s layout, trails, and attractions, and consider weather conditions, seasonal variations, and park regulations.

Dress Appropriately:

The weather in Tenorio National Park can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to dress in layers and wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, rain gear, and plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent.

Stay Hydrated:

Hiking and exploring the park can be physically demanding, especially in the tropical heat. Be sure to bring ample water to stay hydrated throughout your visit. Consider bringing snacks or a packed lunch to refuel during your adventures.

Start Early:

To avoid crowds and make the most of your time in the park, consider starting your day early. Early mornings are often the best time to spot wildlife, enjoy cooler temperatures, and experience the park’s natural beauty in relative solitude.

Follow Trail Etiquette:

Respect the natural environment and fellow visitors by staying on designated trails, refraining from littering, and avoiding excessive noise. Keep wildlife and plants undisturbed, and be mindful of your surroundings to minimize your impact on the ecosystem.

Bring a Camera:

Tenorio Volcano Park is home to breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife, and stunning natural features. Remember to bring a camera or smartphone to capture your memories and document the park’s beauty.

Be Prepared for Hiking:

Many park attractions require hiking along rugged trails and uneven terrain. Be prepared for moderate to strenuous hiking conditions, and consider your fitness level and abilities when choosing which trails to explore. Bring a map, compass, or GPS device, and let someone know your hiking plans before setting out

Respect Wildlife:

While exploring the park, you may encounter various wildlife, including birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects. Observe animals safely, refrain from feeding or approaching them, and avoid disturbing their natural behaviours.

Practice Leave No Trace:

Help preserve the natural beauty of Tenorio National Park by practising Leave No Trace principles. Pack out all trash and litter, stay on designated trails, and leave natural objects and artefacts undisturbed for others to enjoy.

Enjoy the Experience:

Finally, take the time to savour the experience of exploring Tenorio National Park. Slow down, take deep breaths, and immerse yourself in this unique and beautiful natural environment’s sights, sounds, and sensations. Enjoy the journey and create lasting memories of your time in this remarkable destination.

Learn more about Tenorio Volcano National Park:

At the end of this article, I wanted to add some information about the park that I thought you might find interesting.

• As we have seen, the park is a real natural jewel, offering the chance to observe lush nature, a network of excursions and the characteristic flora and fauna of the local biodiversity,
• The turquoise waters of the Rio Celeste are the result of a natural volcanic process linked to the geological composition of the region. In 2013, researchers from the University of Costa Rica found that this phenomenon is due to a unique mixture of volcanic minerals, including silicon, oxygen and aluminium. These minerals are found in the water sources of the Rio Celeste, the Quebrada Agria and the Rio Buena Vista, both of which originate from the Tenorio. When these two rivers meet at Teñideros, a special spot in the park (which we did not visit), the minerals mix together, triggering a chemical reaction that creates a special reflection in the glare of the sun, giving the water of the Rio Celeste its turquoise hue!
• The area is characterized by lush vegetation, mainly pre-mountain rainforest and cloud forest. Note that the altitude varies between 600 and 800 meters when walking in the park. The vegetation includes palms, heliconias, giant ferns (like those found in New Zealand), orchids, and numerous bromeliads, which are also found here in Guadeloupe.
• In terms of wildlife, the park offers visitors interesting opportunities to observe animals. Although the park is quite restrictive to minimize human impact, I found that there were quite a few people around when we visited. According to my research, there are a fair number of fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. You can see many species of birds while birdwatching, tapirs, jaguars, and even pumas. The park’s emblematic animals include the margay, agouti, ocelo,t and white-faced capuchin. There’s a great variety of snakes and, frankly, I would have liked to see more, but to be honest, with all the tourist noise, I imagine they don’t come out as easily as you might hope.

Claudio Granados

Born and raised in Costa Rica, Claudio Granados is a local travel expert dedicated to sharing the true essence of ‘Pura Vida’ with EcoTerra readers. With years of first-hand experience exploring the Arenal region—from the volcanic trails to the Peñas Blancas River—Claudio provides authentic, boots-on-the-ground advice. His goal is to help travelers skip the tourist traps and discover the rich culture, hidden wildlife spots, and unforgettable adventures that La Fortuna has to offer