Waterfall on the Rio Celeste in Tenorio Volcano National Park

The Tenorio Volcano National Park straddles the border between Guanacaste province and Alajuela province of Costa Rica, it is home to the beautiful Rio Celeste. The river has an unworldly milky blue color which comes from sulfur produced by the volcano. The park attracts nature lovers and hikers who come to see its spectacular waterfalls, its hanging bridges, and its trails through the rain forest and cloud forest.

Understand

History

The park is young and not yet widely known outside the local area. A paved road into the park was built in 2018 and is likely to significantly boost ecotourism.

Landscape

The park's most prominent feature is the volcano itself. Tenorio is an inactive stratovolcano with four peaks and two craters. Lower elevations of the park are mostly grassy savanna, with rain forests and cloud forests as you ascend the mountains.

Get in

To get to Rio Celeste it is about a one-hour bus trip from the town of Guatuso, then a 3-km (or more) hike.

See

Laguna Azul on the Rio Celeste

• Cataratas Rio Celeste. Waterfalls on the Rio Celeste, near the western park entrance (El Pilón). To get to the falls, park near the ranger station at the park entrance and follow a 2 to 3 km to the falls. After visiting the falls, you can continue on the trail to the teñiderios, then along the opposite bank to the hot springs to the west entrance. The road crosses the new car bridge over the river and goes back to the ranger station at El Pilon. 

Eat

Restaurants and food stands are along the park road from Bijuagua (west side of park). There is no food for sale in the park.

Sleep

You can camp at the entrance of the park for US$6 per night. Cabins at the park entrance are available for US$40 per night (April 2008). There is also accommodation further down the road.

Lodging

• 1 Hotel Rio Celeste, 400 meters noroeste de Escuela de la Paz San Rafael, ☏ +506 8938 9927. A boutique resort hotel in a secluded section of rainforest adjacent to the National Park. US$80. 
• 2 Albergue Heliconias Lodge, 3 Km suroeste del Liceo, Bijagua, ☏ +506 2466 8483. Check-in: 2pm, check-out: 11am. Clean, comfortable bungalows in a rainforest setting with access to hiking trails leading into the rainforest with hanging bridges and abundant wildlife. US$95. 

Stay safe

Trails are often muddy and slick. Good boots and a hefty walking stick will help. Venomous snakes, including the fer-de-lance (terciopelo) live in this park. Long pants are recommended and beware where you step, especially if you walk off trail.

Bring water in canteens or similar reusable container. Disposable drink bottles are prohibited in the park.

Go next

• Santa Rosa National Park
• Guanacaste National Park
• Arenal Volcano