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Tenorio Volcano National Park: Where the River Turns Sky Blue

Discover Costa Rica's natural magic at Tenorio Volcano National Park: Hike through rainforests to witness the stunning, sky-blue Rio Celeste.

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Tenorio Volcano National Park, located in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica, is a natural wonderland known for its stunning Rio Celeste, a river famed for its vibrant turquoise waters. The park also encompasses the Tenorio Volcano, lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, and natural hot springs, offering a captivating experience for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike.

A brief summary to Parque Nacional Volcán Tenorio

Local tips

  • Purchase park tickets online in advance through the SINAC website, as they are not sold at the entrance.
  • Wear sturdy hiking boots, as the trails can be muddy, especially during the rainy season (May-December).
  • Arrive early to avoid crowds; the park opens at 8:00 AM, with the last entry at 2:00 PM.
  • Bring insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes and other insects in the rainforest.
  • Be prepared for rain, even in the dry season, and bring a waterproof jacket or poncho.
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Getting There

  • Car

    The most common way to reach Tenorio Volcano National Park is by car. From the town of Bijagua, drive approximately 9 kilometers east. The road is paved, making it accessible for most vehicles. Enter 'Parque Nacional Volcan Tenorio' into your GPS. Be aware that cell service can be unreliable near the park, so download offline maps. Parking is available in private lots near the entrance for a fee of approximately 3000 CRC.

  • Taxi

    From Bijagua, taxis are available to take you to the park entrance. A taxi ride will cost around $40 USD. Negotiate the price before starting your journey. Taxis can drop you off directly at the park entrance, where the hiking trails begin.

  • Bus

    While there are no direct buses to the park entrance, you can take a bus from Liberia to Bijagua. From the bus terminal in Liberia, take the bus to Bijagua. The bus journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours and costs around $4-7 USD. Once in Bijagua, you will need to take a taxi to the park entrance. The taxi ride from Bijagua to the park is approximately $40 USD.

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Discover more about Parque Nacional Volcán Tenorio

Tenorio Volcano National Park, cradled within the Guanacaste Volcanic Mountain Range, is a mesmerizing realm of rainforests and unique natural phenomena. The park's namesake, the Tenorio Volcano, with its four cones, provides scenic overlooks with views of both the Pacific and Caribbean plains. However, the star attraction is undoubtedly the Rio Celeste, a river whose waters transform into an ethereal blue. The park's main trail, about 3.7 miles in total, guides visitors through a series of natural wonders. The journey begins in a lush rainforest, home to diverse wildlife including monkeys, sloths, and various bird species. The trail leads to the majestic Rio Celeste Waterfall, cascading down into a pool of striking blue. Further along, you'll encounter Laguna Azul, a small lagoon with intensely colored water, and Los Borbollones, areas where volcanic gases bubble up through the river. The 'Teñidero' marks the precise spot where the clear streams converge, creating the optical illusion of the river's blue hue. Tenorio Volcano National Park was established in 1976 to safeguard the forests surrounding the dormant Tenorio Volcano and the Rio Celeste. The park boasts a rich biodiversity, with approximately 540 species of birds, 74 species of mammals, 31 species of reptiles, and an estimated 3,690 plant species. It is a haven for birdwatchers, with species like the resplendent quetzal, keel-billed toucan, and three-wattled bellbird. Mammals such as pumas, jaguars, tapirs, and monkeys also inhabit the park. Visitors should note that swimming is prohibited within the national park to protect the delicate ecosystem. Single-use plastics are not allowed, so bringing a reusable water bottle is recommended.

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