No trip to Costa Rica can be considered complete until you've visited the Tenorio Volcano.
● Tenorio Volcano.
Tenorio Volcano National Park
( Spanish : Parque Nacional Volcán Tenorio ) is a National Park in the northen part of
Costa Rica , which forms part of the Arenal Tilaran Conservation Area .
The jewel of the National Park is the volcano, from which it receives it's name. The Tenorio Volcano was made part of the National Park in 1995 and
is located about 26 miles northeast from the
town of in the Guanacaste Province .
Tenorio Volcano consists of four volcanic peaks and two craters. One of the craters is sometimes referred to as the Montezuma Volcano. Tenorio attains a maximum height of 6,287 feet (1,913 m). The awe inspiring Rio Celeste (Light Blue River) is turned literally blue due to the emanation
of sulfur from the volcano and precipitation of calcium carbonate . Thermal springs and
small geysers dot the area as do rivers, waterfalls, lagoons and panoramic views.
The upper area of the park is dominated by primary cloud forest , while the lower regions are carpeted with rain forest . The Tapir and the rarely seen Puma reside in the area..
● Tenorio Volcano National Park
The Tenorio Volcano, with multiple craters at a maximum height of 6,286', is the reason why the river was named Rio Celeste (Light Blue River) resulting from the emanation of sulfur and precipitation of calcium carbonate. Because of the volcanic field around this area, hot springs and small geysers are common. Beautiful rivers, waterfalls, lagoons and panoramic views are everywhere. Primary cloud forest and rainforest covers the park, which abounds with flora and fauna species in multiple life zones.
● Rio Celeste is the crown jewel of Northern Costa Rica.
The Light Blue River, a winding body of water surrounded by amazing rainforest in the Tenorio Volcano National Park, sports one of Costa Rica's most beautiful waterfalls, natural hot springs, as well as the unique phenomenon of clear water turning blue by means of a volcanic chemical reaction. The trip from La Fortuna is well worth it, as many people I know have considered Rio Celeste the best part of their trip through Costa Rica.
A trip to Rio Celeste involves a pleasant, yet somewhat challenging, hike through the cool rainforest scenery of the Tenorio Volcano National Park. The hike will last about an hour and a half before you reach the Rio Celeste Waterfall. Take some time here to enjoy the beauty of this gorgeous cascading water crashing into the baby blue swimming hole below. The lush green tropical surroundings top off one of most aesthetically-pleasing views in all of Costa Rica.
After another hour of hiking, meanwhile taking a dip in the various hot spring pools along the way, you arrive at the spot where the Rio Celeste turns from a crystal clear water to a magnificent light blue color only found in Rio Celeste.
After you've seen the water turn blue you can start heading back to the park entrance. This downhill hike will likely only take you an hour and a half. When you get back to the park entrance you will be satisfied by all of the exercise you got while seeing a hidden natural wonder that will spark the envy of the most savvy tourists.
Tenorio National Park Protected Zone and Volcano.
_________It is recommended you take a raincoat and weatherproof shoes.__________
How to get there ?
This park is located in Bijagua (pronouned bee-hog-wah), Guanacaste. Take highway #1 to Cañas and drive 6 more miles after Cañas.
Turn right to take road #6 to Bijagua and Upala. 20 miles past Bijagua you will see the signs to Tenorio National Park.
When to go? The park is open every day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is a very rainy area even in the dry season and especially so in the rainy season (May-November).
