Tenorio Volcano National Park
Established in 1995, Tenorio Volcano National Park is located between the provinces of Guanacaste and Alajuela. The park encompasses some 31,794 acres, protecting the volcano and forested areas that surround it. The Rio Celeste runs through the park creating a beautiful backdrop for great photos. The river is a vibrant turquoise blue surrounded by emerald green forests. Tenorio Volcano contains two craters that visitors can hike to with a certified guide if up to the challenge.
Rio Celeste Waterfall
From the park ranger station the majority of the trails lead to the gorgeous Rio Celeste that is on the northeast side of Tenorio Volcano. The river gains its interesting color from the natural minerals of a volcanic spring that mix with the fresh waters of another mineral rich river. The result is simply spectacular with a gorgeous waterfall! There are also several natural hot springs located on the river and around the volcano.
Wildlife
Tenorio Volcano National Park is home to a wide range of wildlife with everything from jaguars to tapirs to capuchin monkeys and sloths. The park is a birdwatching paradise as it goes from rainforest to cloud forest and is also directly within a major migratory flight path between Lake Nicaragua and Palo Verde.
Park Admission Fees and Hours
Tenorio Volcano National Park is open from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm and has an admission of 10USD. It is highly advised to go with a guide to ensure safety as well as to spot the camouflaged wildlife.
Weather and Packing List
The Northern Zone is an area of fairly unpredicatble weather where one can wake to sunny skies, weather torential down pours by 10am and then have sunny skies again by noon. Temperatures usually hovering in the upper 70s during the day and lower 60s at night. The rain season here runs from May through June and September through November. The heaviest rains are generally during September and October.
Visitors should pack shorts, tee shirts, appropriate shoes, rain gear, sun block. It is also advised to bring at least one pair of pants and a long sleeve shirt.
Fun Fact: Though one of the most interesting and beautiful places in Costa Rica, Tenorio National Park is one of the least visited.
