Tenorio Volcano

Tenorio Volcano is a stratovolcano in northern Costa Rica rising to about 1,916 metres and forming part of the Guanacaste volcanic arc. It lies within Tenorio Volcano National Park, noted for its cloud forest and distinctive river systems.

The park is best known for the Río Celeste - a bright blue river and waterfall produced where two streams mix - plus boardwalks and viewpoints that allow visitors to see the Teñidero mixing point and the Río Celeste waterfall. Trails through cloud forest lead to hot springs, lookout points and views of the volcano’s slopes.

Tenorio is a volcanic feature of the Central American volcanic belt; its geological activity built the massif over hundreds of thousands of years. The area was set aside for protection as a national park to conserve its hydrological and biological values.

The volcano sits in Alajuela Province near the village of Bijagua in northern Costa Rica, within the Cordillera de Guanacaste and accessible by road from La Fortuna and Liberia.

• Elevation: The volcano rises to about 1,916 metres above sea level, forming part of the Guanacaste volcanic range in northern Costa Rica.
• When to go: Visit in the dry season (December to April) for easier access to trails and clearer views; local guides are recommended for the park’s steeper paths.

What to See#

• Río Celeste: Río Celeste waterfall and the Teñidero mixing point where two colorless streams meet to produce the river’s intense sky-blue color - the river and its cascades are the park’s principal attractions.
• Trails and lookouts: Trail network and lookout platforms within Tenorio Volcano National Park that provide access to thermal springs, cloud forest sections and multiple viewpoints of the volcano and river.

• If you're going for Rio Celeste views, aim for the park gate at opening (early morning) to beat the crowds and to see the river's blue color at its most vivid before sunlight washes it out.
• Access to the Tenorio area is normally from the Bijagua/Upala side; confirm road conditions and park opening hours in advance (trails can be slippery in the rainy season and some operators run guided treks that include transportation).