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Tenorio Volcano National Park
Tenorio National Park is a place filled with extraordinary natural treasures including the one of a kind Rio Celeste (Celestial Blue River) a turquoise scenic waterfall and river caused by the interaction of chemicals from the volcano vein and the natural components of water, the La Paz Tree which measures 33 meters in circumfrence, the Venado caves for adventure seekers, and the Los Chorros natural hot springs . It is by far one of Costa Rica’s most fascinating National Parks and should not be missed!
The Tenorio Volcano National Park is located in the central northern part of Guanacaste near the Nicaraguan border. The Tenorio volcano was included in the Conservation area as of 1995 measures 31,794 acres. The Tenorio massif consists of four volcano peaks and two craters including the Tenorio and the Montezua. The volcano’s highest peak is 6,286 feet high. Both volcanoes are dormant and have not showed any activity for the last several years.
This park is a very lush park of cloud rainforest that protects primary forest in The Tiliran/Arenal Conservation area. The hiking trails are challenging especially if they are muddy, but lead one all around the park to explore its wonders. You could also take a horseback ride. There are trails to the Tenorio and Montezuma volcanoes. There is also a trail to where the volcano vain meets the normal river and you can see the chemical reaction called emanation of sulfur, copper, and precipitations of calcium carbonate combine. This meeting point is called Borbollones. If you pay close attention you will notice that some of the river stones have actually been dyed turquoise due to the chemical reaction as well. You are certain to enjoy hiking around the area and you can also discover to the Laguan La Danta or Tapir Lake. If you are lucky you can walk by the fumaroles and boiling mud pools.
On your way to the entrance of the park on the right hand side you will see a massive several hundread year old tree called the Tree of Peace "Arbol de la Paz". If you can manage to take a picture with it you will look as tiny as an ant. This massive tree measures over 33 meters in circumfrence!
If you continue past the park you will run into the Cavernas Venados which are a real treat if you are not afraid of tight places. The guides have a very good sense of humor. They will take you through the cave, through a tiny space called the birth canal, make you army crawl through a river, and have you slide down a natural water slide. Sometimes they pretend they are lost just to get your adrenaline rushing.
Some of the protected wildlife and flora you are sure to see in the area include:
- Tapir (Tapirus bairdii) who eat the fruit from the jicaro danto tree in the area and are known to drink from the craters at twilight.
- Several wild cats including puma, cougars & jaguar
- Ocelots
- Tepezcuintles (Agouti paca)
- Sloths
- Howler, Spider, & white faced monkeys
- Umbrella bird (Cephalopterus glabricollis)
- Agoutis
- Tanagers
- Trogons
- Guans
- Toucans
- Freshwater fishes
- Snakes
- Semonkies
- Peccaries
- Hawks
- Wild turkeys
- vultures
- Bats
- Auacatillos (Ocotea)
- Heliconias
- Several different species of Orchids
There are restrooms and potable water available. There are picnic and swimming areas. The station features a butterfly & insect exhibit. Camping is not permitted within the National Park area.
How to get there: From San Jose take the major highway to Cuidad Quesada. Then you will continue to take the highway north to Upala. Once you reach Upala you will head towards Bijagua. Or you can take from San Jose the Interamerican highway to Cañas and then to Bijagua. If you like cheese you can purchase some in Bijagua as it is known for its fresh product. Then head 16 km up the road which is in fair condition to the entrance of the park and the ranger station.
