Tenorio Volcano National Park (Parque Nacional Volcán Tenorio)

Walk the park’s rainforest hiking trails for views of the volcanoes and geothermal features such as bubbling mud pits and a mineral-rich lagoon; plus experience elevated walkways known as hanging bridges for a closer look at wildlife including sloths, monkeys, and colorful birds. Alternatively, get your adrenaline pumping with some of the best whitewater rafting in Costa Rica on the Rio Celeste’s Class III and IV rapids.

• In 2019, park management began limiting the park's number of daily visitors, so arrive early to avoid being turned away.

• Individual reservations are not available, but tour groups can guarantee entrance.

• The summit and crater of Tenorio Volcano is not open to the public, so admire the peak from a distance when approaching the park.

• Bring rubber boots or rent them from vendors inside the park to keep your hiking shoes mud-free.

• Pack a change of clothes and water shoes for rafting trips.

Tenorio Volcano National Park is located in northwestern Costa Rica, about 45 miles (70 kilometers) from La Fortuna and 100 miles (160 kilometers) from San Jose. A vehicle is needed to reach the park, though 4WD is no longer necessary thanks to a newly paved park entrance. To avoid having to navigate Costa Rica's notoriously challenging roads, take a guided tour with transport.

The park offers fantastic foliage and wildlife year-round, so there's no bad time to visit. If you visit in Costa Rica’s rainy season (May through November), prepare for muddy trails, afternoon showers, and high water levels that can make for challenging river rapids. Arrive early in the morning or with a tour group to avoid being shut out after the park reaches capacity.

The park’s most photographed site is Rio Celeste, a tropical cascade emptying from the jungle into a bright blue pool below. The trail leading to the falls involves a steep descent down more than 200 stairs. It requires good physical fitness to traverse, but most travelers agree that the view is worth it.

Yes, Costa Rica’s Tenorio Volcano National Park is worth visiting. You can see a range of birds and wildlife, admire the beautiful Rio Celeste and its waterfalls, hike through cloud forests and rainforests, and gaze up at the dome of Tenorio Volcano itself. Tenorio Volcano National Park has some of Costa Rica’s finest mountainous scenery.

Entrance to the Tenorio Volcano National Park costs CRC800 (about US$1.50) for citizens and residents of Costa Rica and US$12 for non-citizens/residents. Children under the age of 12 are free. The number of people allowed to visit each day is limited, and tickets can’t be bought or reserved online independently, except by agents for tour groups.

Tenorio Volcano National Park is in northwestern Costa Rica; Bijagua is the nearest town. You can drive there from other parts of Costa Rica, and there are various possible routes depending on where you’re coming from. The park is about 48 miles (78 kilometers) from Liberia and 124 miles (200 kilometers) from San Jose. Guided tours also depart from La Fortuna/Arenal.

No, for safety reasons, you’re not allowed to swim in any water within the Tenorio Volcano National Park, including rivers, waterfalls, lakes, and hot springs. However, the Rio Celeste that runs through the park also extends beyond its boundaries, and there are some popular places where it’s safe to swim.

Yes, you can visit Tenorio Volcano National Park independently with your own vehicle. However, daily visitor numbers are capped, and tickets can’t be bought or reserved online independently. Joining a tour will guarantee entry, as agencies can purchase tickets in advance.

The dry season is the best time to visit Tenorio Volcano National Park, between November and April. However, “dry” is a relative term; the park sees rain year-round. There are different micro-climates on the western and eastern sides. The western side tends to be drier, and the eastern side is more influenced by Caribbean weather systems.