//
National Park in Costa Rica
Photo: Cephas, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Tenorio Volcano National Park straddles the border between Guanacaste province and Alajuela province of Costa Rica, it is home to the beautiful Rio Celeste. The river has an unworldly milky blue color which comes from sulfur produced by the volcano. The park attracts nature lovers and hikers who come to see its spectacular waterfalls, its hanging bridges, and its trails through the rain forest and cloud forest.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Waterfalls on the Rio Celeste, near the western park entrance (El Pilón). To get to the falls, park near the ranger station at the park entrance and follow a 2 to 3 km trail to the falls. After visiting the falls, you can continue on the trail to the teñiderios, then along the opposite bank to the hot springs to the west entrance. The road crosses the new car bridge over the river and goes back to the ranger station at El Pilon.
A turquoise blue river, whose colour results of mineral deposits in one stream mixing with the sulphurous water in another. There are plenty of birds and insects to see, including toucans. Do carry a rain-jacket with you and proper boots—the trail often is muddy. However, if money is no concern, they also rent rubber boot near the entrance. The trail takes about 1 hr one way. The visit of the park is only really worth it with sunshine (for the water to glow) and during the dry season. The water does not glow by itself, it is a beautiful reflection the light, like with water coming from a glacier. Note, during the dry season a day's rain is not an issue—the tropical soil stores a lot of water before it releases it.
Offers a complete adventure experience near the famous blue waters of Rio Celeste, including guided tubing, canopy ziplining, horseback riding, and nature hikes. Includes safety equipment, private river access, and expert local guides.
A boutique resort hotel in a secluded section of rainforest adjacent to the National Park.
Clean, comfortable bungalows in a rainforest setting with access to hiking trails leading into the rainforest with hanging bridges and abundant wildlife.
To get to Rio Celeste it is about a one-hour bus trip from the town of Guatuso, then a 3-km (or more) hike.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Liberia · International · LIR
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Tenorio Volcano National Park and Costa Rica.
Travel tipsFind the best time to visit Costa Rica in 2026. Compare dry season sunshine, green season wildlife, rainforest hiking, hotel rates, and surf swells.
8 min read
InspirationThe best places to visit in December across sun, snow and culture, comparing Lapland, Chiang Mai, Vienna, Costa Rica and Cape Town.
7 min read
Nature & adventureDiscover the best nature retreats and farm stays for a relaxing break, featuring Tuscan agriturismi, cloud forest lodges, and fjord cabins.
7 min read
Nature & adventureCosta Rica has some of the world's most spectacular national parks, protecting a range of different ecosystems including rain forests and cloud forests, remote beaches where sea turtles nest, dense jungles, and active…
Wikivoyage
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.