This Ethereal Costa Rican National Park Is A Natural Wonder Full Of Waterfalls And Turquoise Waters

Situated in Central America, Costa Rica shines as a beacon for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. This small country is renowned for its breathtaking national parks, pristine beaches, and vibrant wildlife, making it a dream destination for those who crave the outdoors. Its tropical rainforests teem with life–hummingbirds dart through the trees, howler monkeys call from treetops, and colorful orchids bloom in abundance. Beyond its natural splendor, Costa Rica stands out for its commitment to conservation, with over 98% of the country's energy derived from renewable resources. The nation's dedication to protecting its ecosystems has earned it a reputation as a green leader with a strong social conscience. Add to that the infectious joy of its people — consistently ranking among the happiest on Earth according to the Happy Planet Index – and you've got a place that feels like paradise. 

Among the country's many treasures emerges Tenorio Volcano National Park, a must-know gem. Tucked away in the northern corner of the country, this remote park encapsulates everything that makes Costa Rica extraordinary: untouched beauty and diverse ecosystems, including the hot springs and volcanoes you will find along this scenic drive. It's a place where visitors can immerse themselves in nature's wonders from cascading waterfalls to rivers glowing an otherworldly hue. 

Located in the volcanic mountain range of Guanacaste near the Nicaraguan border, the park is accessible via the gateway town of Bijagua, a short 15-minute drive from the main entrance El Pilon. For international travelers, the Liberia Guanacaste Airport (LIR) is just an hour and a half away, while the capital of San Jose lies about 3.5 hours south. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from about November to April when the park's trails are less muddy and the skies are clearer — perfect for an early morning trek when the landscape feels serene and untouched.

Tenorio Volcano National Park, established in 1995, is one of Costa Rica's younger protected areas, created to safeguard the active Tenorio Volcano and its surrounding 30,000 acres of pristine wilderness. Named after the volcano that towers at 6,287 feet, the park remained largely inaccessible until around 2018 when improved roads and bridges finally opened it to the world. Its relative youth and remoteness — part of the larger Tenioro-Miravalles protected zone – only add to the allure. Here, conservation efforts preserve a tapestry of ecosystems, from misty cloud forests to dense rainforests and rugged mountain landscapes, all thriving with biodiversity across four distinct life zones. 

What draws people to Tenorio is its raw unspoiled beauty. The star attraction is the Rio Celeste, a river that flows through the park in a surreal shade of sky blue, thanks to a natural chemical reaction due to the merging of two rivers, blending their chemical concoctions of silicon, oxygen, and aluminum into a vivid hue. Along the park's main trail, aptly named "The Mysteries of Tenorio," hikers wind through a rugged 2-mile path that unveils a series of natural marvels. The Rio Celeste Waterfall plunges almost 100 feet into a shimmering turquoise pool, reachable by a 250-step staircase that rewards efforts with jaw-dropping views. Further along, bubbling hot springs release sulfuric gases from the volcano's depths, while the ethereal blue lagoon glows amid lush greenery. The trail feels like a journey through a living painting – bromeliads cling to ancient trees, mist drifts through the canopy, and the distant roar of pumas or howler monkeys punctuate the stillness. Remote and wild, Tenorio beckons those who yearn to lose themselves in nature's lush embrace.

The Tenorio Volcano National Park is just the beginning of the adventure. The surrounding area offers a playground of activities to elevate any visit. For a thrill above the forest floor, the Heliconias Hanging Bridges invite visitors to stroll across swaying suspension bridges strung between the treetops. These sturdy spans offer a bird's eye view of the rainforest, where toucans flash their colors, sloths dangle lazily, and butterflies dance in the mist — an experience blending adrenaline with awe without leaving a footprint in the delicate ecosystem.

The Rio Celeste becomes a playground for water lovers. Tubing allows visitors to calmly float along its enchanting blue currents, while kayaking or white-water rafting ramps up the excitement and thrills. On land, horseback riding tours weave through volcanic terrain, offering a slower pace to soak in the scenery. For a high-flying rush, zip-lining sends you soaring over the canopy through the cloud forests, above the turquoise river far below. Birdwatchers will find paradise here too, with rare species like trogons and sunbitterns hiding in the foliage.

For a deeper dive into Costa Rica's wild side, consider a trip to the Caño Negro National Wildlife Refuge, an hour and a half northeast. This remote wetland, a globally recognized haven, shelters spider monkeys, river turtles, and over 200 bird species. A slow float down its river reveals a world few get to see — canyons framing a thriving ecosystem that feel untouched by humankind. Tenorio's surroundings deliver a full package of rainforest exploration with lush jungles and stunning waterfalls, creating an unforgettable escape required on any travel bucket list.