Volcano Tenorio
Volcano Tenorio, much like the previous volcano, Rincón de la Vieja, is located in the northwestern part of the country in the Guanacaste province.
The national park was established in 1995 and covers over 18 thousand hectares. Volcano Tenorio consists of 4 cones, with 2 of them actually being twins. However, it owes its fame to the magnificent Rio Celeste. After about a 3-kilometer hike through primary and secondary forests, and descending numerous steps, you’ll reach the impressive Rio Celeste Waterfall. The waterfall gets its name from its turquoise waters, which result from a chemical reaction. The trail doesn’t end once you’ve seen the waterfall! Throughout the rest of the park, you can observe unique phenomena like sulfur emulsions, an azure blue lagoon, and even the mixing of waters.
At the confluence of the Buena Vista and Quebrada Agría rivers, the mineral components present in the volcanic massifs of each river blend and create this blue color (including copper sulfate and sulfur). This phenomenon is a must-see and can be found at the end of the trail. This place is also called the “Teñidero.”
In terms of fauna, if you’re lucky, you might spot sloths, agoutis, or even tapirs!
Tenorio is an area teeming with activities: tubing, canyoning, rafting, horseback riding, cocoa tours, and more. You won’t have time to get bored during your visit!
PS: Legend has it that “When God finished painting the sky blue, He washed His brushes in the Rio Celeste.” 🎨
