Taking its name from the resident volcano, Volcan Tenorio is one of Costa Rica’s newer national parks, and is an area of primary rainforest and cloud forest.
Lying at the northern end of Lake Arenal, the park surrounds the two volcanoes of Tenorio and Montezuma, running along the mountainous spine of the country. Its upper area is dominated by primary cloudforest, while the lower regions are carpeted with rainforest – both of which are rich in flora and fauna. Tapir and puma live in the area but are rarely seen.
Among its many natural features is one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful waterfalls – the Rio Celeste tumbles some 32ms into a pool of almost unnaturally sky-blue water, a result of the presence of volcanic sulphur and precipitating calcium carbonate. Subterranean activity endows the area with several hot springs in which you can bathe and relax, as well as some small geysers.
Volcan Tenorio is located some 35 kilometres northwest of the town of La Fortuna.
Travel from coast to coast to understand Costa Rica’s complex mosaic of ecosystems, with the Caribbean and Pacific coastlines offering a great contrast to the interior’s steamy rainforests. This suggested itinerary visits some of the lesser-known parks and includes some relaxation time on the Pacific coast.
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