Costa Rica is a world leader in ecotourism, and the North Region of Costa Rica offers some incredible eco tours, including hiking excursions through Tenorio National Park. A “must see” attraction during your Costa Rica vacation is the beautiful, blue Rio Celeste with its geothermally heated hot springs.

 
Rio Celeste

A major Costa Rica attraction is the Rio Celeste, which runs through Costa Rica National Park. The bluish-turquoise color of this river is volcanic in origin, caused by the release of sulfur and the precipitation of calcium carbonates. Hiking tours will lead you to a location where the chemical reaction between volcanic minerals causes the clear running water of the Rio Celeste to turn blue right before your eyes. Swimming in natural hot springs and under some of Costa Rica's most picturesque waterfalls are also part of many hiking tours along the Rio Celeste. The Rio Celeste Waterfall can be reached by hiking, horseback or mountain bike.

Tenorio National Park

This Costa Rica National Park, consisting of cloud forest and rainforest, offers an abundance of flora and fauna, along with countless rivers, waterfalls, thermal hot springs, and the Laguna La Danta (Tapir Lake).

Costa Rica's Tenorio Volcano

Many hiking trails in Tenorio National Park lead to picnic areas and swimming areas, with the main stop being the Park's Tenorio Volcano (Volcán Tenorio). This dormant Costa Rica volcano has four volcanic cones and volcanic domes, as well as the twin craters of Tenorio known as Montezuma Volcano. There have been no eruptions in recent history.

The volcano rises to 6,286 feet (1,916 meters), and hiking through the cloud forest on the steep slopes can be quite challenging yet very rewarding because the scenery and wildlife viewing  is superb. At dusk, Costa Rica travelers can view tapirs drinking water at Lago Las Dantas (Tapir Lake). Cougars (puma) and jaguar creep through the forests and monkeys are everywhere. Trails also lead to Rio Celeste and mud pots where healers frequent. Mountain biking tours are very popular, as is horseback riding.

Rio Tenorio

This is a popular, fast moving whitewater river located in the National Park that is perfect for those new to paddling through rapids and those wanting to kick back and enjoy the view. The class l riffles are very easy, while the class ll riffles can be exciting for those new to the sport.

La Carolina Lodge

La Carolina Lodge provides a friendly, rustic place to stay for those wishing to explore the Tenorio National Park, Cano Negro, or the Rio Celeste and its famous waterfall, while on their Costa Rica vacation. The lodge is located on the eastern slopes of Volcano Tenorio amidst green pastures and sunny jungles. Costa Rica has a rich cowboy heritage and horseback riding through the meadows and on the hillsides of this cattle ranch is great fun. Many guests enjoy ending the day with a relaxing session of fresh water fishing off the lodge's back deck. 

Travel Tips

When your Costa Rica travel plans include the North Region, it's important to pack a variety of clothing since the temperature cools as you go upland. To avoid most of the wind and rain on the volcano, visit in January or February.
The average temperature for the Costa Rica National Park of Tenorio is 78°F. When booking your tours here, especially popular ones like horseback riding and mountain biking, its best to book in advance.


Activities:
•    Canopy Tours /Aerial Trams
•    Hiking
•    Wind Surfing
•    Horseback Riding
•    Canyoneering
•    Biking
•    ATV
•    Rafting
•    Fishing (Lake)
•    Boat Tours
•    Hot Springs
•    Wildlife Fun/Sightseeing