Volcan Tenorio National Park was created on April 27th 1.995. This volcano is the second elevatión of the Guanacaste Mountain Range.
Because of it location and geografic aligment, this mountain range functions as a natural wall that blocks the way of the clouds , blown by the Trade Winds coming from the northwest.This gives origen to the formation of rain, with orografic caracter.
This National Park is formed by a puzzle of natural resources of uncomparable beauty. One of the most atractive ones, is the Rio Celeste or "Light Blue River" , with light blue waters provoked by the emanation of sulphurs and the precipitation of carbonated calcium.

Flora and Fauna

Due to the climate variability, Volcan Tenorio National Park is home to many different species of plants and trees; the most common ones are: Oak tree, "Aguacatillo", "Chicle" tree, "Platano", "Danto" and many palms,ferns, epiphytes, bromeliads, orchids and heliconias.
Some of the most watched species of fauna are: tapir, collared peccary, tayra, howler monkey, white-faced monkey, spider monkey, wild cats ( puma, margay and ocelot ), birds like three-wattled bellbird, turkey vultures and diferent roadside hawks and tanagers.

Life Zones

The Park presents 4 Life Zones and one Zone of Transition

• Very Humid Tropical Forest
• Very Humid Tropical Forest, Transition to Premountain.
• Premountain Pluvial Forest.
• Very Humid Premountain Forest
• Low Mountain Pluvial Forest.
  

Attractives

• Termal waters.
• Liberation of gases
• Light Blue Waterfall
• The beggining of the transformation of the Rio Celeste's water into light blue.
• The passways to the top (Misterios del Tenorio)
• Tenorio Volcano.
• Montezuma Volcano.
• Tapir Lagoon.

Other important aspects:

Precipitation 4.000 milimiters per year.
Rainy season From May to January.
Average temperature 24° C ( 75º F )
Maximum altitude 1.916 meters above sea level.
Extension 12.871 hectares.

Ways of access

1. San José - Cañas. From Cañas 7 km north on Interamerican highway then 44 km to Upala road then east 8 km (4WD all year)
2. San José - Ciudad Quesada - El Tanque ( in San Carlos ) . >From El Tanque go 80 kilometers on the way to Upala, and 24 kilometers on the way to Cañas. Then turn East 8 kilometers by a ballasted road , for 4WD vehicles all year around.

Regulations

• It is not permited to colect any species of flora or fauna.
• It is not permited to enter in the area with radios or similar electronic devices which may provoke noise.
• Pets are not allowed.
• Keep yourself within the trails.
• If you have any arm, it must be left at the entrance hut .
• Drugs or alcohol are not allowed, nor visitors under their effects.
• Garbage must be picked up and taken out of the Park.
• You can only swim in the areas allowed to do so.
• Waterfalls carry roks and large pieces of trees which might be dangerous if you get too close to them.
• The use of soaps or detergents is not allowed.
• If you need help, please ask the park's personnel.

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