Tenorio & Miravalles Protected Zone
Highway 6 is between two volcanic national parks – Tenorio Volcano National Park to the east and Miravalles Volcano National Park to the west. The rugged volcanic landscape is also home to a vibrant tropical forest.
Tenorio Volcano’s main peak reaches a height of 6,286 feet (1,916 m). Volcanic activity has formed boiling hot springs and geysers in the surrounding area. At mid-elevation, the rainforest and cloud forest provide lush habitats for the region's wildlife. Large felines such as cougars, ocelots, and jaguars live here, as well as tapirs. Tapirs are rare animals that resemble a pig with a long snout. A virgin forest extends to Tenorio's summit, lining the banks of the lake that fills the volcano’s crater.
There is a ranger station at the foot of the volcano that provides some information regarding the area. You can find accommodations in the nearby village of Bijagua, including eco-friendly lodging and B&Bs. Local tour guides can take you on horseback riding treks, as well as nocturnal tours, hikes to hanging bridges, and bird watching tours. There are a few spas around Bijagua that have natural hot springs. Visit these to experience firsthand the heat generated by the surrounding volcanoes.
Tenorio's sister volcano, Miravalles, is 6,653 feet (2,028 m) tall. It is the highest peak in the Guanacaste Mountains (Cordillera de Guanacaste). Miravalles has earned protective status due to its surrounding tropical vegetation and geological activity – steam-spewing fishers, sulfur springs, and bubbling mud pools.
The Institute of Costa Rican Electricity (ICE) has built a geothermal energy plant near the Miravalles Volcano that converts steam to electricity. You can visit ICE for a guided tour.
Experiences in Tenorio & Miravalles Protected Zone
Explore hand-picked Tenorio & Miravalles Protected Zone tours and experiences led by local insiders, from wildlife encounters to cultural deep-dives.
Miravalles Volcano Combo Tour
Where to stay in Tenorio & Miravalles Protected Zone
From boutique lodges to luxury resorts, every Tenorio & Miravalles Protected Zone accommodation is hand-picked by our local insiders for location, comfort, and character.
Celeste Mountain Lodge
Nestled between the Tenorio and Miravalles volcanoes in Guanacaste's northern highlands, Celeste Mountain Lodge's location couldn't be better - hikes through the Tenorio Volcano National Park, rafting along the Río Celeste and horseback rides to the Bijagua Waterfall are easily arranged and widely enjoyed.
Tenorio Lodge
The Tenorio Lodge is located between the Tenorio and Miravalles Volcanoes, in the northern plains of Costa Rica, close to Guanacaste's regional capital of Liberia.
Sueno Rio Celeste Boutique B&B
Sueno Rio Celeste Boutique is an intimate bed and breakfast situated just outside the small town Bijagua in northern Costa Rica. Bijagua lies in the valley between the Tenorio and Miravalles volcanoes, and offers visitors stunning scenery alongside some fabulous outdoor activities.
Cataratas Bijagua Lodge
The Cataratas Bijagua Lodge is set on the lush slopes of the Miravalles Volcano and the banks of the Bijagua River in the Guanacaste province. Within the Bijauga de Upala region, this rural lodge is devoted to sustainable living and a rural lifestyle.
Rio Celeste Hideaway
The Río Celeste Hideaway is located near the Tenorio Volcano National Park in the northern highlands of Costa Rica. The renowned Río Celeste – with its mystical, creamy-blue waters – flows through this part of the country, attracting visitors from far and wide. Perfect for couples, honeymooners or small families, the Río Celeste Hideaway offers its guests a unique place to stay while traveling in Costa Rica.
Río Perdido
This eco-friendly hotel operates a private 600-acre (242-ha) reserve and thermal springs. Its bungalows, restaurant, and grounds are designed to use water and energy efficiently, as well as offer a wealth of fun activities for guests to enjoy.
Natural Lodge Cano Negro
The Natural Lodge Caño Negro is set in the lush wetlands of the northern zone of Costa Rica, close to the small village of Los Chiles and three miles from the Nicaraguan border. The Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, considered to be one of the most important biological areas of the country, is home to the Caño Negro Lagoon and Rio Frio.
Arenal Lodge
The Arenal Lodge is situated in the Northern Lowlands of Costa Rica, just outside of the popular town of La Fortuna. This region is blessed with natural beauty and peaceful tranquility. Nature lovers will consider the area in and around Arenal and the quaint village of La Fortuna to be a slice of heaven.
Hotel Guachipelin
Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin is located at the foot of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, in the northwestern region of Guanacaste. The hacienda borders the popular Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Natural hot springs, virgin forests, jungle waterfalls and volcanic mud pots are just some of the many attractions tourists can enjoy during a stay at the hacienda.
Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa
At Tabacon Resort, you can enjoy the natural heat of the Tabacon Hot Springs, the purity of the surrounding rainforest, and rooms decorated with locally crafted furnishings. Treat yourself to a divine combination of amenities and simple luxury located outside of La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano National Park.
Flora & fauna in Tenorio & Miravalles Protected Zone
The wildlife and plant life you might encounter in Tenorio & Miravalles Protected Zone, from iconic species to the rare finds our local insiders know where to look for.
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Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
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