Tenorio & Miravalles Protected Zone

Costa Rica Image
Tenorio & Miravalles Protected Zone Map Preview

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 & Miravalles Protected Zone
Tenorio & Miravalles Protected Zone
Tenorio & Miravalles Protected Zone
Tenorio & Miravalles Protected Zone
Tenorio & Miravalles Protected Zone

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.

Tenorio & Miravalles Protected Zone HIGHLIGHTS

Moments to look forward to

15 days | $$

A Romantic Adventure in The Making

Our favorite part of the trip was experiencing all of the wildlife, monkeys, birds, butterflies and the scenery was GORGEOUS! Each portion of our two-week stay went according to plan, and we have many fond memories for our next trip!
A Romantic Adventure in The Making
Itinerary
View Details
Miravalles Volcano Combo Tour
Tenorio Volcano Area

Miravalles Volcano Combo Tour

14 days | $$$

Pura Vida Anniversary Adventure

To celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary, we chose to visit Costa Rica. It was our first time visiting, but we fell in love with the place immediately. From Arenal, to Monteverde, to Manuel Antonio we’d come back again!
Pura Vida Anniversary Adventure
Itinerary
View Details
Rio Celeste and Tenorio Volcano Guided Rainforest Hike
Tenorio Volcano Area

Rio Celeste and Tenorio Volcano Guided Rainforest Hike

Celeste River and Tenorio Volcano National Park Hike
Arenal

Celeste River and Tenorio Volcano National Park Hike

Armadillo

Armadillo Image
Flora & Fauna
View Details

Coati

Coati Image
Flora & Fauna
View Details

Jaguarundi

Jaguarundi Image
Flora & Fauna
View Details

Long-tailed Manakin

Long-tailed Manakin Image
Flora & Fauna
View Details

Olingo

Olingo Image
Flora & Fauna
View Details

Agouti

Agouti Image
Flora & Fauna
View Details

Paca

Paca Image
Flora & Fauna
View Details

Turquoise-browed Motmot, Bird - Vertebrate

Turquoise-browed Motmot, Bird - Vertebrate Image
Flora & Fauna
View Details

Vampire Bat

Vampire Bat Image
Flora & Fauna
View Details

White-Faced or Capuchin Monkey

White-Faced or Capuchin Monkey Image
Flora & Fauna
View Details

Puma

Puma Image
Flora & Fauna
View Details

Squirrel Monkey

Squirrel Monkey Image
Flora & Fauna
View Details