Visitor Planning & Safety

Planning a visit to Tenorio Volcano National Park requires a level of logistical precision that surprises many travelers accustomed to the more relaxed entry protocols of other Costa Rican regions. As the crown jewel of the northern highlands, Rio Celeste is managed with a strictness that reflects its ecological fragility. This is not a park where you can simply pull over and wander toward the water. To stand before the waterfall—where the suspension of aluminosilicate minerals creates a specific optical illusion of brilliant turquoise—you must navigate a gauntlet of digital reservations, environmental laws, and uncompromising park ranger schedules. Understanding these barriers before leaving your hotel is the difference between witnessing the The Science of the Blue Water in person or being turned away at the trailhead.

The Essential SINAC Digital Booking Process

Since 2023, Tenorio Volcano National Park has transitioned entirely to a digital ticketing system managed by SINAC (Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación). There is no physical ticket booth at the park entrance. If you arrive without a pre-purchased QR code, the only option provided by the rangers is to attempt a booking on your mobile device—a risky endeavor given the notoriously poor cellular reception in the valley.

Requirement	Details
Official Platform	SINAC Online Portal (serviciosenlinea.sinac.go.cr)
Inventory Limits	Capped at 1,000 visitors per day (divided by time slots)
Required Data	Full Name and Passport Number for every visitor
Booking Window	Up to 30 days in advance (recommended during peak dry season)
Refund Policy	Strictly non-refundable and non-transferable

The registration process is a two-step hurdle. First, you must create a master user profile on the SINAC portal, which requires a valid email and a unique password. Once the account is verified, you can select Tenorio as your destination. The most common mistake travelers make is failing to have the identification details of their entire party ready. The system requires the passport number or national ID for every single person at the moment of purchase. You cannot “hold” spots or add names later; the names on the tickets must match the physical IDs presented at the ranger station. Because of the park’s popularity, especially between January and April, time slots—particularly the preferred early morning hours—can sell out weeks in advance. Consult our Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Weather guide to determine which slot offers the highest probability of seeing the water at its bluest.

Navigating the “Hard Stop” Entry Policy

There are no exceptions. Arriving even one minute past the 2:00 PM cutoff results in a forfeited ticket and no refund. Plan to arrive in Bijagua at least 45 minutes before your scheduled entry slot.

Environmental Regulations and The Plastic Ban

In 2021, Costa Rica implemented a comprehensive ban on single-use plastics within all National Parks. Tenorio is one of the most aggressive enforcers of this law. At the trailhead, security personnel frequently conduct bag inspections. Prohibited items include single-use plastic water bottles (such as those from brands like Cristal or Alpina), plastic grocery bags, and plastic food wrappers.

• Permitted Hydration: You must bring a reusable hydration vessel. Stainless steel flasks, BPA-free Nalgene bottles, or hydration bladders (Camelbaks) are the only legal ways to carry water into the park.
• Food Restrictions: While light snacks are permitted for energy, you are expected to pack out every piece of waste. Many visitors find it more efficient to eat a hearty meal in Bijagua before entering, as there are no trash bins located along the trail system.
• The “No Swimming” Mandate: It is a federal offense to enter the water within the boundaries of Tenorio Volcano National Park. This rule is in place to prevent human oils and chemicals from disrupting the delicate mineral balance that creates the blue color. If your goal is to swim or tube, you must look to private operators located on the river sections outside the park boundaries, as noted in our Hiking & Adventure Activities page.

Health Advisory: Physicality and Volcanic Gases

The hike to the Rio Celeste waterfall is often categorized as “moderate,” but this label can be deceptive due to the specific terrain and local climate. The primary challenge is the staircase leading down to the base of the falls. This structure consists of 253 steep, often damp concrete and metal steps. Descending is manageable, but the return climb is the equivalent of ascending a 25-story building in 85% humidity. For individuals with cardiovascular issues or severe knee problems, this section of the trail can be hazardous. Furthermore, the section known as “Los Borbollones” (The Bubbling Pan) introduces a different kind of risk. Here, volcanic gases—primarily sulfuric acid and carbon dioxide—break through the riverbed. This results in a heavy “rotten egg” odor. While fascinating to observe, the concentration of these gases can cause dizziness, throat irritation, or nausea, particularly for visitors with asthma or chronic respiratory sensitivities. It is advised to observe this phenomenon from the designated platform and move on quickly rather than lingering in the immediate vicinity of the gas vents.

Gear Checklist: Conquering the Volcanic Mud

The soil in this region is rich in volcanic clay, which has a high water-retention capacity. Even during the “dry” season, the forest canopy keeps the trail significantly damp. In the rainy season, the trail transforms into a deep, slick mire that can easily swallow a standard running shoe.

1. Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots with deep lugs are the gold standard. If you do not have them, do not ruin your sneakers. Local vendors outside the park entrance rent heavy-duty rubber “muck boots” for approximately $5 USD (3,000 CRC). These are highly recommended from May through December.
2. Insect Protection: The primary rainforest sections are home to a high density of mosquitoes and biting flies. Apply repellent before entering the park, as aerosol sprays are discouraged once inside the deep forest ecosystem described in our Wildlife & Nature Guide.
3. Digital Readiness: Bijagua and the park entrance are located in a cellular “dead zone.” There is virtually no signal once you leave the main town center. You must download your SINAC QR code tickets as a PDF or take a high-resolution screenshot before leaving your hotel. Trying to access your email at the gate is a common point of failure for many visitors.

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Park Entrance Location

Recommended Guided Tours

While the park can be navigated solo, a professional guide can provide deep context on the volcanic geology and help spot wildlife like the Baird’s tapir. Below are the top-rated excursions for the region.

Visitor Planning FAQ

Can I buy tickets at the park entrance?
No, all tickets must be purchased in advance via the SINAC website as there is no on-site ticket booth or cash handling for entry. You must create a user profile and complete the transaction digitally before arriving at the ranger station. What happens if I arrive after 2:00 PM?
The park strictly enforces a 2:00 PM cutoff for new entrants to ensure all hikers can safely exit by the 4:00 PM closing time. If you arrive late, your ticket will be invalidated without a refund, and you will be denied entry. Is swimming allowed in Rio Celeste?
Swimming is strictly forbidden within the entirety of Tenorio Volcano National Park to protect the water’s unique chemical composition and ensure visitor safety near volcanic vents. Those wishing to swim or tube should visit private properties just outside the park’s legal boundaries. Are there lockers or storage facilities for my gear?
There are no official luggage storage facilities or lockers inside the park or at the ranger station. Visitors are advised to leave large bags in their locked vehicles or at their accommodations in nearby Bijagua. Do I need a 4×4 to reach the park entrance?
While the main road to the park entrance is paved, a 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended during the rainy season to navigate the steep, potentially slick inclines on the final approach. In the peak dry season, a standard sedan can usually make the trip, though caution is required for potholes. What should I do if the water isn’t blue when I arrive?
The “blue” color is an optical effect that can be temporarily neutralized by heavy rainfall, which stirs up sediment and turns the river brown. Because tickets are non-refundable, it is vital to check local weather reports in Bijagua 24 hours before your visit; if it has been raining heavily for several days, the water may not be turquoise.

For more specific safety tips regarding remote hiking and solo travel in the northern highlands, see our Safety Tips for Solo Travelers.