Exploring Costa Rica: Nearby Attractions

Tapir Valley Nature Reserve

A 220-acre private sanctuary and a critical wildlife corridor, Tapir Valley is a masterclass in reforestation. This is the only place on earth where you can spot the Tapir Valley Tree Frog (Tlalocohyla celeste), a species only discovered by science in 2021. The reserve operates with a strict limit on guest numbers to ensure the Baird’s Tapirs—massive, prehistoric-looking mammals—remain undisturbed in their natural habitat.

• Wetland Platform designed for observing aquatic birds and elusive mammals.
• High-speed Hummingbird Garden featuring over a dozen local species.
• Guided Night tours specifically tailored for spotting Baird’s Tapirs at their most active.

Heliconias Hanging Bridges

This community-run project serves as a vital biological bridge between the Tenorio and Miravalles volcanoes. The facility features 2.2 kilometers of trails and three significant suspension bridges, the longest of which is suspended 40 meters above the forest floor. Walking through the canopy of this primary cloud forest offers a bird’s-eye view of the complex ecosystem that feeds the Rio Celeste watershed.

Unlike the trails within the National Park, these bridges offer a unique vantage point of Lake Nicaragua and the Miravalles Volcano. Keep an eye out for the Ornate Hawk-Eagle and the vibrant Keel-Billed Toucan, which frequent the fruiting trees along the trails. It provides a perspective of the rainforest that is otherwise inaccessible, making it a premier spot for high-altitude photography.

Miravalles Volcanic Activity

The Miravalles Volcano is the “sleeping giant” next to Tenorio. While Tenorio is known for its chemistry, Miravalles is known for its heat. Visit Las Hornillas Volcanic Center to walk inside an active (though stable) volcanic crater. This is the only place in Costa Rica where you can stand amidst bubbling mud pots and hissing fumaroles without a multi-hour trek. The experience is visceral; the scent of sulfur and the sight of steam rising from the earth provide a raw look at the tectonic forces shaping the region.

After exploring the crater, visitors can transition to therapeutic volcanic clay baths and natural hot springs. Unlike the commercialized springs in La Fortuna, these pools offer a quiet, rural experience. The mineral content of the water is high, and the surrounding secondary forest is home to various monkeys and tropical birds.

The “Free Pool” (Rio Celeste Bridge)

Swimming is strictly prohibited inside the National Park to protect the delicate mineral balance of the water. However, the “Free Pool” offers a legal alternative. Located approximately 1 kilometer past the park entrance toward Katira, this spot allows you to immerse yourself in the turquoise water. You access the river via a small, unmarked path tucked under the bridge. It is the quickest way to cool down after the 3.7-mile hiking trail inside the park.

There is no official entrance fee for this natural swimming hole. Local entrepreneurs often manage parking on the shoulder for a small fee, usually around 2,000 colones. Always check for current water conditions; heavy rain upstream can turn the turquoise water brown in minutes. For more on how to time your visit for the best colors, see our Best Time to Visit guide.

Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge

Ninety minutes north of Bijagua lies the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, a RAMSAR wetland site of international importance. This is a “water safari” experience. Exploring by boat is the only way to navigate the lagoons where caimans sun themselves on the banks and spider monkeys swing through the overhanging branches. During the dry season (January to April), the receding waters concentrate wildlife, making it one of the most reliable spots for birdwatching in Central America.

Keep a sharp eye out for the prehistoric-looking Gar fish, a living fossil that inhabits these waters. The refuge is also a critical habitat for the Jabiru stork, the tallest flying bird in Latin America. It is a stark contrast to the mountainous terrain of Tenorio, offering wide horizons and slow-moving rivers.

Local Cacao & Maleku Culture

The Bijagua area is famous for its rich volcanic soil, which is ideal for “bean-to-bar” cacao production. Local family farms offer tours that demonstrate how cacao is traditionally harvested, fermented, and processed. These tours often bypass the industrial fluff of larger operations, focusing instead on the cultural significance of cacao as a staple of the regional economy.

For a deeper cultural immersion, visit the Maleku Indigenous Reserve (Palenque Tonjibe) in Guatuso. This is one of the few places where you can learn about the Maleku Jaica language directly from the remaining 600 tribe members. They are master craftsmen of “Jicara” (gourd) art and will often share their medicinal plant knowledge. When visiting, remember to follow the advice in our tipping guide to support these local communities respectfully.