Tenorio National Park
Tenorio National Park
4.5
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4.5
205 reviews
Excellent
128
Very good
52
Average
16
Poor
2
Terrible
7
Vovka_Vovka
Ajax, Canada4 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Frustrating. Got to the park, paid 4 dollars for parking to an "official looking parking attendant" (scam, but had to pay to ensure the vehicle is safe). Could not get the tickets to the park. The WIFI hotspot is really slow, gives a lot of errors, the reservation web site again gives an error after error. After an hour of trying I was able to fill out the order form with my credit card information, clicked "Submit" only to see another error message. Waited for 15 minutes for the email to come, it did not. Figured the transaction did not go through, asked the security guard for help, he was very unhelpful. I asked to speak to the manager or someone I can complain to, but was told there is no one available, and no way to complain! Had to turn around and go home. FIVE DAYS later received a confirmation email with the QR code, the credit card was charged the full entrance fee! What a scam! Will never go to any CR National Park after this, will only deal with private companies. Many others at the gates with similar experiences. Stay away unless you buy a reservation way in advance.
Written 30 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sophie
2 contributions
Oct 2021 • Friends
The waterfall and river are amazing, it is truly gorgeous. However, it is a very busy place. Although we visited while some Covid restrictions are still in place, you can feel that it is a busy place: lot of groups of people, loud, paths are well marked and made of concrete at the start so you don't feel so close to nature compared to some reserves in Sarapiqui region for example.
The worst part is that they charged me double the entrance fee and when I realised - my mistake - only a few hours later, Randall the guy at the till, said to my guide and myself that it was too late for a refund and that I'll have to go to SINAC offices in San José... So make sure you check the amount they charge on your card, specially in colones! This shouldn't happen in a national park.
Finally, we booked a tour from La Fortuna and were told the entrance fee was included but it wasn't, so be sure to make it clear if you book it from your hotel or any agency.
In a nutshell: beautiful but very touristy and we felt a bit like in a tourist trap and didn't enjoyed being fooled.
The worst part is that they charged me double the entrance fee and when I realised - my mistake - only a few hours later, Randall the guy at the till, said to my guide and myself that it was too late for a refund and that I'll have to go to SINAC offices in San José... So make sure you check the amount they charge on your card, specially in colones! This shouldn't happen in a national park.
Finally, we booked a tour from La Fortuna and were told the entrance fee was included but it wasn't, so be sure to make it clear if you book it from your hotel or any agency.
In a nutshell: beautiful but very touristy and we felt a bit like in a tourist trap and didn't enjoyed being fooled.
Written 15 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
UncleA
Cleveland, OH253 contributions
Feb 2022
Just a beautiful park with waterfall and the most amazing blue water. Had a great guide take us throughout the park to see all of the sites. Lots of walking and rather steep steps, but definitely worth it. The park is limiting the number of people they let in daily and stops letting in anyone after 2 pm. Would definitely visit if you are in the area.
Written 10 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Volki17
Frankfurt123 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
The Tenorio National Park is really worth visiting, well maintained paths which lead to the waterfall (250 stairs down ... and up again) and to the fabulous blue river ... overall a 3h hike, not very expensive (12 $ entrance fee) ... be there early otherwise it’s crowded.
Written 28 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris H
Encinitas, CA9 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
What an amazing and beautiful view!
We made a reservation online ahead of time (which we totally recommend).
When you arrive, a guy is charging $4 USD for parking. In theory he's watching your car so seems a small price to pay. There are stores/restaurants near the entrance to eat.
It's timed entry. There's a line manned by a security guard. The guard lets you in when it's your turn. If you need to use the bathroom before your turn, the guard will let you enter to use the bathroom.
The hike to the waterfall is about a mile. You start out on pavement, but then gradually moves to more difficult terrain. First stop is the waterfall. You don't have to go all the way down the stairs to see the pretty blue water. But it's nice if you make it down.
Then less than a mile past the waterfall on more uneven footing (you might say strenuous) is where two rivers meet to make the chemical reaction that causes the stunning blue water.
Don't forget bug spray!
We made a reservation online ahead of time (which we totally recommend).
When you arrive, a guy is charging $4 USD for parking. In theory he's watching your car so seems a small price to pay. There are stores/restaurants near the entrance to eat.
It's timed entry. There's a line manned by a security guard. The guard lets you in when it's your turn. If you need to use the bathroom before your turn, the guard will let you enter to use the bathroom.
The hike to the waterfall is about a mile. You start out on pavement, but then gradually moves to more difficult terrain. First stop is the waterfall. You don't have to go all the way down the stairs to see the pretty blue water. But it's nice if you make it down.
Then less than a mile past the waterfall on more uneven footing (you might say strenuous) is where two rivers meet to make the chemical reaction that causes the stunning blue water.
Don't forget bug spray!
Written 1 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jodi
Marlton, NJ3 contributions
Jan 2023
It is a decent hike, you have to climb stairs down and up, and again to get to the second falls. I suggest taking a rain coat, as it is a rain forest and does rain. I advise mosquito repellent, wear long pants and even hiking boots. The walk can be muddy. The waterfalls are amongst the most beautiful our family has ever seen! The turquoise color is just amazing in person! Do not miss this park if you are in the La Fortuna area. We did everything without a tour guide, not needed in my opinion since there are so many people in the park, you just follow everyone else.
We had rented a car and drove from Nayara Gardens. Took us 1 hr and 45mins. Roads are fine, however, at the final end the GPS tells you to take a left on a dirt road. Do not do this! The GPS gets confused. Follow the signs for the park and not the GPS (approx last 15-30mins). At no point should you be driving on a dirt road. The drive is all on paved road from La Fortuna.
Once at the park are, go to the parking lot on the left, the first parking on the right, the tour guides are trying to reel you in. We left the parking on the right after we realized and went to the actual park parking further ahead. Here there was no hassle, we parked, paid 2 colones, then went to the ticket booth and paid our entrance fee. Easy.
We had rented a car and drove from Nayara Gardens. Took us 1 hr and 45mins. Roads are fine, however, at the final end the GPS tells you to take a left on a dirt road. Do not do this! The GPS gets confused. Follow the signs for the park and not the GPS (approx last 15-30mins). At no point should you be driving on a dirt road. The drive is all on paved road from La Fortuna.
Once at the park are, go to the parking lot on the left, the first parking on the right, the tour guides are trying to reel you in. We left the parking on the right after we realized and went to the actual park parking further ahead. Here there was no hassle, we parked, paid 2 colones, then went to the ticket booth and paid our entrance fee. Easy.
Written 16 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
liverpool1023
London, UK1,192 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Another day, another waterfall. Going up and down steps is giving me quads like a down hill skier.
There is A USD12 per adult park entrance. It is simple out and return single 3.5 km trail. The trail is well maintained for the most part either gravel or concrete as far as the waterfall, then an upper stretch that can be muddy and not one for sandals. There is a bit of wildlife along the way to see with coatis snuffling around in the undergrowth.
The park is famous for the azure coloured Rio Celeste. It had been bucketing down over night and the usual vivid colour had been diluted to a greeny aquamarine. The waterfall is stunning. A short plunge over a basalt cliff into a circular pool.
The upper stretch of the trail takes you close to the river, there is a spot where volcanic gases percolate up through the waters. The air is distinctly whiffy with smell of rotten eggs due to the sulphur dioxide.
Further on there is the confluence of two streams marked by a white streak of minerals. This is where the Rio Celeste immediately loses its distinctive colour due to the influx of less mineral rich waters.
There is A USD12 per adult park entrance. It is simple out and return single 3.5 km trail. The trail is well maintained for the most part either gravel or concrete as far as the waterfall, then an upper stretch that can be muddy and not one for sandals. There is a bit of wildlife along the way to see with coatis snuffling around in the undergrowth.
The park is famous for the azure coloured Rio Celeste. It had been bucketing down over night and the usual vivid colour had been diluted to a greeny aquamarine. The waterfall is stunning. A short plunge over a basalt cliff into a circular pool.
The upper stretch of the trail takes you close to the river, there is a spot where volcanic gases percolate up through the waters. The air is distinctly whiffy with smell of rotten eggs due to the sulphur dioxide.
Further on there is the confluence of two streams marked by a white streak of minerals. This is where the Rio Celeste immediately loses its distinctive colour due to the influx of less mineral rich waters.
Written 22 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessy Munch
Hillsboro, OR284 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
We did a self guided tour and it was amazing. About 3 miles round trip and the way up was much harder than the way down but great workout and amazing blue water and spots were two rivers meat and water is bubbling due to gasses. Definitely some funky sulfur smells to be expected. Highly recommend this hike, the water was such an incredible color and so many beautiful spots. You can’t swim in it but after, when we were drenched in sweat we went down the road to the Rio Celeste. Google map free Rio Celeste river and that was amazing too. The perfect cool down.
Written 24 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ellen s
10 contributions
Feb 2020
We had a guide Heiner "Goose" Monge AdvenTours CR drive us to Tenorio from Playa Flamingo. We did not have a car. He obviously is familiar to the area. Goose was able to point out different birds and animal habitats. He is very knowledgeable. Safety was always first which of course was important to me. It was a lot of fun!
Written 13 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AngieVanDyck
Hastings, UK9 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
What a frustrating system - you have to reserve in advance online - it’s the only way to buy a ticket. There is a very temperamental WiFi signal and even more temperamental park guards at the entrance! You’re meant to scan a QR code but that doesn’t work. After 20 mins, managed to access website, register for an account, receive a temporary password, go through a mandatory password change, and finally get onto booking system - which didn’t work. Kept crashing and saying no tickets were available. While all this was happening, found out we needed photo ID to enter the park, which we didn’t have. Very unhelpful staff. Loads of pissed off tourists trying to navigate the terrible system. Waste of a 2 hr drive. Be warned: reserve in advance and bring your passport.
Written 24 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is the likelihood of seeing a sloth in November in this park?
Written 21 November 2023
Hallo,
wir haben für Sonntag einen Ausflug zum Rio Celeste gebucht.
Nun habe ich gelesen dass es auf dem Poas und Irazu sehr kalt ist.
Wie ist es beim Rio Celeste. Besser kurze Hose oder Lang? Festes SChuhwerk ist klar.
Und wie lange dauert die Wanderung - Hin und zurück?
Written 19 March 2019
Hallo, wir waren im der zweiten Februarhälfte dort.. ganz klar kurze Hose. Im Prinzip ist es ein langer Vormittag. Man kann dann in einem „Soda“ am Parkausgang zu Mittag essen. Ich empfehle das Soda auf der anderen Straßenseite.
Written 19 March 2019
In my opinion, no. parts of the trails are very very rocky and can be slippery as well as steep in many parts. If someone requires a wheelchair they could not do these trails at all. Sorry, but I just dont think it is possible.
Written 27 March 2018
at what time does Tenorio National park opens and closes?
Written 8 October 2016
As far as I know it is open every day from 8 am to 4 pm.
Written 8 July 2016
Flying into Liberia and looking to explore inland for 1-2 nights then head to playa samara. Renting a car from the airport to head to the inland location for a few days- can yo tell me if this is an ok plan and about how long of a drive it would be from Liberia airport and also to samara?
Appreciate it!!
Written 17 October 2015
Are kids allowed in the pool, as it says 'adults only' on the hotel website. And are the beds comfortable?
Written 7 January 2015
Is there a phone number that I can call or direct email? Thanks!!
Written 5 January 2015
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