Things to do in Katira

Parque Nacional Volcán Tenorio

Tenorio Volcano National Park is located in northern Costa Rica, spanning the provinces of Alajuela and Guanacaste, and is known for its tropical rainforest, volcanic landscapes, and the magical sky-blue river. The park's main attraction is the Río Celeste, whose waters display a vivid turquoise due to an optical effect caused by volcanic mineral particles, not artificial coloring. Along the trails, visitors can reach the Río Celeste Waterfall, observation platforms, bubbling volcanic gas areas, and the 'Dye Point' where the confluence of two rivers creates a color-changing phenomenon.

Rio Celeste y Los Teñideros

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Costa Rica

Arenal Volcano National Park

Arenal Volcano Park is located in Arenal Reserve. There are actually two volcanoes in this national park, Arenal Volcano with a height of 1633 meters and Chato Volcano with a height of 1140 meters. The latter has been active for nearly 3500 years. A collapsed crater and a beautiful lagoon. In contrast, Arenal Volcano is a very active volcano in Costa Rica. It erupted in 1968 and 1973. Until July 2010, the eruptions of large and small volcanoes continued, and the severity was much lower, but almost every day. There was smoke and lava coming out.

Rio Celeste Free Pool

Catarata Río Celeste

Arenal Volcano

Arenal Volcano has an elevation of approx. 1,633m, with a nearly symmetrical conical shape. The town of La Fortuna at the foot of the mountain is the gateway to visiting this area. It is a relatively young volcano, formed approx. 7,000 years ago. It erupted suddenly on July 29, 1968, destroying villages such as Tabacón at the foot of the mountain, and remained active for over 40 years thereafter. The sight of lava flowing slowly down the slopes and lighting up the night sky once drew many tourists to wait specifically for it. The volcano entered a dormant phase in 2010 and no longer spews magma today, but its perfectly shaped conical silhouette remains striking. On clear days, when viewed from the foot of the mountain, the dark rock walls contrast with the clouds and mist on the mountainside. Within the national park established around the volcano, multiple trails pass through the lava wasteland left by the 1968 eruption and the regrown rainforest, with greenery emerging from the crevices of the black volcanic rocks. You can often encounter howler monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, and toucans along the way. Volcanic geothermal heat also warms the natural hot springs at the foot of the mountain; soaking in the hot springs after a hike while looking up at the silhouette of the volcano is a common experience in this area. The nearby Lake Arenal has vast waters, suitable for birdwatching and water activities such as kayaking. The top of the volcano is often covered by clouds; there is less cloud cover in the early morning, giving a better chance to see the full mountain.

Árbol de la Paz

Laberinto de Katira

Tapir Valley Nature Reserve

No. 1 of Hot Springs Attractions in Costa Rica

Tabacon Hot Springs

Tabacon Hot Springs is located at the foot of Arenal Volcano. The spring water is naturally heated by volcanic geothermal energy and is rich in minerals. It flows through the park along a riverbed, forming hot spring pools of varying types along the way, ranging from mild to scalding. The pools are connected by paths winding through tropical gardens. A signature feature here is the living water experience: a natural thermal river runs through the park, allowing you to soak in the river bends and let the warm water flow past you, with cascading hot water waterfalls along the riverbed. There is also a cold river next to the thermal river, allowing for alternating hot and cold soaks. The main pool area is relatively lively, featuring a swim-up bar and water slides. As you head deeper into the park, the pools become quieter, and you can look up to see the silhouette of Arenal Volcano.