Tenorio Volcano National Park inaugurates modern tourist service module

Starting today, the Tenorio Volcano National Park officially has an infrastructure designed to enhance the experience of tourists eager to experience the impressive Río Celeste waterfall, the turquoise "teñideros" (waterfalls), the intense biodiversity, and panoramic views of the beautiful dormant volcano.

The infrastructure consists of a modern visitor reception center, unique in its kind within a conservation area, spanning 626 square meters.

The opening ceremony was attended by President Rodrigo Chaves Robles, accompanied by William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism, and Franz Tattenbach, Minister of Environment and Energy. Tourism entrepreneurs from the area, students from the community and special guests also participated as honorary witnesses of the ribbon cutting.

The Costa Rican Tourism Institute made the full contribution of the investment of ¢524 million and is part of the tangible results of the framework agreement for cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), for the strengthening of Sustainable Tourism Management in the Protected Wild Areas of Costa Rica, signed in March 2023.

The aforementioned agreement is part of the ongoing efforts made by the ICT to increase visitation of national and international tourists in conservation areas, through the strategic design and construction of infrastructure works designed to improve traveler service in some of the most visited national parks in our country.

“Costa Rica's tourism offering stands out for its nature, biodiversity, and the richness of its national parks. It is essential that national and international tourists have the minimum services for their complete enjoyment. Starting today, Tenorio Volcano National Park will be able to welcome visitors with first-world conditions, a modern and more adequate reception area, renovated restrooms, a store, and a first aid area. Visitors will undoubtedly have an unforgettable and magical experience exploring the majestic Ríos Celeste waterfall, enjoying improved conditions and greater comfort,” emphasized William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism.

Franz Tattenbach, Minister of Environment and Energy, stated: "The opening of this project is a historic milestone, a reflection of the ongoing commitment to strengthening SINAC and the National Parks." Tattenbach emphasized that Costa Rica must strengthen the infrastructure of protected wilderness areas for the enjoyment of tourists, maintaining its leadership position as a world-class sustainable destination. This new infrastructure in Tenorio National Park is a clear example of the improvement in service capacities so that current visitors and future generations can enjoy and be moved by nature and a rich natural heritage, such as the Río Celeste. This project is a reality thanks to the inter-institutional collaboration between MINAE and ICT, as our great partners," the official concluded.

Property improves the tourist experience

The Visitor Center has a construction area of ​​626 square meters distributed over a single level. Highlights include the reception area, ticket office, restrooms, a future souvenir shop, a first aid area, and a wastewater treatment plant.

According to recent data from the administrators of the Tenorio Volcano National Park, more than 100,000 tourists were registered in the first half of this year, and this protected wilderness area currently remains the third most visited in the country, records that validate the investment made.

Finally, visitor flow and service are projected to improve, and the project will be used as a starting point for unforgettable experiences such as hiking to the Río Celeste waterfall, approximately 30 meters high, visiting the dyeing pools where the river changes color, and observing the so-called "borbollones" (burbillions) where the water boils due to the release of gases. The park also offers the opportunity to observe hundreds of species of birds and mammals such as tapirs, agoutis, jaguars, and others.

Source: ICT.