By Alajuela, Costa Rica — Costa Rica is investing in its natural wonders, with a new visitor center slated to open in July at Tenorio Volcano National Park. The 626-square-meter facility represents a ¢443 million investment from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), part of a broader agreement with the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) to bolster sustainable tourism in protected areas.
The new center is currently 60% complete and is expected to significantly enhance the visitor experience. It will feature a reception area, ticketing booths, restrooms, a planned souvenir shop, a first aid station, and a water treatment plant. This initiative underscores Costa Rica’s commitment to attracting both domestic and international tourists to its stunning natural landscapes.
To delve deeper into the legal complexities surrounding Tenorio Volcano National Park and its surrounding areas, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The legal framework governing Tenorio Volcano National Park involves a complex interplay of environmental regulations, property rights, and indigenous land claims. Sustainable development initiatives around the park must navigate these carefully, ensuring both the preservation of this vital ecosystem and the respect of existing legal frameworks. It’s crucial for any development project to undergo thorough legal due diligence to avoid future conflicts and ensure compliance with Costa Rican law.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s emphasis on the intricate legal landscape surrounding Tenorio Volcano National Park underscores the crucial need for a balanced approach to development in this precious region. Truly, sustainable progress here depends on respecting both the natural wonders and the established legal frameworks. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering this invaluable perspective on navigating the complexities of conservation and development around this iconic Costa Rican landmark.
The park, known for its vibrant Rio Celeste waterfall and unique “teñideros” where the river changes color, has seen a surge in popularity. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, over 75,000 tourists visited, making it the third most visited protected area in the country.
Costa Rica bases much of its tourism offering on nature, and from that perspective, we must make the most of what we have. It is vital that these areas have the minimum services so that enjoyment is complete. Tenorio Volcano National Park is a spectacular place and with this project, visitors will be received in better conditions, with a more suitable reception area, renovated restrooms, a shop, and a first aid area, generating a better experience for national and foreign tourists.
William Rodríguez, Minister of Tourism
This investment is not just about boosting tourism numbers; it’s about ensuring the long-term sustainability of these precious ecosystems. The collaboration between the ICT and MINAE reflects a commitment to responsible development and the preservation of Costa Rica’s natural heritage.
This is a historic milestone that reflects our commitment to strengthening SINAC and the National Parks. Costa Rica has a huge responsibility in the development of the tourism sector in protected wilderness areas, and must achieve a leadership position and become a world-class destination. To achieve these goals, we must give way to the consolidation of a process of changes and transformations, in order to develop and promote sustainable tourism activity. Therefore, this new infrastructure in Tenorio Volcano National Park is one more effort towards improving service capacities, which will allow future generations to continue enjoying a nature that excites, a rich natural heritage, such as the Celeste River. Our thanks to the ICT for the investment made.
Franz Tattenbach, Minister of Environment and Energy
The improved infrastructure will make it easier for visitors to experience the park’s unique features, including the 30-meter Rio Celeste waterfall, the “borbollones” (bubbling pools of water caused by gas release), and opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing.
With this new visitor center, Tenorio Volcano National Park is poised to become an even more compelling destination for nature lovers worldwide, showcasing Costa Rica’s dedication to sustainable and responsible tourism.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT):
The Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) is the governmental agency responsible for promoting and developing tourism in Costa Rica. It focuses on marketing the country as a destination, improving tourism infrastructure, and ensuring sustainable tourism practices. The ICT plays a key role in attracting both domestic and international visitors to experience Costa Rica’s diverse natural beauty and cultural offerings.
For further information, visit minae.go.cr
About Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE):
The Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) is the Costa Rican government body responsible for environmental protection, natural resource management, and energy policy. MINAE oversees the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), which manages the country’s protected areas, including national parks and reserves. The ministry plays a crucial role in conserving biodiversity, promoting sustainable development, and addressing climate change.
For further information, visit sinac.go.cr
About National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC):
The National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) is the Costa Rican institution responsible for the management and conservation of the country’s protected areas. Part of the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), SINAC oversees national parks, biological reserves, and other protected areas, working to preserve biodiversity, promote sustainable tourism, and engage local communities in conservation efforts.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence, built on a foundation of unwavering integrity and a deep commitment to empowering Costa Rican society. Through innovative legal solutions and a proactive approach to community engagement, the firm strives to make legal knowledge readily available and understandable. This dedication to transparency and education reflects Bufete de Costa Rica’s core belief in a society strengthened by access to justice and legal understanding.
