Your trip to Bijagua

Getting there

Bijagua de Upala sits on Route 6 in northern Costa Rica, in the valley between the Tenorio and Miravalles volcanoes. It is an easy detour between Arenal and the Guanacaste coast.

Times are estimates and vary with traffic and weather. Route 6 is paved, but some lodges and reserves are reached by gravel roads, so a car with decent clearance makes life easier. Private shuttles from Liberia, Arenal and the beaches can also be arranged.

When to go

There is no bad time for wildlife in Bijagua, but each season has its own character.

• Drier monthsRoughly February to April. Sunnier days, easier trails and clearer volcano views.
• Green seasonRain is possible any month thanks to the Caribbean influence, and the wettest stretch tends to fall later in the year. Expect lush forest, waterfalls in full flow and the loudest frog choruses.
• Migrant seasonFrom roughly October to April, North American migrants add warblers, tanagers and more to the bird list.
• Every dayBirds are most active from dawn until about 9 am. Tapirs and frogs come out at dusk. Afternoons are often the rainiest.

A three-day wildlife itinerary

Three nights lets you see Bijagua by day and by night without rushing. Here is how we would spend them.

1. Day1

   Arrive and go out after dark

   • Arrive early afternoon and settle in.
   • 5:00 pm: Night Jungle Tour with Bijagua Nature Tours, or the 5:30 pm night tour at Frog’s Paradise.
2. Day2

   Birds, bridges and tapirs

   • 6:30 am: Tapir Valley Birdwatching Tour.
   • Afternoon: walk the Heliconias hanging bridges.
   • Evening: Tapir Valley Night Tour, your best chance at a wild tapir.
3. Day3

   Blue rivers and waterfalls

   • Morning: hike to the Río Celeste waterfall in Tenorio Volcano National Park, or the Cataratas Bijagua waterfall trail.
   • Afternoon: look for sloths at Green Hill before you move on.

Where to stay

Sleeping in the forest means birdsong at dawn and night walks right outside your door.

Río Celeste & Tenorio Volcano National Park

Just up the road from Bijagua, the Río Celeste turns an unreal shade of sky blue. The color comes from a natural optical effect where two clear streams meet and minerals in the water scatter sunlight. The main trail in Tenorio Volcano National Park leads to the Río Celeste waterfall, a blue lagoon, bubbling hot springs and the teñideros, the spot where the river changes color.

• Allow a half day for the hike, and go early to beat the crowds.
• National park entry is managed by SINAC, and tickets are generally bought online in advance. Check current hours and rules before you go.
• Swimming in the river is not allowed inside the park.
• Prefer a guide? Frog’s Paradise runs a four-hour Río Celeste tour.

What to pack

• Rain jacket or poncho, even in the dry season.
• Closed-toe hiking shoes. Some reserves lend rubber boots.
• Quick-dry clothes, plus long pants and long sleeves for night tours.
• Headlamp or flashlight for night walks.
• Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin.
• Binoculars. They make a huge difference for birds and sloths.
• Dry bag for your phone and camera.
• Some cash (colones or US dollars) for small family businesses.

Frequently asked questions