This marvel of nature was designated as a national park to commemorate World Environment Day on June 5, 2019. Its full name is the Miravalles Jorge Manuel Dengo National Park, a tribute to one of the country’s great advocates for the conservation of natural spaces, and a driving force behind national parks.
In a decree signed by former President Carlos Alvarado, the park was created to pay a historical environmental debt, since the volcano was the only one in the country not part of a national park.
While the park is still in the process of being opened to the public, the authorities are working on opening the park soon and welcoming large numbers of visitors to this new tourist attraction.
The declaration as a protected area and national park is due to the natural resources it contains, and its potential for research and conservation.
Its main attractions include: the birdwatching route, hiking, learning about renewable energies and the protection of endangered species, including jaguars and tapirs, as well as water conservation.
Of course, we can’t forget its most important attraction, Volcán Miravalles, which is the highest in the Guanacaste Volcanic Cordillera. Reaching a height of 2,028 meters above sea level, it belongs to the stratovolcano type (conical, very high volcano) and is currently inactive. The park covers an area of 4,300 ha and contains tropical rainforests, tropical dry forests and premontane forests, hosting a wide variety of flora and fauna.
The Miravalles Geothermal Power Project is located along the volcano’s southwestern slopes, making use of the region’s natural resources to produce electricity using environmentally friendly sources such as volcanic steam, the force of water and wind, and solar radiation.
Near the volcano, you can enjoy paths full of nature, waterfalls, bubbling pools of volcanic clay, sky-blue rivers, relaxing hot springs, and activities including horseback riding, ziplining, rafting and tubing.
Las Hornillas, a family tourism project, is located just 3 km from the geothermal plant is, with members of the family continuing to run the accommodations. The area is considered to be a treasure containing a natural spa, geological attractions and active volcanic mud pits. The complex has pools with water from the hot springs as well as a restaurant, a campground and cabins. Visitors can enjoy hikes to see the active volcano, saunas, mud baths, hot springs, waterfall tours, a hanging bridge, hikes through the forest, a tractor tour, restaurant service, and much more.
