Discover La Ceiba de la Paz: The 400-Year-Old Giant Tree of Bijagua

When you stand at the base of La Ceiba de la Paz, time seems to stand still. With over 400 years of history and a massive trunk that requires more than 20 people holding hands to surround it, this giant tree in the Bijagua and Katira region makes you feel delightfully tiny. It is not just a tree—it is a living National Monument.

While most travelers flock to northern Costa Rica purely for the turquoise waters of the Rio Celeste waterfall, those in the know take a short detour to witness this marvel of nature. In this local guide, we will share the captivating history of the "Tree of Peace," how to find it, and expert tips for your visit.

The Legend of the "Tree of Peace"

To truly appreciate La Ceiba de la Paz, you have to look beyond its massive branches and dive into Northern Costa Rica’s rich history. Long before travelers arrived seeking blue rivers, these rainforests were inhabited by indigenous communities, primarily the Maleku people.

According to local oral tradition, rival tribes in the northern region engaged in fierce conflicts for years. Eventually, the leaders of both groups decided to end the turmoil. The meeting place they chose for their peace negotiations was right under the immense canopy of this exact Ceiba tree. It was here that they laid down their weapons, agreed to a peace treaty, and united their people. Since that day, the tree has been revered as a sacred guardian of peace.

Mind-Blowing Dimensions: A Natural Giant

Standing in front of this tree feels like stepping directly into a rainforest movie set. The sheer scale of it is hard to comprehend until you are standing at its base:

• Colossal Height: Towering at approximately 44 meters (144 feet), it completely dominates the surrounding canopy.
• Massive Trunk & Roots: The base and root system boast a staggering circumference of about 37 meters (121 feet).
• Official National Monument: Its cultural and natural significance is so profound that on June 4, 1989, the Costa Rican government officially declared it the "Monument Tree of Peace".

How to Find the Giant Ceiba (Location & Access)

Much like the scenic free spots near Rio Celeste, La Ceiba de la Paz is located outside Tenorio Volcano National Park, making it an easy and accessible stop along your route:

• Exact Location: It is situated in the peaceful rural district of Katira (Guatuso), about 15 kilometers from Guatuso town center and a short drive from Bijagua.
• Getting There: If you are staying in Bijagua or driving along Route 4 after your Rio Celeste hike, the detour to Katira is very straightforward. Simply search for "La Ceiba de la Paz, Katira" on Waze or Google Maps.
• Parking & Access: The area is quiet and uncrowded, offering convenient parking near the entrance away from main road traffic.

Expert Tips for Your Visit

Having guided countless travelers through the Tenorio Volcano area, here is what our team recommends to make the most of your stop:

• Bring a Wide-Angle Lens: The tree is simply too tall to fit into a standard smartphone photo frame. Use the Panorama mode on your phone (panning from the ground up) or bring a camera with a wide-angle lens.
• Watch Your Step: The buttress root system is massive, uneven, and extends far beyond the trunk. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and walk carefully around the roots.
• Pack Bug Repellent: Because the tree sits in a lush, humid rainforest environment, mosquitoes are common near the shady base.
• Take a Moment of Reflection: Don’t just snap a photo and leave. Touch the ancient bark, look up through the emerald canopy, and take a deep breath of clean rainforest air.

The Local Verdict: Is It Worth the Stop?

Absolutely. Visiting La Ceiba de la Paz only takes about 30 to 45 minutes, making it an ideal cultural and relaxing pit stop after a morning hiking in the national park or river tubing.

Bonus for Families: The local community has created a charming natural plant labyrinth right next to the tree, which is a fantastic activity if you are traveling with kids!

Explore Tenorio & Rio Celeste with Local Guides