rio celeste tour from guanacaste

Adventure Rio Celeste From Guanacaste

• Tubing Costa Rica
• National Park
• Rio Celeste Tours
• Embark on an Extraordinary Rio Celeste from Guanacaste

Immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of nature on our guided hike through the Tenorio Volcano National Park. Discover one of Costa Rica’s seven natural wonders, the Rio Celeste, renowned for its striking bright blue color, an awe-inspiring sight that must be seen to believe.

Explore Lush Rainforests and Witness Breathtaking Waterfalls

As you trek along the 6 km trail, our knowledgeable guides will share fascinating insights about the diverse wildlife that call this park home. Traverse two hammock bridges and witness bubbling gas outlets, immersing yourself in the wonders of the natural world.

Encounter the Rio Celeste Waterfall and Blue Lagoon

The journey leads to the breathtaking Rio Celeste Waterfall, a 30-meter high cascade enveloped in incredible beauty and the light blue hues of its waters. Though the climb includes over 200 steps, the rewarding view is truly worth the effort.

Continuing your adventure, you’ll reach the famous Blue Lagoon, where crystal-clear rivers converge, and the Rio Celeste takes on its mesmerizing blue hue. Weather permitting, the majestic Tenorio Volcano will tower over 1960 meters in the distance, adding to the captivating panorama.

A One-of-a-Kind Full-Day Adventure

This unforgettable experience amidst Costa Rica most spectacular natural scenery includes a thrilling tubing tour and a delicious lunch. We provide convenient transportation from various locations, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey.

Book Your Rio Celeste Tour Today

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to discover the magic of Rio Celeste. Create memories that will last a lifetime in Costa Rica’s natural paradise.

WEAR: Waterproof phone , Tennis Shoes & Change Clothes

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Home » Destinations » 15 Things To Know Before Visiting Rio Celeste (Rio Celeste Waterfall)

15 Things To Know Before Visiting Rio Celeste (Rio Celeste Waterfall)

By Author Costa Rica Travel Life

Posted on Last updated: July 31, 2024

This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.

You can experience the magic of Rio Celeste Waterfall deep within Costa Rica’s lush cloud forest. Each year tourists from around the world flock to Costa Rica to experience the biodiversity, lush jungles, untouched beaches, and exciting wildlife encounters – but no trip is complete without a visit to one of the country’s gorgeous waterfalls . 

Rio Celeste Waterfall is a stunning jungle waterfall with bright blue water plummeting into a pristine jungle pool below the thick jungle canopy. Located within Tenorio Volcano National Park , Rio Celeste (Celeste River) and the waterfall are famous for their bright blue water color. But besides that, this is the perfect place to enjoy a jungle hike where you have the chance to see plenty of wildlife in one of Costa Rica’s best national parks .

If you’re planning a trip to Rio Celeste (and you should!) there are some things you really should know before you go. In this guide, we’ve outlined the most recent information about visiting Rio Celeste including what to bring, how to get there, and other essential tips you probably didn’t already know – did you know they will not accept cash to enter the park?! So without further ado, let us help you prepare with our ULTIMATE guide to visiting Rio Celeste!

IMPORTANT*: The cost to enter Rio Celeste costs $12 USD per person and must be paid online in advance on the SINAC website . They will no longer take payment at the entrance. If you’re driving a rental car and need to park, an additional $5 USD parking fee can be paid upon arrival (this we paid in cash.) 

What is Rio Celeste?

Rio Celeste is a river located in the Tenorio Volcano National Park in Costa Rica with attractions that include a famous waterfall, hiking trails, and geothermal pools. The name Rio Celeste means ‘light blue river’ in Spanish, and it is aptly named. The beautiful color of the river and waterfall is something out of this world. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into an oasis as soon as you see the turquoise-colored waters. It’s a nature lover’s dream come true, and a photographer’s paradise. 

The Rio Celeste Waterfall plunges a majestic 98 feet (30 meters) into the river below, and the entire area is surrounded by thick jungle. It’s the kind of location that makes you feel like you’ve stepped straight into a tropical dreamland. 

Local legend tells a beautiful story of how the river got such a beautiful hue. The story goes that when the gods were painting the skies blue, they washed their paintbrushes in the river, and the color of the sky blended into the water forever, causing the turquoise color that makes the river and waterfall famous. 

Why is the Water in Rio Celeste Blue?

An optical phenomenon actually causes the vibrant blue hue of the Rio Celeste’s waters. It was previously believed that the blue color was the result of a chemical reaction from minerals like copper sulfate, sulfur, and calcium carbonate from the Tenorio Volcano. 

It turns out that the water itself isn’t blue at all! What causes the blue color is a mineral that covers the rocks at the bottom of the river. The mineral is a combination of aluminum-silicon and oxygen that is incapable of absorbing the color blue. Therefore, when the sun passes through the water and hits the rocks, it reflects the color blue. 

Where is Rio Celeste Located?

Rio Celeste and Rio Celeste Waterfall are both located within the gorgeous Tenorio Volcano National Park in the Guanacaste province in the Northern part of Costa Rica. In the lowlands of Guanacaste, the area is part of the extensive Arenal Tempisque Conservation Area. 

If you’re flying into San Jose, Costa Rica, it’s only a 3.5-hour journey to reach the national park and Rio Celeste Waterfall. The short distance to Costa Rica’s largest city and the international airport makes for an easy day trip from San Jose at the start or end of your Costa Rica vacation. it’s also popular to visit Rio Celeste from La Fortuna and other destinations around the Central Valley.

Regardless of where you’re staying in Costa Rica, there are plenty of options to reach Rio Celeste, including public transportation, rental cars, and private tours (more on tours further down in this blog) with included shuttles . If you want to rent a car you can book here with Discover Cars .

How long is the Rio Celeste Trail?

To reach Rio Celeste Waterfall, you’ll have to hike the Rio Celeste Trail. This hiking trail first takes you to the waterfall and then further along the river’s edge passing geothermal pools, suspension bridges, and various viewpoints. The trail ends at the point where the river begins to turn blue (where is mixes with another river) and this is where you’ll turn around and head back the way you came.

The Rio Celeste Trail is about 3.7 miles (6 kilometers) long and takes about 3 hours to complete (return). The hike can definitely take longer if it’s raining because the trails can get muddy and slick. The trail is pretty straightforward, with ample signage throughout. Once you enter the national park, you will begin the trail.

The Rio Celeste trail hike is rated moderate. While it isn’t extremely long, certain portions may be difficult for inexperienced hikers, and it is unfortunately not handicap accessible. This hike is best for intermediate to experienced hikers, but almost anyone can take it on if they remember to take it slow and take plenty of breaks on the steep portions and the stairs.  

The section of the trail from the entrance to the waterfall takes about 30 minutes, and then you’ll reach a set of steep stairs that you can descend to the base of the falls. There are quite a few stairs (a couple hundred or so would be my best guess), so be ready for a workout! With that said, you don’t have to go all the way down the stairs to see the waterfall and many people choose to only go about halfway down.

Should you hike the entire Rio Celeste Trail?

Good question! Let’s be honest, the main attraction is the waterfall, so many tourists only hike the trail to the waterfall and back. This is definitely a good option if you’re short on time.

We hiked the entire trail and really enjoyed it, there are lots of viewpoints and information boards along the way. Plus, the entire walk is within lush jungle – it’s stunning!

So if you have the time and energy, I’d recommend hiking the entire trail.

How much does it cost to visit Rio Celeste?

 The only other fee that you might want to take into consideration is boot rental. The trails can be super muddy, so depending on the conditions when you visit, you may consider a rental. There are vendors near the parking lot who charge around $5 USD to rent boots for the duration of your hike. 

When is the Best Time to Visit Rio Celeste?

Rio Celeste is a popular tourist destination and one of the best things to do in Costa Rica , so it can get quite busy during the peak season. If you are traveling between December and April, it’s best to arrive as early as possible, before 9 am if possible. If you want to enjoy the natural beauty without the crowds, the earlier you can reach the entrance, the better. 

If you’re visiting outside the peak tourism months in Costa Rica , it will be less busy, so anytime between 9 am and 2 pm works well. The least busy time of year to visit is between May and November, so if you visit, you’ll have a much better chance of enjoying the beauty all by yourself. 

One thing you do have to be aware of is the weather. This brings me to my next point…

Can You Visit Rio Celeste in the Rain? 

The Rio Celeste area gets a lot of rain, and it is absolutely still possible to visit most of the time. Occasionally the park or portions of the trail might close due to extreme weather or flooding. If it’s just some rain, the trail will remain open, but it gets super muddy. That boot rental might be a good idea! 

Another important thing to remember is that the water won’t have the bright blue turquoise color it is famous for after heavy rain. When the water is high and muddy due to lots of rain, it blocks the light from reflecting from the rocks below, which gives the water it’s bright blue color it’s well known for. 

While it’s still amazing to view the falls and the river with muddy water, if you can plan your visit during the dry season, you’ll have the best chance of seeing Rio Celeste in all of its turquoise glory. 

Note: During light rain, the water should still be blue. It usually loses its color during or after a few hours of heavy rainfall. Watch the weather network and plan your visit accordingly if the blue-colored water is what you want to see!

Rio Celeste Opening Hours

Rio Celeste opens at 8:30 am, but you can arrive at 8 am to get tickets. Pre-purchase tickets are not possible, and the park is first-come, first-serve. If you are visiting around the Christmas Holiday, you’ll want to get there super early to ensure you get a ticket, as it’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

The latest admission to the park is 2 pm, and everyone has to exit by 4 pm. 

Is there Parking at Rio Celeste? 

A large parking lot is located at the Rio Celeste entrance, making it easy for visitors who are arriving by car. The cost to park is $5 USD. Click here for directions to the car park . 

While you must pay for the park entrance fee with card, we paid for parking with cash. So, I highly recommend bringing both cash and card with you to Rio Celeste!

Can you Swim at Rio Celeste? 

In the national park, swimming is prohibited, so you cannot swim at Rio Celeste Waterfall or in the river within the park. This rule is in place to preserve the delicate ecosystem.

If you’re really dying to cool off in the water, there is a free public entrance by the nearby bridge where you can take a nice dip in the cool water after your hike. There is even a designated parking spot on the side of the road near the swimming hole. If you’re visiting by car, type “Rio Celeste Free Pool” into Google maps . 

Budget-Saving Tip: If you are on a really tight budget, you could skip entering the national park altogether and just visit the Rio Celeste Free Pool. This pool also has the same bright blue color but is located outside of the national park, and as such, is free to visit. With that said, you’ll miss out on the waterfall (the best part, in my opinion) as well as the hike in the park. So, I only recommend this option if you really don’t want to pay the $12 entrance fee.

What Should/Shouldn’t You Bring to Rio Celeste? 

To have the perfect visit to Rio Celeste and the Rio Celeste Waterfall, it’s a good idea to come prepared. These are some things you might want to include in packing for your day trip:

• Rubber boots or hiking shoes – the trails can get muddy! 
• Mosquito repellent – this is a must. It’s very buggy along the route. 
• Hiking clothing – it’s hot and humid most of the year in this area so moisture-wicking shorts are probably the safest bet. 
• A swimsuit – if you’re planning on stopping by the swimming hole.
• Rain gear – pop-up showers are frequent. Pack a raincoat! 
• Hiking poles – if you like to use them on hikes. 
• A reusable water bottle – plastic water bottles are banned in the park, and there is no place to buy water other than the visitor center. Pack a big environmentally friendly reusable bottle, so you have plenty to drink on the sweaty hike! 
• Snacks – just like the water bottle, it’s a good idea to pack your snacks as there aren’t a lot of places to buy them nearby. Even if you just pack a granola bar or some trail mix, you’ll be glad you have something to munch on after the hike. 
• A camera – you’ll want to snap all the photos on your beautiful adventure! 
• Cash and card – you’ll probably need both!

There are also some items you cannot bring into the park. Plastic is the big one and this includes ponchos. The sign pictured above gives you examples of things you cannot bring into the park.

Facilities at Rio Celeste

The Tenorio Volcano National Park Visitor Center, where you can purchase your tickets for Rio Celeste, has bathrooms, snacks, and water, but that is the last stop with facilities. There aren’t any near the entrance to Rio Celeste and the waterfall. Make sure you use the facilities before you leave the visitor center! 

How Long do You Need to Visit Rio Celeste? 

The Rio Celeste hiking trail takes about 3.5 hours to complete, and you will want to save enough time to take in the plummeting waterfall and the other natural wonders all around. It’s easily a half-day or a full-day trip if you take your time to really enjoy it. You’ll also want to factor in driving or travel time via public transportation from your hotel or vacation rental. 

Is Rio Celeste Suited to Kids/Families? 

Rio Celeste is a great place to immerse children in the natural beauty of the rainforest and the majestic river and waterfall. That being said, the trail to the falls is moderately tricky and involves a lot of stairs, so kids need to be able to take on the path. It’s definitely too far to carry them and is not accessible for strollers. 

Do You Need a Guide to Visit Rio Celeste? 

No guide is needed to visit Rio Celeste. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the self-guided hike to the falls, where plenty of signage guides them. If you are interested in a tour, check out our favorites below! 

What are the Best Tours to Rio Celeste?

Without a car, the only way to get to Rio Celeste is on a guided tour. Guided tours are great because all of the logistics are sorted out for you, and all you have to do is follow the guide’s lead. Most tours also include hotel pick-up/drop-off and the guide provides a ton of knowledge along the way. Tours are super informational and interesting.

Below are the best tours to Rio Celeste departing from different destinations around the country. This way, you can choose a tour based on where you are staying easily.

Tour to Rio Celeste from Guanacaste Province (Tamarindo, Liberia, Playa Flamingo, etc)

If you’re looking for a full-day tour to get up close and personal with all the beauty of Rio Celeste, this particular tour is all that and more. The tour will pick you up from your hotel or rental property in a variety of destinations in Guanacaste (check the tour pick-up points for details) with Tamarindo being the most common starting point.

After a drive past all the best beaches, you’ll arrive at Tenorio Volcano National Park first, where you will embark on a two-hour hike to see Rio Celeste as well as the waterfall.

The tour also stops by an excellent swimming hole. After the hike and waterfall, the tour stops by Finca Verde Lodge, an organic farm, a sloth and frog sanctuary where you will enjoy a delicious lunch and a stop at a second waterfall. The cost of this Rio Celeste tour is $135 USD per person. 

Related Read: Planning a holiday in Tamarindo? Check out the best hotels in Tamarindo for all budgets and vacation styles .

Tour from La Fortuna 

If you’re staying near La Fortuna, try this fantastic full-day tour . You can meet up with the tour from the La Fortuna Bus terminal at 8 am before arriving at Rio Celeste for a four-hour hike. The knowledgeable guides will point out local flora and fauna and scout for animal sightings. 

After the hike, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch that is included in the cost. After lunch, you’ll be shuttled back to your hotel in La Fortuna. The price is $87 USD per person and this particular tour is often rated as one of the best things to do in La Fortuna .

Related Read: For more options, check out our guide on the best Rio Celeste tours from La Fortuna !

From San Jose 

If you’re making the trip from San Jose, Costa Rica’s largest city, you’ll be excited to know that you can still experience Rio Celeste as a day trip. This specific tour takes 8 hours from start to finish departing from San Jose. It will arrive at Rio Celeste, where you can hike through the rainforest and Tenorio Volcano National Park for about 4 hours. Breakfast and lunch are included before the shuttle takes you back to San Jose. 

From the National Park Entrance

Already have a rental car and just want a guide to accompany you on the hike to provide information? There are a few different options for that too including unique experiences that will take your Rio Celeste visit to the next level! 

This half-day option is a great choice if you’re staying near Tenorio National park and searching for a guided tour. It’s about 4 hours from start to finish. Take a private tour of Rio Celeste and the surrounding rainforest with a knowledgeable guide who will point out monkeys, sloths, and birds . After the hike, enjoy a swim at the swimming hole outside the park. 

To switch it up a little bit and add some more adventure to your trip to Rio Celeste, take this two-hour tour that allows you to explore the rainforest on horseback. Adventure along the bright blue waters of Rio Celeste and swim in the natural pools. This is an excellent option for people who want to experience the beauty of Rio Celeste without the strenuous hike. Best of all, the cost is just $45 USD per person! 

Don’t just view the Rio Celeste; experience it in all its glory through an adventure tubing on the river . The adventure takes about 2 hours, and you will float down the river with a small group and a guide who makes sure all safety considerations have been taken into account . The cost is $51.29 USD per person. 

Why We Book Tours with Viator

Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:

• Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
• Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
• Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
• Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
• Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.

Check out the Viator website here ! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here .

Where to Stay near Rio Celeste?

While many people choose to visit Rio Celeste on a full-day trip from popular tourist destinations such as La Fortuna, San Jose, and Tamarindo, there are some really nice hotels and guesthouses located just down the road from Rio Celeste. These are a great option if you have a rental car since you’ll be able to get to the national park early than those traveling from the other destination – and beat the crowds.

Some of the best places to stay near Rio Celeste are:

Tenorio Lodge – $$$

Tenorio Lodge is the best place to stay near Rio Celeste if you’re looking for a bit of luxury. Every room here has amazing views of the Tenorio volcano. Although in a remote location, this hotel has modern amenities and the decor is very classy. Breakfast is included in the room rate. The hotel is located 12 km (7.5 mi) from the entrance to Rio Celeste.

Rates begin at $173 USD/night. You can reserve a room in advance here on Booking.com .

Finca Amistad Cacao Lodge – $$

Finca Amistad Cacao Lodge is located on a 60-hectare cocoa farm! It isn’t a luxury stay, but it is an interesting and comfortable place to meet a local family and even do tours of the farm. This is also a bird lovers paradise! Many of the rooms feature mountain views and there is a restaurant onsite.

Rates begin at $130 USD/night. You can reserve a room in advance here on Booking.com , here on Hotels.com , or here on Expedia .

Posada Rural Rio Celeste – $

For those on a budget, you can’t pass up this cute hotel. Posada Rural Río Celeste is a great choice near Rio Celeste. Although really affordable, all rooms feature an ensuite bathroom and breakfast is included in the room rate. It’s located just down the road from Rio Celeste too.

Rates begin at $45 USD/night for two guests. You can reserve a room in advance here on Booking.com .

Getting Around Costa Rica

How you choose to get around Costa Rica is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your holiday here! How you do it depends on your budget, travel style, and comfort level. 

Renting a Car

Without a doubt, the number one way to explore Costa Rica is in a rental car. We book rental cars on the Discover Cars website as we have had good experiences with them in the past.

One of the things you need to watch for when renting a car in Costa Rica is the mandatory insurance that the government requires you to have. There are a lot of very cheap rentals that don’t include this mandatory insurance (TPL) in the original booking price, but there are also ones that do. To avoid additional surprise charges when you pick up your rental car, be sure to rent a car that includes the mandatory insurance when you book.

Thankfully, on Discover Cars it’s easy to tell apart the companies that include the mandatory insurance and those that don’t. The trick is you can’t pick any car on their website. In the picture below, you can see this rental car, with pick up in Jaco, includes the TPL. That means the mandatory insurance is included in the price. Any cover you get above that is extra.

Of course, I still suggest getting the full coverage offered by Discover Cars, which covers you even more.

You can  browse cars on Discover Cars here .

Book Shuttles

If renting a car isn’t in your budget, you don’t feel comfortable driving in Costa Rica , or you just don’t like driving, shuttles are the next best option. There are hundreds of shuttle routes available all over the country, and they are very affordable.

Shuttles in Costa Rica are specifically for tourists and often include pick up and drop off at your selected hotels and airports. The drivers also speak some English, and the vehicles have air conditioning. You’ll also be guaranteed a seat when you book a shuttle (which isn’t the case with the public bus system.)

To get the best price, use the website  Bookaway . They compare all the offers and prices of shuttle companies in Costa Rica so you get the best price! Honestly, we have saved so much money using Bookaway! 

You can search for shuttles online on Bookaway here.

Lastly, you can use the public bus system. On short journeys, such as from San Jose to La Fortuna or Uvita to Manuel Antonio, this system is great. However, the longer the journey the more hassle and time spent on a bus. It’s undoubtedly best to save the public bus in Costa Rica for short and straightforward trips!  

The public buses are definitely the cheapest way to get around Costa Rica, but they are not always very reliable and schedules often change without notice and delays are to be expected. The buses can also be very crowded and hot – so just be prepared!

It’s also good to speak some Spanish if you plan on riding the public bus since most drivers and ticket booth operators don’t speak English.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend  SafetyWing . We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.

SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.

SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind.

Book your travel insurance with SafetyWing here!

I hope this blog has helped you prepare for your trip to Rio Celeste – I’m sure you’ll enjoy it! If you found this blog helpful, be sure to browse around a little more, we have a ton of useful guides about enjoying all that Costa Rica has to offer including:

The BEST restaurants in Tamarindo

Most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica

Things to do in Jaco

Cheap and FREE things to do in Tamarindo

Tuesday 23rd of July 2024

Sorry - especially for such a nice, helpful, and informative site - it seems one needs to make a reservation to visit Rio Celeste and volcanic park but the blog offers contradictory information.

Please clarify (hopefully edit same in blog): to visit the Celeste waterfall a) on line reservation or b) purchase tix at the entrance.

Bill in Paso Robles, CA

Costa Rica Travel Life

Wednesday 31st of July 2024

Tickets must be purchased online in advance.

Wednesday 22nd of November 2023

Hi, we are staying at Rio perdido in january, do you know if there are shuttles or some sort of transportation to Rio celeste for a day hike?

Saturday 25th of November 2023

As far as publicly availably options there are not. you'll need to organize a private transfer. I would contact your hotel and they should be able to organize this for you. You are not far from Rio Celeste so i am sure they get this request all the time.

Let me know how you go.

Thanks Daniel

Thursday 7th of September 2023

We visited Rio Celeste last week and found out that everyone must now book online.As international visitors we were required to supply our passport details on the online form with our payment.I hope this information helps others.

Thursday 8th of December 2022

Great post! Super helpful as I'm planning a trip here with family in the next couple weeks. Any insight into how likely it is we will get in if we drive ourselves, in the end of December? This park is a must see on our list, and I've read elsewhere to arrive early, but I'm wondering if it's worth it to just go with a tour group? I prefer exploring without tour guides, but open to doing so if needed. Thanks!

So glad you like the blog!

You will be fine visiting on your own. Just aim to get there early (9 am) and remember to visit on a day when it has not been raining heavily. If you can get there at 8:30 am, you will practically have the trails to yourself.

I agree, it's better to go without a tour, especially if you have a rental car.

Enjoy your trip, and please let me know if you have any further questions.

Thanks Bailey

Henry Ochoa

Wednesday 23rd of November 2022

Are dogs allowed?

Thursday 24th of November 2022

No they are not.

Rio Celeste Waterfall Tour + Sloths Garden

Rio Celeste Waterfall Tour  in  Guanacaste is a unique and fantastic place located at the Tenorio Volcano National Park. In Rio Celeste, you will enjoy an extraordinary rainforest hike and visit the amazing waterfall with light blue colors, making  it a highlight of your vacation in Guanacaste. Later we will drive you to the Sloths Garden, where you can observe many of them. You can also watch red dart frogs, toucans, and birds and visit a butterfly garden.

Rio Celeste Waterfall Tour in  Guanacaste  tour takes you to explore the incredible rain forest and its beautiful  blue-sky waterfall . The perfect tour for those who like to explore and hike in the rainforest.   The tour starts driving to the center of the mountain range of Guanacaste, precisely to the  Tenorio Volcano National Park .

Rio Celeste Waterfall Tour drive takes you to the highlands of Bijagua, the scenic beauty of the place increases as you approach the park; in addition to the landscapes of the farms, lush green mountains, and small towns where you will pass, they are authentic portraits of the true Guanacaste. O nce in the park, our first hike will take us through primary and secondary forests until we reach the renowned  65 feet waterfall  and its sky-colored water.  Here you can relax for a few minutes listening and observing the sound of nature while our guides explain to you the color of its waters.

Later the second part of the Rio Celeste Waterfall Tour will take you through the rain forest and muddy trails, where you will observe some of the Tenorio Volcano activity, such as boiling water and sulfur steam, in addition to an incredible view where you can see the turquoise water lagoons.

Finally, you will arrive at  Los Teñideros , a magical place where you can observe the waters of the Buena Vista and Roble rivers getting together and turning their waters into a turquoise color due to the concentration of minerals. 

The last part of the  Rio Celeste Waterfall Tour will take you to a botanical garden where you can observe many sloths. It is also possible to find blue jeans, red-eye frogs, toucans, monkeys, and different bird species. Once you finish the tour, you will enjoy a delicious typical lunch.

Rio Celeste Waterfall Tour depart from:

Playas del Coco , Playa Hermosa,  Ocotal,  and Riu Guanacaste Hotels. We also leave from  Andaz  Papagayo, Planet Hollywood Costa Rica, and Four Seasons Costa Rica. As well as Secrets Papagayo, Villas Sol, Occidental Papagayo, El  Mangroove  Resort among others. You can also enjoy our tours from  Tamarindo Beach , Flamingo, Playa  Conchal,  and Potrero.  

Rio Celeste Waterfall Tour Photo Gallery

Take a look where you going, rio celeste waterfall tour rates.

From Coco Beach, Playa Hermosa, Ocotal, Riu Guanacaste Hotels,  Secrets Papagayo, El Mangroove, Occidental Papagayo & Villas del Sol.   As well from  Planet Hollywood Costa Rica, Andaz Papagayo & Four Se asons Costa R ica

• Rate Plus Taxes

From Flamingo, Tamarindo Beach, Conchal & Potrero              please add $20 p.p

Includes  Private transportation, bilingual guide,  lunch, sloths garden, park entrance fee, and water.

What to bring:  Tennis shoes, comfortable clothes, binoculars, a rain poncho or sweater, insect repellent, sunblock, a change of clothes and a towel is a good idea as well.

Departure:  7.30 am /  Return:  4.00 approx.

Duration:  8 hours approx.

Daily departures.

2 guests min. to operate the tour.

Hiking Level:  Moderate-Challenge

Medical Conditions:  This tour is not recommended for people with knees, back, blood pressure, or any injury or health issue that won’t allow them to hike in moderate to challenging trails.

Not recommended for small kids.

The total hike takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on your hiking speed

Taxes are not included.

Rio Celeste Waterfall Tour Reservation

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Rio Celeste Tour Hiking, Sloth & Waterfall

Rio celeste tour - a full day exploring one of costa rica's most beautiful natural phenomenons.

• INFORMATION

Rio Celeste Tour Combo – Hiking, Sloth Sanctuary & Llanos de Cortes Waterfall

Book online now!

Rio Celeste Tour – You will begin the day with a visit to the breathtaking Llanos de Cortes Waterfall, well off the beaten path where you can swim under the falls. Next we take an adventurous hike in Tenorio Volcano National Park to see one of Costa Rica’s most famous natural wonders – Rio Celeste – known for it’s divine hue of turquoise. You will also Jungle Life – an organic farm and animal shelter where you will visit the sloths, frogs and more!

2 Hour Hike in Tenorio Volcano National Park

Visit to Organic Farm with Sloths & Frogs

Visit to Llanos de Cortez Waterfall

View Wildlife and Local Flora

Costa Rica Lunch

Bilingual Naturalist Guide

Stunning view of Turquoise Waters of Rio Celeste

Door-to-door service: Pick-up and Drop-off at your hotel

Shared Tour & Transportation

Adults: $128   

Children Ages 0-11: $108  

Private Tour

2-3 People $275   

 4+ People $195 

Self Drive to all Activities

Adults: $115   

Children Ages 0-11: $95  

Rio Celeste Tour Itinerary

Hotel pick up or meet tour guide.

After pick up from your hotel, you will stop for coffee and/or breakfast, you will be driven to our first stop at Llanos de Cortes waterfall, or you may choose the self-drive option and meet your guide there.

Llanos de Cortez Waterfall

Discover the hidden gem of Llanos de Cortez Waterfall, tucked away amidst the pristine landscapes of the Guanacaste region. As you make your way through the tropical forest, the sound of cascading water grows louder, signaling your arrival at this natural marvel. The sight of the waterfall is nothing short of breathtaking, with its crystal-clear waters tumbling over moss-covered rocks into a tranquil pool below. Take a refreshing dip in the cool waters, surrounded by lush greenery and the symphony of nature. Relax on the sandy shores, bask in the warm sun, and revel in the serenity of this secluded paradise. It’s the perfect conclusion to a day filled with adventure and exploration.

Rio Celeste Tour Waterfall Hike – Tenorio Volcano National Park

You will begin your hike within the pristine confines of Tenorio Volcano National Park, first heading to the mesmerizing Rio Celeste Waterfall, where the crystalline waters cascade gracefully down a rugged cliff face, creating a scene of unparalleled beauty. You’ll embark on a guided hike on trails that meander through the dense rainforest, enveloped by a symphony of exotic bird calls. Your knowledgeable guide will share insights into the rich biodiversity of the region, pointing out unique plant species & wildlife that call this pristine wilderness home.

As you approach the waterfall, you’ll be stunned by the majestic cascade of turquoise-hued water tumbling dramatically into a tranquil pool below. Stand in awe of this natural spectacle, feeling the cool mist and the sheer power of nature. Take your time to savor this moment, capturing photographs of this unique hidden gem from various angles.

**Please be aware, on rare occasions the river may be brown due to heavy rains

Costa Rican Lunch

Indulge in a hearty Costa Rican meal at a local restaurant, where you’ll savor traditional dishes bursting with flavor. Enjoy staples like gallo pinto (rice and beans), plantains, savory meats, and fresh tropical fruits, providing a delicious taste of Costa Rica’s culinary delights.

Jungle Life Farm – Sloth and Frog Sanctuary

After immersing yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Rio Celeste, our journey continues to the Jungle Life Sloth Sanctuary, where you’ll have the rare opportunity to encounter these endearing creatures up close. Nestled within the verdant rainforest, the sanctuary provides a safe haven for sloths rescued from various situations. Learn about their behaviors, habits, and the conservation efforts aimed at protecting them as you observe these fascinating animals in their natural habitat. Your guide will also showcase natural wonders such as tropical plants, flowers, birds, sloths, frogs, snakes, insects and more!

Please be aware, on rare occasions the Llanos de Cortez Waterfall and Rio Celeste Waterfall may be brown due to heavy rains

Rio Celeste Tour Meeting Point & Transportation Info

Self drive option .

You have the choice to begin the tour at Llanos de Cortes Waterfall or at Tenorio National Park. You will follow the tour bus throughout the tour to each location in your personal vehicle. Please let us know which option you choose. 

• 9:00 am Arrival to Llanos de Cortes Waterfall – You will be given the maps link upon confirmation. Please wait for your guide there at the entrance where you’ll meet the rest of the group.
• After visiting Llanos de Cortes Waterfall, we will drive to Rio Celeste
• 11:15 am Arrival to Tenorio National park to visit Rio Celeste – You will be given the maps link upon confirmation.

TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS 

We Pick up from Hotels, condos and private residences in the following locations:

• Hacienda Pinilla/JW Marriott: 6:00 AM
• Langosta/Tamarindo: 6:30 AM
• Conchal (W/Westin, Reserva Conchal), Brasilitos: 6:45 AM
• Playa Grande, Flamingo, Potrero: 6:30 AM
• Las Catalinas: 6:15 AM ($60 extra per booking, not per customer)
• RIU Hotels Main Security Gate, Not the Lobby: 6:45 AM
• Playas del Cocos: 7:20 AM
• Playa Hermosa & Panama (Occ/Sects Papagayo, Villas Sol, Condovac, Mangroove): 7:30 AM
• Liberia Peri Supermarket: 8:30 AM
• Andaz, Four Seasons, Planet Hollywood: 7:20 AM ($50 extra per booking, not per customer)
• Dreams Las Mareas 6:30 AM ($200 extra per booking, not per customer)

Important for Rio Celeste Tour Pick Up

We will send you an official pick up time the day before the tour. Please be ready outside 10 minutes before your scheduled pick up time, but it can take up to 20 minutes longer depending on the day’s pick up schedule and traffic.

Special Requirements

Due to a new requirement issued by the Ministry of Tourism and the National Park Systems of Costa Rica, we must provide specific information for each client visiting the national parks. It is extremely important that you send us your information as soon as you make your reservation.

Please provide this info for every single person in your party and reply in the following format

Full Name on Passport: Passport number: Passport issuing country:

IMPORTANT: You must carry a picture of your passport with you on your tour!

Please send the information to our email or WhatsApp: [email protected] +506 8908 9525

Special Notes

• Rain boots can be rented at the park’s entrance.  Ponchos can be bought there as well.
• Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions
• On some rare occasions after heavy rainfall, the rivers flood and the turquoise color goes away, causing the river and waterfall to be brown.
• 4 person minimum, if you are a single traveler, contact us to see which dates are open
• A moderate amount of walking is involved
• We operate this tour rain or shine!
• In effort to eliminate single use plastic bottles on our tours, please bring a reusable water bottle.

Cancellation Policy

CANCELLATION POLICY:

Services Canceled:

0-48 hours before start time of tour: 100% Penalty

Departure/Return Location

Departure time, return time, not included.

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Monteverde Tours Costa Rica.

COSTA RICA DAY TOURS & SHUTTLES.

Rio Celeste Tour From Guanacaste

Explore one of the 7 natural wonders of Costa Rica, Rio Celeste , located in Tenorio National Park, 2 hours from the city of  Liberia in Guanacaste Costa Rica, during this tour we will pass through small and picturesque villages until reach the  national park.

3 hours walkin the park starts with bridges over the treetops with incredible views, we pass by the Celeste River Lagoon and walk along two crystal clear streams which come together to form the rio Celeste. Here the clear water changes in to a beautiful blue sky color.

Walking along jungle trails we visit an area where volcanic smoke is expelled at high temperatures from the ground at the bottom of the river, creating sulphur bubles. The stunning colored Rio Celeste Waterfall offers an amazing view.

• Pick up Time 6:30 approx.
• Return Time 5 pm  approx  ( in Guanacaste)
• Driving time, 2 hours each way

Rio Celeste Tour From Guanacaste Costa Rica |  Tour to Tenorio National Park from Guanacaste

See all Guanacaste Tours, Things to do & Hotels 

Tour Inclusions

What to bring, length of tour.

• Transportation
• Bilingual Naturalist Guide
• National park entrance fee
• Pick up Time 6:30  am approx.
• Insect repellent
• Light clothing/shorts
• Trekking shoes
• Raincoat or Umbrella
• 8 hours approx

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

For reservations, please contact us in the form below, we will be sending you a link for online payment, once we have verified availability.

Most of the Day Tours & Shuttles, For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience - 

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(One Day Tour to Hike Rio Celeste, Swim at the Llano de Cortez Waterfall, & Visit the Sloth Sanctuary of the Finca Verde Organic Farm from Guanacaste)

Let us help you plan your trip. you're just a click away.

Hike Rio Celeste, Swim at the Llano de Cortez Waterfall, & Visit the Sloth Sanctuary of the Finca Verde Organic Farm Tour Details

Rio Celeste, Sloth Sanctuary & Llano de Cortez Waterfall Tour Includes:

• * Round Trip Transportation from Most Guanacaste Hotels
• * Stop at El Jardin Restaurant & Shop (optional breakfast available for purchase)
• * Entrance Fee to Llanos de Cortez Waterfall
• * Entrance Fee to Tenorio Volcano National Park
• * Guided Hike to Rio Celeste Waterfalls
• * Guided Tour of the Finca Verde Organic Farm, Sloth Sanctuary & Frog & Butterfly Reserve
• * Bilingual Naturalist Guides
• * Typical Costa Rica Style Casado Lunch (rice, beans, salad, plantains & choice of protein)

Departures: Daily between 6:30am – 7:30am from most Papagayo & Tamarindo area hotels in Guanacaste as well as Liberia. Exact meeting instructions will be provided with your confirmation voucher. You can also opt to meet at Llanos de Cortes waterfall at 8:45am, or skip the falls and meet directly at the Tenorio National Park at 11:00am.

Length: Approximately 12 hours including transportation from Guanacaste. Length varies depending on the location of your hotel. Papagayo hotels are a bit closer while Rio Celeste from Tamarindo is a bit further.

Rio Celeste, Sloth Sanctuary & Llano de Cortez Waterfall Tour Recommendations:

• * Comfortable hiking / walking shoes. Ones that can get wet best
• * Quick-dry clothing & layers
• * Bathing suit and towel
• * Rain poncho
• * Light day pack
• * Reusable water bottle
• * Eco-Friendly sunscreen (bio-degradable)
• * Eco-Friendly bug repellant
• * Cash for tips for your guides, breakfast, additional food or beverages and souvenirs

Children: Minimum age is 4 years old. Children ages 4 to 10 years old pay a discounted rate.

Restrictions: There is a considerable amount of walking and hiking on this tour through the cloud forest. It is recommended that you be in good physical condition with no heart or other serious medical issues.

Insider Tip: This is a long day, but really packs in a whole lot and well worth the ticket price. Sometimes Rio Celeste can get a bit murky. But when you add in Llanos de Cortes waterfall and the amazing guides and wildlife at Finca Verde, there is no way this adventure from Guanacaste will disappoint you.

Important Notes: Packing: It is typically warm at Llanos de Cortez Falls where you can swim and sunbathe. However, in Tenorio Volcano National Park, you will hike through multiple microclimates on the way to Rio Celeste, including a cloud forest which can be very chilly and rainy. And a rainforest…where it rains of course. Rain boots are available for rent at the park entrance. We suggest bringing shoes you do not mind getting wet that are also secure for hiking uneven and slippery terrain if you have them. There are changing rooms at the entrance to Llano de Cortez and you can store your change of clothes and things you do not need to carry with you in the van. Our driver stays with the van to keep your belongings safe.

Weather: This tour runs rain or shine all year round. However, note that at times, Rio Celeste is not so celeste. During the rainy season, the waters can get mucked up and turn brown. More like chocolate milk than the milky way. So, the most optimal time to visit would be the dry season between December and April.

Important Booking Note for Costa Rica's National Parks: Spaces are very limited to visit the park, so we need to purchase your entrance in advance. When placing your booking, we will need to know the full name, passport number, and country issuing passport for every participant. For this purpose, we cannot accept last minute bookings for this tour.

** PLEASE NOTE: Due to the strictly enforced sales tax law that has been introduced in Costa Rica, sales tax may be added to the final payment made to the operator. Sales tax is already included in the deposit amount.

About Your Online Reservation: Booking online does not guarantee that spaces are available and your reservation is confirmed. Our reservation offices are open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm CST daily and we do our best to confirm your reservation and send your confirmed voucher with meeting instructions within 24 hours. If you are booking a tour in less than 24 hours in advance, we recommend you contact us to check availability for you.

Reserve Your Rio Celeste, Sloth Sanctuary & Llano de Cortez Waterfall Now

Retail: $128.00

The Real Deal: $122.00

Child (4-10):

Retail: $118.00

The Real Deal: $109.00

Rio Celeste, Sloth Sanctuary & Llano de Cortez Waterfall deposit is $20.00 per Adult and $15.00 per Child. (The balance of $102.00 per Adult and $94.00 per Child + tax per person to be paid via provided payment link 48 hours prior to departure) This tour departs between 6:30am – 7:30am.

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Rio Celeste, Costa Rica: The Complete Visitor’s Guide to the Magical Sky Blue River

January 1, 2024 By Sammi 222 Comments

If you’re planning on visiting the enchanting Rio Celeste, Costa Rica then here is everything you need to know to plan the perfect visit so that you can see the sky blue river inside the Tenorio Volcano National Park.

The story as told by the locals is that Rio Celeste got its stunning color when God dipped his brush in the river as he was painting the sky. Scientifically, the color appears when two separate clear water rivers meet and a certain type of mineral coated in silicon, oxygen and aluminum remains suspended in the river. The size, suspension and reflection of sunlight creates this vivid blue color in the water. The national park land used to belong to the Maleku people, an indigenous group in Costa Rica and the waterfall and river were sacred places to them.

In this guide, we will help you plan the perfect visit to Rio Celeste. There are affiliate links in this post.

What to Know About Rio Celeste to Make Sure You See the Beautiful Blue Color

. **IMPORTANT! The Tenorio Volcano National Park requires all visitors to purchase park tickets online beforehand on the SINAC website . They will not sell tickets at the door.

Quick information first.

• Parking available for a fee. There are several parking lots right outside the park entrance run by locals. Parking fee is 2000 CRC per car. No public bus directly to park entrance.
• If you did not purchase park tickets beforehand, there is an area with Wifi that you can go to next to entrance so you can buy tickets. However, it is not a guarantee as it’s first come, first serve. You may not get park tickets right at the time you are in, as they are dived in 40 minutes increment groups, your entrance may be later. So buy your park tickets beforehand!
• No facilities inside the national park. Only bathroom is in the outside park ticket office.
• Single use plastics are not allowed in the national park so bring a filled reusable water bottle.
• 4wd not absolutely required.
• No pets allowed in the national park. No strollers allowed.
• National park hours are 8 AM to 4 PM everyday. Last entry at 2 PM. Everyone must exit by 4 PM.
• Visitors must present the bar code of their park ticket reservation and their passport or Costa Rican ID to enter. Passport can be a photocopy or photo on the phone of the passport ID page.
• ~6 kilometer walk total (~3.7 miles)
• No guide required. Can visit on your own.

This park is very busy

Tenorio Volcano National Park is one of the five most visited parks in Costa Rica. Since they limit the number of visitors per day, expect crowds if you are visiting during December through April, as that is the busiest time of year. July is also another busy month.

Another reason why this national park feels crowded is because it’s only one linear trail instead of a loop. Everyone must walk out on the same trail walking back in.

Weather and What to Wear to Rio Celeste

Rio Celeste weather is hot and humid being the tropical rainforest. Average daytime temperatures are around low to mid 80s F (28 C).

Keep in mind that this area doesn’t strictly follow the dry-rainy tropical seasons and it can rain any time of the year.

• Shoes: No flip flops, no high heels, no open toed sandals. As trails are dirt with tree roots and rocks, you need to have good shoes. I personally love closed toed hiking shoes for Rio Celeste, specifically my KEEN hiking sandals . Yeison wore his waterproof KEEN hiking shoes . Trail running shoes are excellent, especially if they’re waterproof.
• Clothing: You don’t need long hiking pants, shorts will do fine but make sure to apply mosquito repellent. We personally recommend clothes that dry fast and wick away moisture because it is very humid.
• Gear: Bring waterproof rain gear, especially if you’re bringing camera equipment. We brought a heavy duty poncho, our North Face rain jackets, Aqua Quest waterproof backpacks and a backpack rain cover.
• Mosquito Repellent

Optional: hiking poles if you have knee/ankle problems to stabilize yourself on the dirt paths and steps.

Rio Celeste, Costa Rica hiking difficulty and time

Rio Celeste hiking level is moderate. The trail is not terribly long or difficult but for inexperienced hikers, some sections may prove a little challenging, particularly the waterfall. There are around 200 or so steep steps down to the waterfall. Additionally, there are many big rocks and tree roots you have to walk on as it’s a natural path.

If you are not in good condition to walk at least 3-4 miles through the forest or have bad knees or ankle problems that won’t allow you to walk on uneven surfaces or steps, I recommend going to just the waterfall.

*You will see more photos of the trail down below in the post.* The first section of the trail from the entrance to the waterfall is on a trail with a mix of concrete and natural paths, crossing one short suspension bridge. The walk from the entrance to Rio Celeste Waterfall takes around 30 minutes.

Once you reach the waterfall entrance, there is a set of steep stairs with handrails to go down to the waterfall.

Unfortunately the Rio Celeste trail is not handicap friendly nor is it stroller friendly. The trail is a natural path with tree roots, loose rocks and big rocks.

Do you need a guide for Rio Celeste?

No, a guide is not required or necessary for Rio Celeste, you can perfectly visit Rio Celeste on your own. It’s a straightforward linear trail with plenty of signage. You walk all the way to the end, turn around and walk back the same trail. You cannot get lost in the national park.

Some parts of the national park may close depending on the weather

The national park sometimes closes when there is extreme weather. Check the official Tenorio Volcano National Park Facebook page to see current conditions before your visit.

If you visit in the peak of rainy season, the river may not be as blue

Sometimes when the rains are incredibly heavy and constant for consecutive days, or there is a tropical storm, the river isn’t blue. This normally occurs during the months of September, October and November. December and January can be very rainy too.

However, if it is just the normal on/off rains, do not worry as it can turn back to blue quickly. We have seen the blue color every time we have visited Rio Celeste, even during rainy season.

If you’re visiting during the rainier months, we recommend staying a couple nights in Bijagua . You’ll have more opportunities to see the blue river just in case it rains during your visit.

Swimming is prohibited in the park

Swimming in Rio Celeste is strictly prohibited inside the national park.

However, there is a free public entrance by the bridge 1 kilometer (~.6 mile) past the park entrance. It’s one of the best free things to do in Costa Rica. On Google Maps, it is called “Rio Celeste Free Pool.” There is a dedicated parking spot on the side of the road for this free Rio Celeste swimming hole .

There are also some other private properties that also have access to the Rio Celeste river that allow their guests to swim and bathe in it. We went to Poza Danta Piuri río celeste for lunch and a visit to their own private access to the river.

Visiting Rio Celeste with kids

You can definitely visit Rio Celeste with kids! We saw a ton of families. Teenagers and active kids will love this hike.

If you bring your baby in a baby carrier, make sure you have enough stamina to carry them up and down the steep steps to the waterfall and the rest of the trail. Strollers are not allowed inside Tenorio Volcano National Park.

Location and Directions to Rio Celeste from La Fortuna and Liberia

The closest town near Rio Celeste is Bijagua de Upala. Rio Celeste is inside Tenorio Volcano National Park in the Alajuela and Guanacaste province.

Rio Celeste is 95 kilometers (59 miles) from Guanacaste Airport , a 1.5 hour drive and 173 kilometers (107 miles) from San Jose International Airport , a 3.5 hour drive.

How to get to Rio Celeste from Liberia by Driving

If you are renting a car and using Google Maps or Waze, do not just type in “Rio Celeste” as this will lead you to the wrong place or it will say no results found. This is my advice for getting to the park entrance: look for the national park parking lot. I personally like to put the restaurant outside the ticket office.

• Option 1: Enter Parqueo del Parque Nacional Tenorio as your destination. This will take you to the parking lots right outside the Tenorio Volcano National Park.
• Option 2: Enter Soda El Pilón . This is a restaurant right in front of the ticket office next to the main parking lot.

There is no cell phone signal up near the park (at least with Kolbi) so make sure you download Google Maps offline. You will know when you’ve reached the park entrance because you will see a lot of signs for parking. There will be locals wearing yellow vests waving flags, trying to get you to park in their lot.

We prefer to park at the parking lot right at the entrance (left side in the photo above). Parking costs ~2000 CRC per car and you need to leave the slip of paper in the dash of the car. Even though you’re paying for parking, don’t leave valuables visible in the car as it’s technically not a secured lot and it is not owned by the national park. Roll up your windows and lock your doors.

How to get to Rio Celeste from La Fortuna

The drive from La Fortuna to Rio Celeste is about 1.5 hours.

Pro planning tip: If you are driving from La Fortuna – Guanacaste (like Tamarindo / Playas del Coco ), you can stop by Rio Celeste on your way. Carefully and completely cover all your luggage in the car, park as close as possible to the ticket office and take ALL valuables (wallet, credit card, passport, phone, etc.) with you. We recommend to leave La Fortuna early around 7 AM to get to the park around 9 AM, hike around 3 hours, have lunch and depart Bijagua by 2 PM to drive 2-2.5 hours to your final destination in the daylight. *These are our tips but we are not responsible if something happens to your car or belongings as everyone needs to take extreme caution when leaving valuables in the car in Costa Rica.*

You Don’t Need a 4×4 for Rio Celeste

The road to the entrance of Tenorio Volcano National Park (Rio Celeste) is paved. From Bijagua, the drive is around 30 minutes. Drive carefully on the narrow and curvy road without street lights, especially in rainy season since sections are concrete and can get very slippery.

Also, the speed limit is not really respected or well displayed here. The locals tend to tailgate and drive fast so if someone is tailgating you, don’t get nervous. Keep going the speed you’re comfortable at and they will pass you on their own accord. Don’t try to pull over as there are no shoulders.

Do not try to play the hero and drive fast because curves are narrow and it can get be very slippery in rainy season. There are also a couple of very small bridges. Drive slowly and carefully. We do recommend a 4×4 in the rainy season or at least a high clearance car.

Shuttle or Bus

There are no public buses that go directly to the Tenorio Volcano National Park entrance. You must take a taxi or hitch a ride from Bijagua. Have never seen Uber in this area (worth taking a quick look though). A taxi to the entrance costs around $40 USD, prices may not reflect the current day. You can also ask your hotel to help you call a ride.

Hours and Fee

The Tenorio Volcano National Park entrance fee for adults is $12 USD, $5 USD for children (ages 2-12) plus tax. Credit/debit card only (Visa/Mastercard) – no cash. **As of August 1, 2023, the national park will require all visitors to purchase park tickets online beforehand on the SINAC website. They no longer sell tickets at the door. Please note we have NO affiliation with SINAC so if you are having trouble on their website, please contact them directly for help. They have set up an area with Wifi near the entrance so you can use Internet to buy tickets on your phone.**

Parking is ~2000 colones per car, cash only. Give this to the parking attendant that comes up to you when you park. They will hand you a slip of paper in return, which you must display on your car dash.

Rio Celeste – Tenorio Volcano National Park is open everyday. Hours are 8 AM to 5 PM and the last entry must be before 2 PM. Everyone must exit the park by 4 PM. They will allow a maximum of 500 people in the park at one time, with a maximum of 1000 total people during the day.

Rio Celeste, Costa Rica Map

Here is a map of Tenorio Volcano National Park.

The orange square where it says “Puesto Pilon” is the entrance to the national park and start of the trail. Entrada a Catarata is where the steps are down to the waterfall. Catarata is the waterfall. Laguna Azul is the blue lagoon, Mirador is the view point. Borbollones is the area where the water is hot and bubbly (like a hot spring) and Tenideros is where the the two rivers meet.

Before you can enter this area, you will go through the security check and ticket check. The park officer asked me for my park ticket which I showed on my phone (he needs to see the barcode and email receipt).

Then he asked me if I had any cigarettes or knives and quickly checked my backpack. They also asked and checked for a drone as drones are not allowed in the national park.

This is the Tenorio Volcano National Park main office where the bathrooms are. Use them before going into the park, since there aren’t facilities inside. Since tickets are now to be purchased online, this office is just for bathrooms.

After we passed the first checkpoint, we used the bathrooms and entered the national park to start the hike.

Waterfall Trail (1.5 kilometers or .9 miles to waterfall steps from entrance)

The beginning of the trail is mostly concrete surrounded by a verdant primary and secondary rain forest. The first part of the trail is to the waterfall, about a 30 minute walk.

There is a very nice Tenorio Volcano National Park sign that makes for a nice photo.

A little after, you’ll cross a hanging bridge. We saw white face monkeys right by here!

After walking through two very small creeks and the rest of the trail, you’ll come to an area with a couple large signs and the stairway arch to the waterfall.

You’ll reach a cross section where you can go down beautifully maintained steps to the waterfall. It is a bit steep so take your time! It is on nice steps with handrails. As you walk down, you get glimpses of bright blue through the trees. It is 150 meters or 490 feet down to the waterfall.

There are some great spots on the stairs to take very nice photos of the stairs and waterfall.

Once you reach the bottom, there is a nice viewing platform for photos.

The waterfall greets you at the bottom and it is an incredible sight. I could’ve spent all day at this enthralling waterfall. You can’t help but stare at the bright blue water!

Rio Celeste, Costa Rica Video

We took a quick aerial video of the river back in 2016…

Here is an aerial photo of Rio Celeste waterfall.

After you’re done looking at the waterfall, head back up to continue on the rest of the trail. The steps are steep so take your time!

Mirador (550 meters, .3 miles)

This platform has a nice view of the jungle and there is a billboard with some information of the rainforest and area.

Laguna Azul (Blue Lagoon, 200 meters, .1 miles)

The Laguna Azul, or blue lagoon is the next stop. There are some steeper steps and large rocks going down to the blue lagoon.

You can really see how blue it truly gets at this point!

50 meters past the laguna azul are the bubbling thermal springs.

Borbollones (50 meters, 164 feet past blue lagoon)

Here you can see the boiling water section of the river. You can really smell the sulfur at this point so you can imagine just how hot that water is! Make sure to obey the signs. Do not hop the fence, do not swim, do not enter the water.

The last 300 meters or so of the trail are not to be missed. You’ll see the bluest part of the river and where the two rivers meet to create this color.

You may see animals on the trails like pizotes, armadillos and monkeys. If you’re SUPER lucky, you may see a tapir as there are some that wander in and out of the national park.

Tenideros (last 300-400 meters, about 900-1000 feet)

There are two bridges to cross before you reach Tenideroes. The first goes over the normal river (no blue color).

The second bridge goes over the blue river and it is absolutely gorgeous. On the other side, there is a small area past the trees to the right where you can get some photos of people on the bridge.

Cross the bridge and walk a tiny bit further to see where two different rivers meet to create one blue river.

This is the coolest part of the hike, seeing where the color starts. There is a billboard in Spanish and English that explains exactly where the blue color comes from. And that’s the end of the trail. Head back the same way you came and enjoy the rest of the hike! Make sure to take it slow and enjoy your time!

Outside the park entrance are a couple of good local restaurants. We went to the restaurant right outside to the left (Los Pilones) which had good food and smoothies. It was not that expensive either.

We also highly recommend getting some yummy fruit or cold coconut water (pipa fria) at the fruit stand right outside. They had a good selection of local and tropical fruit and he also cracked open my coconut for me so I can eat the yummy meat inside.

Rio Celeste, Costa Rica Tours

There are one day tours from La Fortuna that cost around $155 USD per adult. Tours from Playas del Coco and Tamarindo cost around $175 USD per adult. Tours include roundtrip transportation, bilingual guide, lunch, national park fee and refreshments. Click to get a discount off this tour from La Fortuna and here is our Guanacaste day tours discount .

Rio Celeste Hotels

There are a few hotels near Rio Celeste. A beautiful, luxury hotel right by the park entrance is the Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel .

Read about other waterfalls hikes in Costa Rica!

Catarata del Toro :  Amazing 270 foot waterfall in an extinct volcano crater in Bajos del Toro

Catarata Llanos de Cortes: Beautiful waterfall near Liberia, Guanacaste

Blue Falls of Costa Rica : Two small, sky blue colored waterfalls (similar to Rio Celeste) in Bajos del Toro There are Amazon affiliate links in this post.

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Visiting Rio Celeste Waterfall, Costa Rica: Ultimate Guide

Rio Celeste (‘ Celeste River ’ in English) and the famous Rio Celeste Waterfall are located in the Tenorio Volcano National Park of Northern Costa Rica. In lush rainforest surrounds, the bright milky blue river feeds a roaring 90 metre (295 ft) waterfall that drops into a beautiful cyanic lagoon. 

Rio Celeste, Costa Rica, as part of Tenorio National Park, offers exciting trails , bright-blue lagoons, bubbling thermal waters and picturesque landscapes . Combined with the captivating Rio Celeste waterfalls, there is so much to explore. Plus, Rio Celeste is considered a top attraction and one of the b est waterfalls in Costa Rica !

Rio Celeste Waterfall Costa Rica, makes a great full-day tour from other destinations like La Fortuna Costa Rica, Tamarindo and other parts of Guanacaste Province and, of course, from the city of San Jose. 

This detailed guide to Costa Rica Rio Celeste and its beautiful waterfall will give you all the information you need for a great trip, including how to get there, the best time to visit, top Rio Celeste tours and what to expect at the park, plus more!

* This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see my  full disclosure  for further information.

Rio Celeste Waterfall: Quick Guide

BEST RIO CELESTE WATERFALL TOURS Rio Celeste Tour from La Fortuna Rio Celeste + Sloths Tour from Guanacaste Rio Celeste Horseback Riding Tour Tubing in Rio Celeste COSTA RICA CAR RENTAL Check Prices of Costa Rica Car Rentals *A great way to reach Rio Celeste!

About Tenorio Volcano National Park

Tenorio Volcano National Park is located on the border of Guanacaste and Alajuela Provinces in Northern Costa Rica. The lush landscape has paid entrance and includes attractions like the Rio Celeste and the Catarata Rio Celeste (Rio Celeste Waterfall).

The park is named after the dormant Tenorio Volcano , and makes up a part of the Arenal Tempisque Conservation Area .   The Tenorio National Park Costa Rica was formed in 1995 and is often experienced by day trip as one of the best La Fortuna activities .

About Rio Celeste

The Celeste River in Tenorio Volcano National Park of Costa Rica is visited by many every year for the bright milky blue waters . It’s definitely a sight to behold! While, for centuries, myths and legends have explained the cyanic colour, it is simply science . 

The bed of Celeste River Costa Rica is covered with a substance comprised of many minerals (including aluminum, silicon, and copper). The substance, in high quantities, combined with the reflection of the sun, creates a magnificent blue colour. The Celeste waters are a result of the confluence of two colourless rivers , the Rio Buenavista and the Quebrada Agria. The park in Tenorio Costa Rica has a trail leading up the viewpoint over the confluence of these streams, which I recommend seeing!

Where is Rio Celeste Costa Rica

Tenorio Volcano National Park Costa Rica and the Rio Celeste waterfall are located in the easternmost part of the northern Guanacaste province. Bordering the Alajuela province, a trip to the Rio Celeste waterfalls can be made from popular destinations like La Fortuna, Tamarindo and San Jose. 

The Rio Celeste National Park at Tenorio is 43 miles (69.5km), a 1-hour 30-minute drive from La Fortuna, 100 miles (161km), a 3-hour drive from Tamarindo and 112 miles (180km), a 4-hour drive from San Jose city.  Click on the Rio Celeste Costa Rica map below to interact with Google Maps and find your ideal route for visiting the Rio Celeste waterfall!

How to Get to Rio Celeste

Visiting Rio Celeste and its electric Rio Celeste waterfalls is best done by rental car or guided day tour. It is important to note that there is no public transportation , buses or shuttles from other towns in the region including La Fortuna to Rio Celeste. 

By Rental Car

Okay, I have travelled to many countries in the world, and by far Costa Rica is best discovered by rental car . Especially when it comes to visiting Rio Celeste Costa Rica waterfalls. Since there are no shuttles or busses or public transportation at all, you can either reach the Tenorio Volcano National park via rental car or by guided day tour. 

I use and recommend Discover Cars . They are great because they compare local and international car companies to find you the best deal. Plus the full-coverage insurance is only $7 USD a day , which I always get. 

If you do decide to rent through Discover Cars and you get the daily full-coverage insurance, be sure to decline all insurances offered by the Costa Rican car rental company (they will offer you a lot).

Enter ‘ Station El Pilon, Tenorior Volcano National Park ’ into Google Maps or Waze and it will give you the most accurate directions to the visitor centre. Here is where you will park your rental car in the large gravelled parking lot and make your way to purchase your tickets at the ticket counter.  TIP | You do not need a 4×4 vehicle to visit the Celeste Waterfall Costa Rica as the entire roadway can be driven with a high-clearance vehicle only.

Best Rio Celeste Tours

If you decide not to rent a car for your Costa Rica holiday, you can opt for a popular and highly rated Rio Celeste tour . As a top attraction and waterfall in Costa Rica, you can take one of the famous combination Rio Celeste tours that wil have you adventuring all day through the Costa Rica rainforest from La Fortuna, Tamarindo and San Jose. 

These tours can feature activities like sloth watching and other top Costa Rica waterfalls. 

If you’ve arrived at Rio Celeste via rental car, you can opt for a tour that will start at the Tenorio Volcano National Park visitor centre or nearby village. To tour Rio Celeste by tube or on horseback are popular.

Rio Celeste Tours from Tamarindo + Guanacaste

• Rio Celeste, Sloths + Waterfall Tour from Guanacaste
• Private Tour of Rio Celeste from Tamarindo
• Rio Celeste Tour from La Fortuna

Rio Celeste Tour from San Jose

• Rio Celeste + Sloth Watching Tour from San Jose

Tours if you Arrive to Rio Celeste by Rental Car

• Rio Celeste Horseback Riding Tour
• Tubing in Rio Celeste

Best Time to Visit Rio Celeste Waterfall

Time of year.

The best time to visit Rio Celeste waterfall is in the dry season of December – April. After heavy rains, the waterfalls and lagoon tend to turn brown and lose their beautiful blue hue.

If you plan to visit Costa Rica in the wet season when the rainforest is at its most lush, don’t fret if it’s always raining. Rio Celeste on the whole will always be a great experience no matter the weather. The trails and scenery are beautiful no matter what.

TIP | The trails at Rio Celeste can get quite muddy if it rains . Please be prepared with proper footwear and raincoat.

Time of Day

If you are visiting Rio Celeste and the Tenorio Volcano National park self-guided, the best time to enter Rio Celeste is at 8AM, when the park opens. 

The first guided day trips from La Fortuna to river Celeste Costa Rica arrive around 9:30AM, and the park, especially the viewpoint to Rio Celeste waterfall will continue to get busier throughout the morning. Alternatively, you can visit the park in the early afternoon just after lunch when the tours are leaving the park. 

Do note, that last admission to the trails are at 2PM, which doesn’t leave much time to enjoy all the park has to offer. 

Rio Celeste Costa Rica Entrance Fee

The Tenorio Volcano National Park entrance fee (which includes Rio Celeste Waterfall), is $12 USD for Adults, and $5 USD for Children under 13 . The ticket office will only accept credit and debit cards like Visa and Mastercard, and do not accept cash . A paper slip will be provided which you will need to show at the entrance to the park before your Rio Celeste hiking.

Rio Celeste Opening Hours

Rio Celeste at the Tenorio Volcano National Park is open daily from 8AM – 4PM, with last entry at 2PM.

Parking at Rio Celeste Costa Rica

There is a large gravel parking lot available across the street from the Rio Celeste visitor centre. 

As I know some people may be arriving by rental car with their luggage, do note there is ‘security guards’ at the parking lot (this is why you pay a fee), although I would caution to lock your doors, and leave all possessions including valuables in the back out of sight. Rio Celeste parking at the Tenorio National Park costs 2000 Colones ($3USD) per car to be paid to the parking attendants in cash .

Amenities at Rio Celeste

Before the entrance to the Rio Celeste trails, you will find a bank of clean restrooms at the visitor centre . Be sure to use these before presenting your entrance ticket at the start of your Rio Celeste hike. There are no restrooms located in the Tenorio Volcano National Park . 

To hike Rio Celeste, will take approximately 2.5-3 hours (or more), so you’ve been warned! 

Souvenir Shop

Rio Celeste is one of the top attractions in Costa Rica, therefore it has many established amenities like a souvenir shop. Great for bringing little gifts home for family and friends, or to commemorate your trip.

You can find Cami’s Shop located by the parking lot on the opposite side of the road from the visitor centre. 

Restaurants

There are three restaurants available located around the visitor centre of varying qualities. Most tours will stop at the Restaurante Los Pilones , a typical Costa Rican meal before heading out. The food here is just okay. Next door there is also a small Soda El Pilon , if the main restaurant is too busy.

Alternatively, I’d recommend hopping in your rental car and driving one minute down the road to Restaurante Metamorphosis , or simply walk there. This is my top pick for a restaurant near Rio Celeste. I had a great Casado here and the staff is super friendly. The restaurant is also located on a beautiful little farm.

Rio Celeste Butterfly Farm

Located at the Restaurante Metamorphosis, there is a small butterfly farm called Mariposario Rio Celeste . After having a bite to eat, you can enter the farm to discover beautiful flowers, butterflies, frogs, colourful birds and other cute little creatures. Its a great stop if you are traveling with kiddos! The butterfly farm is open 8AM – 4PM daily.

Rio Celeste Labyrinth

Located right beside the butterfly farm is the Laberinto Rio Celeste . For a small fee you can enjoy a challenging labyrinth that can take up to 30 minutes to finish. At the centre there you can even see a view of Lake Nicaragua. The owner will give you a set of binoculars. The labyrinth is open 8AM – 5PM daily.

Can you Swim in Rio Celeste Waterfall?

No, you cannot swim within the paid portion of Tenorio National Park and the Rio Celeste. But, there is a Rio Celeste free pool located a two-minute drive before the visitor centre along the side of the road. 

You can park your car here for free and make your way down the side of the bridge (watch your step!) to the free portion of the Rio Celeste. It’s a good idea to bring a pair of grippy water shoes with you.

What to Expect at Rio Celeste Costa Rica

Read on for a step-by-step guide to visiting the Rio Celeste Waterfall and other attractions within the Tenorio Volcano National Park. 

Visitor Centre + Backpack Check

Once you’ve parked your car at the large gravel parking lot, and paid your small parking fee to the attendants, you can make your way across the road to the visitor centre. Here you can purchase your ticket to enter the Rio Celeste trails.

They only accept debit or credit cards at the ticket counter, no cash. Make sure to keep your paper ticket on hand, you will need to show it at the entry gate.

Here you will also find restrooms to use before entering the park, too. Make sure to use them as they will be your last chance to do so. The park itself does not have washrooms. 

You’ve used the restrooms and are feeling excited to enter the Tenorio National Park, but first things first. At the entrance, there will be a parking attendant checking your entry ticket and your backpack . 

They will ask you a couple of simple questions like ‘do you have cigarettes in your bag?’ or ‘do you have plastic water bottles in your bag?’. Which, I hope your answer is no, as cigarettes and plastic bottles are allowed into the national park.

Rio Celeste Trail

The Rio Celeste trail is 3.7 miles (6km) long round trip. The trail itself is of moderate difficulty with paved and dirt/rocky parts. If you have older persons in your group, make sure they are able to navigate around rocks along the dirt trail, otherwise, I wouldn’t advise them to make the trip.

The first part of the Rio Celeste hike Costa Rica is along a flat, meandering, paved trail . This portion of your visit to Rio Celeste waterfall is the easiest part of the hike. Here you will find the Tenorio Volcano National park sign which I encourage you to stop and take a photo with your fellow travellers. 

Once you’ve reached the intersection of trails, you can choose to make your way down to the Rio Celeste waterfall viewpoint (paved stairs) or hike further to see the confluence of the two rivers that make the Celeste River along a dirt and rocky path . NOTE | The trails along the Rio Celeste waterfall hike can become quite muddy after or during rain . I visited the park while it was raining, and my white running shoes got filthy! That taught me a lesson, for sure.

The Rio Celeste Waterfall

The most popular sight in the Tenorio Volcano National Park is the Rio Celeste waterfall. The focus of many tours to the area, the waterfall drops 90 metres (295 ft) from a cliff in the Costa Rica rainforest landing in a sky-blue lagoon and then continuing on as part of the Celeste River. 

You can reach the Rio Celeste waterfalls by the well-paved and S-shaped stairway descending to a viewing platform . The entry to the climb down is at the intersection of the trails and is well marked by signage. 

The stairs to the base of the Rio Celeste waterfall number around 150 steps or so and are quite steep in decline . The Rio Celeste Costa Rica hike down to the falls takes about 10 minutes. The duration it takes to climb back up is completely up to your fitness level, but will likely be around 15 minutes.

You cannot swim at the base of the Rio Celeste waterfall. 

Blue Lagoon (Laguna Azul)

Once you’ve visited the famous Rio Celeste waterfalls, make your way back up the paved stairs to the trail intersection. From here you can turn left to follow the trail onward. This portion of the trail will be dirt and rocks, and if you are not sure-footed, I would recommend not going further.

First, you will come across the Laguna Azul, which is approximately 650 metres (2,133 ft) past the Catarata Rio celeste (waterfall). There will be a sign along the trail indicating to turn left. You will see the blue lagoon right away as it only takes 10 seconds down a slight incline to reach the viewing platform here.

This area is usually coated in a misty layer of fog as the temperature of the water and the temperature of the air differ.

Take a second to admire the beautiful blue colour, taking note that you cannot swim or enter the Laguna Azul (blue lagoon). The lagoon continues on to feed the Rio Celeste waterfall.

Borbollones Hot Spring

About 50 metres (164 ft) further along the main trail, you will start to smell sulphur (that rotten egg smell) indicating the Borbollones hot spring. Look into the river on your left and you will see small areas of bubbling water. The geothermal water is released here creating a hot spring. 

You cannot enter this hot spring! Make sure to obey the signs that say not to enter ‘ por favor no ingresa r’ in Spanish. This is to protect the rainforest as part of the Arenal Tempisque Conservation Area and the stunning blue hue of the Rio Celeste.

Continue to follow the trail across one stationary bridge. Another 300 metres or so (982 ft) you will reach the final stops along the Rio Celeste hike.

El Tenideros Bridge

Just before the end of the trail, you will cross the picturesque wood bridge just before the final stop of El Tenideros. To get a great photo of the bridge you can continue over and along the trail 20 steps or so to a viewpoint along the bank of the Celeste River. 

You can get a great angle of the electric blue waters running under the idyllic wood bridge, just watch your step in this area for loose dirt and rocks.

El Tenideros Viewpoint

You’ve reached the end of the Rio Celeste Costa Rica trail! 

Here is where you will witness the coolness of science as the two rivers (the Buenavista River and the Quebrada Agria (Broken Sour) confluence to become the Rio Celeste. There is a stark difference between the water of the two rivers and the Rio Celeste itself. This is where the magic happens.

The viewing platform will give you a great look at the phenomenon of the Rio Celeste. Make sure to read the signage explaining its creation.

After taking a moment to drink some water out of your reusable water bottle, it’s time to head back up the path. You will follow the same trail to the visitors centre as you took through the park. The journey back will take roughly an hour . 

Where to Stay near Tenorio Volcano National Park

Because the Rio Celeste waterfall and Tenorio Volcano National Park as a whole are a destination in and of themselves, you can find a few great Rio Celeste hotel options. There is something for every budget.

Here are my recommended Rio Celeste Costa Rica hotels:

• Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel | Luxury
• Finca Amistad Cacao Lodge | Mid-range
• Rincon Verde | Economy

What to Bring to Rio Celeste Waterfall

It was raining on my trip to the Tenorio Volcano National Park, and this isn’t a rare occurrence either. Therefore a rainjacket or poncho came in really handy, especially because I carry professional camera equipment. The majority of the trails consist of dirt (that can turn into mud easily), rocks and unearthed tree roots. A close-toed shoe is highly recommended here. 

And because they don’t allow plastic into the park to preserve the rainforest and river, my purifying reusable water bottle came in handy! Due to the dense forest, wearing mosquito repellent is advised.

Here are some other essentials to bring to Rio Celeste Costa Rica:

• water shoes
• hiking sandals
• hooded rain jacket
• water resistant daypack
• purifying reusable water bottle
• microfibre quick-drying towel
• waterproof phone case
• natural mosquito repellent

Celeste River Costa Rica Practical Information

Here are answers to frequently asked questions

The Rio Celeste hike is considered a moderate level of difficulty.

The Rio Celeste trail is 3.7 miles (6km) long round trip

The climb down to the waterfall has approximately 150 steps.

Yes, you can hike the Rio Celeste trail without a guide. You will still need to pay admission to the park at the visitor centre.

You cannot swim within Tenorio Volcano National Park. However, you can find the Rio Celeste free pool a 2-minute drive down the road from the visitor centre.

No, admission to Tenorio Volcano National Park is $ 12 USD for adults and $5 USD for children under 13 years old. Cash is not accepted.

Rio Celeste waterfall is a 1 hour 30-minute drive from La Fortuna, 100 miles (161km).

Rio Celeste is a 3-hour drive from Tamarindo or 112 miles (180km).

Mineral-rich substance, combined with the reflection from the sun creates the electric blue colour of Rio Celeste.

A visit to Rio Celeste is definitely worth it. The bright blue waterfall and lagoon are just a couple of the sights along the hike.

More Things to Do in Costa Rica

30 Epic Things to Do in Costa Rica for an Unforgettable Trip!

21 Best Things to Do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica for an Epic Trip

Visiting La Fortuna Waterfall in Costa Rica: Ultimate Guide

Haley is an expert on Costa Rica travel, especially the best things to do, activities, attractions and tours around the country. She's spent extensive time in Costa Rica since 2019 including an incredible 2 month road trip.

She loves to share honest first hand experience from her Costa Rica travels. Her goal is to help readers planning their next trip to Costa Rica by providing in-depth guides about her favourite Costa Rica things to do and activities not to be missed.

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Rio Celeste Blue Waterfall Trip

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From USD 129

+3 Additional options

In the midst of the rainforest exists one of the most photographed waterfalls in the world. “Los Teñideros” lies at the end of one of the most beautiful rivers of Costa Rica: the Rio Celeste. Los Teñideros is located where two streams of crystalline water merge into one. The mix between the minerals of the river and the minerals from the volcano crater create the famous celestial blue hue that gives the river its name when the sunlight reflects off of the high mineral content of the waters. It is within the composition of the water which contains the colloidal silica that is reflected off the sunlight and fool the human eye by returning an image of turquoise blue suspended in the water. The Rio Celeste waterfall has been recognized as one of the seven natural wonders of Costa Rica - a must see when in Guanacaste. Did you know that located within the park and covered by a dense cloud forest lies the Tenorio Volcano? But don’t worry it’s been dormant for years.

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We recommend our self transported option, guides will meet you on arrival. Need a rental vehicle? We can drop one off for you and pick it up when you are done. Tour at your own pace. We will send you detailed instructions on how to arrive at your tour start points. We do also offer transportation and guided service. To check availability and make a reservation please click on "Book Now" and enter your preferred date and time. We will contact you with your personalized reservation details. Enjoy the Rio Celeste!

• Hiking trails
• Waterfall visit
• Lunch and beverages available
• Family friendly
• Entry fee included
• Approximately 10 hours
• Rio Celeste Waterfall

Costa Rica In, Best Guanacaste Tours

Guanacaste Tour Operator

Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike Tour & Sloths Garden

The Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike Tour is a great expedition in Guanacaste for those looking to discover the rainforest and the amazing blue-light waters of the Rio Celeste Waterfall. Later, you will visit the Botanical Garden, where you can see a great number of sloths, frogs, and birds.

We start the drive early morning; we will take you from the tropical dry forest flat lands to the amazing rainforest.  Right in the middle of the Guanacaste mountain range is where the Rio Celeste Waterfall is located,  at the Tenorio National Park.

We begin with a 40-minute hike by primary and secondary rainforest trails that take you to the renowned, Rio Celeste Waterfall. Enjoy the view of the 65-foot spectacular fall and the blue light lagoon formed with its waters. The legend says that the River got its name from the fact that God, after painting the skies, cleaned his brushes in these waters.

Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike Tour continues through the rainforest, where you will find areas with boiling-water springs. As well, numerous columns of bubbles rise from the depths of calm waters to burst on the surface. Later, you will arrive at “Los Teñideros”; our guide will explain to you the chemical reaction generated by the union of the volcanic minerals present in the rivers. Also, learn about the optical effect caused by sunlight.

Finally, you will visit a botanical garden where you can see sloths , blue jeans, and red-eye frogs, as well as birds and different flora.  This Guanacaste Tour is a great experience for those looking to enjoy the rainforest and discover some of the flora and fauna of Guanacaste, Costa Rica .

Rates Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike 

• Daily departures.
• Tour operates with 2 people min.
• Taxes are not included.

Tour Includes Private Transportation, a Bilingual Guide, Lunch, an Entrance Fee, a Sloth garden, Water, and Fruits.

What to bring: Extra clothes, Swimsuit, Plastic Bag, Hiking Shoes, Binoculars, Camera, Rain Gear, Insect repellent, and Sun Block.

Duration: 8 hours approx.

Hiking time: 3 hours total hike.

Hike Level:  Moderate – Challenge

Important Notes:

• Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike Tour requires good physical conditions.
• As a result of the rains, the trails can turn muddy and difficult.
• It is not recommended for people with problems with their knees, back, or hips and for people with high pressure. 
• Children must be able to walk for 3 hours to the rainforest.
• Infants Not Allowed for Security Reasons.

Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike Tour Policies

• Tours reserved less than 48 hours before departure must be paid immediately.
• Cancelations made 72 hours before the tour are 100% refundable, and bank fees apply.
• Cancelations between 72 and 48 hours are 50% refundable. Bank fees apply.
• Cancelations made within 48- 24 hours or less are not refundable.
• Non-shows and last-minute cancellations are not refundable.
• Change of date must be done at least 48 hours before the tour, during office hours (8 am-5 pm). Penalties apply. Subject to availability.
• We do not accept guests under the influence of alcohol or drugs. No refund will apply.
• Driver and Tour Guide Tips are not included.
• If, for some natural disaster or human manifestation, we have to cancel the tour, this will be rescheduled for a day of your convenience, or we will make the pertinent money refund. Guests’ safety is a priority for us.
• We are not responsible for any luggage or personal valuables lost or damaged during the tour. Please take care of your belongings while on the tour.

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Palo Verde Boat Tour

Corobici River Safari Float Tour

Additional services for your Guanacaste Vacations!

Rio Celeste Waterfall Booking

RIO CELESTE & SLOTH ENCOUNTER TOUR

Sloths Costa Rica | RIO CELESTE WATERFALL  SLOTHS

Authorized tour operator – official site ®.

Sloths Encounter & Rio Celeste National Park Hiking Tour consists of a trek in search of the magnificent light-blue color of the river and the breathtaking view of the waterfall. The color of this river comes from the volcanic minerals that reside in the water. Excellent trip for hiking lovers and those who seek lush vegetation in the rain forest , wildlife, and gems like the turquoise water of this volcanic river.

Perfect place to admire the lush vegetation, colorful flowers, animals, butterflies, sloths, tree frogs such as blue jeans, red-eyed. After this beautiful trek in the rain forest, you will visit a local eco-project family farm in the middle of the jungle where you can see and learn about the sloths, tree frogs, birds, spiders, and butterflies.

Please notice: Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities, back problems, heart complaints, or pregnant women. In addition, take into consideration the color of this river may unexpectedly lose its blue color during rainstorms (mostly during October). Sloths Encounter & Rio Celeste    Issys Tours.

• Full Day, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• A/C transport
• Bilingual guide
• Hiking through the rain forest
• Visit to Rio Celeste waterfall

What to bring?

• Light clothing
• hiking boots (extra pair of light shoes is recommended)
• Binoculars and your camera

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Best Things to Do in Guanacaste – The Most Complete Tour Packages

More Tours and Activities

• ARENAL VOLCANO TOUR
• BORINQUEN ADVENTURE TOUR
• CANYON COMBO ADVENTURE TOUR
• COLORADO RIVER RAFTING CLASS I-II
• GUACHIPELIN ADVENTURE

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