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Hike to dreamlike waterfalls

Río Celeste & Tenorio Volcano National Park Guided Rainforest Hike

Hike four hours through the jungle along the stunning blue Río Celeste to a spectacular waterfall
L
Lorenzo C.
Feb 03, 2023
Timing was right, if too raining you won't see the turquoise color, we were lucky and it was amazing.
M
Marcin B.
Jan 23, 2023
Beautiful nature, helpful guide. The waterfall is pretty scenic
M
Michael H.
Apr 07, 2022
Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. We learned a ton during the hike and had a great time. We worked well with our kids, even... Read more
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Overview

Venture into Tenorio Volcano National Park for a refreshing hike along the Río Celeste, one of the most stunning natural attractions in Costa Rica. As the legend goes, after God finished painting the sky, he washed his brushes in this river, resulting in its famous electric-blue waters. There's nothing quite like it anywhere in the world! On this guided four-hour hike through the tropical rainforest, you'll stop at Los Teñideros, where two streams of crystalline water come together. You'll also see volcanic furnace vents that expel gases of extremely high temperatures. Take in views of the spectacular Río Celeste waterfall on your descent. Enjoy lunch at the end of the journey.

Highlights

  • Hike along the bright blue waters of the Río Celeste, considered one of Costa Rica's most beautiful natural attractions
  • Witness volcanic activity in Tenorio Volcano National Park 
  • Marvel at Río Celeste waterfall 
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch served in the national park

Know before you go

Duration
7 hours
Recommended for
5 years old & up
Group
Small group
Food & Drink
Lunch Included

What you'll do

Depart early from La Fortuna. You'll transfer to Tenorio Volcano National Park, home of Tenorio Volcano and the starting point for the day's activity. The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours. 

Follow your naturalist guide on a moderate four-hour hike through the rainforest along the Río Celeste river. Highlights along the 5-mile (8 km) trek include tropical vegetation, volcano views — your guide will point out the volcano's furnace vents, where extremely hot gases are released — and Los Teñideros. This is the point where two streams merge, forming the gorgeous blue color that gives the river its name. (Río Celeste means "blue river" in Spanish.) However, after heavy rains, the water can turn murky and brown, particularly from September through early December. Swimming is prohibited. 

The first part of the trail is flat, and then the path angles uphill. The next section of the trail has a staircase with about 250 steps leading down to a lookout point over the spectacular Río Celeste waterfall. Travelers will descend the stairs to the viewing area, then climb back up, so this excursion is not recommended for people with knee problems or other mobility issues. The trail can get quite muddy after rainfall, so proper footwear is essential. Rain gear is also recommended.

Take your time enjoying lunch at the end of the hike. It's a great chance to try a classic Costa Rican dish, casado, made with white rice, black beans, fried plantains, and meat, chicken, or fish, served with a green salad.

Finally, you'll head back to La Fortuna.
Discover more nature excursions in Costa Rica and more experiences in and around Arenal/La Fortuna.

Start times

  • Daily
    7:00 am

What's included

  • Transportation
  • Bilingual guide
  • Bottled water
  • Lunch
  • Snack
  • Entrance fee to park

Traveler reviews

Overall Rating (7 reviews)
4.9 out of 5
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
4.7
Food
4.5
Guides, Drivers and Staff
5.0
Transport
4.8
L
Lorenzo C.
Franklin, MA | Reviewed on Feb 03, 2023

Timing was right, if too raining you won't see the turquoise color, we were lucky and it was amazing. Read more

Timing was right, if too raining you won't see the turquoise color, we were lucky and it was amazing.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
M
Marcin B.
Petaluma, CA | Reviewed on Jan 23, 2023

Beautiful nature, helpful guide. The waterfall is pretty scenic Read more

Beautiful nature, helpful guide. The waterfall is pretty scenic

Tips for future travelers

If you have up to 10 days in CR, you can skip it. If you have two weeks (or spend all of your time in the center of the country), it is worth adding to your plan

Quality of Experience
A bit far from La Fortuna (1.5h drive)
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Knowledgeable and helpful
Transport
on time. Be ready for 1.5h drive from La Fortuna
Alexandros
Alexandros T.
Greece | Reviewed on Jan 07, 2023

As a park is very nice, but maybe not worth spending a whole day for the experience. Read more

As a park is very nice, but maybe not worth spending a whole day for the experience.

Quality of Experience
Food
Great food at the stop the guide made!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
M
Michael H.
Live Oak, TX | Reviewed on Apr 07, 2022

Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. We learned a ton during the hike and had a great time. We worked well with our kids, even when our youngest started getting a little tired of the hike. Read more

Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. We learned a ton during the hike and had a great time. We worked well with our kids, even when our youngest started getting a little tired of the hike.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport

Itineraries with Río Celeste & Tenorio Volcano National Park Guided Rainforest Hike

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