Rio Celeste from La Fortuna: drive yourself or take a tour?
The sky-blue waterfall in Tenorio Volcano National Park is about 2 hours from La Fortuna. Here's what the day really looks like each way, so you can pick the option that fits your trip.
“Río Celeste is absolutely worth it, but it's a long day. If you have a rental car and like to drive, go on your own and leave early. If you'd rather relax, take the tour. Tickets, lunch and the drive are all handled for you.”
The quick answer
Drive yourself if…
- You already have a rental car and are comfortable on rural roads.
- You're happy to buy park tickets online ahead of time.
- You don't need a guide to spot wildlife or explain the volcanic science.
- You want to linger or stay overnight near Bijagua.
Take the guided tour if…
- You don't want about 4 hours behind the wheel in one day.
- You'd like tickets, lunch and logistics handled for you.
- You want a naturalist guide pointing out wildlife on the trail.
- You don't have a car in La Fortuna.
Driving yourself vs the guided tour
| Drive yourself | Guided tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Getting there | About 2 hours each way | Round-trip transport from La Fortuna |
| Park tickets | Buy through SINAC before you go | Included |
| Guide | None (local guides can be hired at the park) | Certified naturalist guide |
| Lunch | Find your own | Included |
| Time | Full day | About 8 hours, departs 7:30 AM |
| Cost per adult | Car, fuel and park entry | $84 USD |
The guided Río Celeste tour
Rio Celeste & Tenorio Volcano National Park
The impossibly blue river, with a guide who knows the trail
What's included
- Round-trip transport from La Fortuna
- Tenorio Volcano National Park entrance fee
- Certified naturalist guide
- Full lunch
- Swim stop in Rio Celeste
- Volcanic mud mask
Not included
- Drinks beyond lunch
- Photos
- Guide gratuity
- Towels
- 13% national sales tax
What to bring
- Closed-toe shoes you can get wet
- Swimsuit and towel
- Change of dry clothes
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Hiking shoes with grip - the trail is muddy and rooty
- Rain jacket
- Change of clothes and a plastic bag for wet gear
Frequently asked questions
How far is Río Celeste from La Fortuna?
Tenorio Volcano National Park, home of the Río Celeste waterfall, is roughly 2 hours' drive from La Fortuna each way, so plan on about 4 hours of driving for the round trip.
Is Río Celeste worth the drive from La Fortuna?
For most travelers, yes — the sky-blue waterfall and Los Teñideros, where the river turns blue, are unlike anything near Arenal. It is a full day, though, so it suits trips of 3 or more nights in La Fortuna.
Do I need park tickets?
Yes, if you go on your own: buy entry for Tenorio Volcano National Park through Costa Rica's national park service (SINAC) before you go. The guided tour includes the park entrance fee.
Can kids do the Río Celeste hike?
The trail is muddy and rooty with lots of steps down to the waterfall. Our guided tour accepts children 8 and older, with a child price of $42 USD.
Is the river still blue after rain?
The blue is most vivid a day or two after rain and least visible right after a downpour. February through April usually offers the best balance.
How much does a Río Celeste tour from La Fortuna cost?
Our guided tour is $84 USD per adult, the operator's published price. It includes round-trip transport from la fortuna, tenorio volcano national park entrance fee, certified naturalist guide, full lunch.