Rio Celeste & Tenorio Volcano National Park
The impossibly blue river, with a guide who knows the trail
Overview
Rio Celeste is the one day trip worth leaving La Fortuna for. Two hours north, inside Tenorio Volcano National Park, two clear streams meet and the water turns a saturated milky blue - the result of aluminosilicate particles scattering light, not dye and not mineral colour. The hike is about 6 km round trip on a rooty, often muddy trail to the waterfall, the Teñidero where the colour begins, the blue lagoon and the bubbling hot springs. An early 7:30 departure gets you to the waterfall before the tour buses. Park entrance, a full lunch and a volcanic mud mask are included, and you swim in the river where it is permitted.
Highlights
- The 90-foot Rio Celeste waterfall and its blue pool
- The Teñidero, where two clear rivers turn blue
- Blue lagoon and natural bubbling hot springs
- Early departure beats the tour buses to the waterfall
- Park entrance, lunch and mud mask included
- Swim in the river where permitted
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
Meeting point & getting there
Departure times
- 7:30 AM
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
Good to know before you book
- Minimum age 8
- Good fitness - about 6 km round trip on uneven, often muddy trail
- Hiking shoes required; sandals are not permitted on the trail
Safety
- Trail is slippery in the rain and the park closes it when conditions are unsafe
- Swimming is only allowed in marked sections
- Two hours of driving each way; this is a long day
Children
Children 8-10 pay 50% of the adult rate. The minimum age for this tour is 8.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before departure. Inside 48 hours the tour is non-refundable, though we will always try to move you to another date first. Tours run rain or shine; if the operator cancels for safety you are refunded in full.
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