Description

Last updated on January 5th, 2024 at 08:43 pm EST

Río Celeste and the Tenorio Volcano National Park is a scenic 1.5-hour drive from the Arenal Volcano through rural villages. The Río Celeste waterfall is near the Tenorio and Miravalles volcanoes and it is becoming an increasingly popular area to visit in Costa Rica for hiking.

Once we arrive, we will begin a hike through the dense, lush, tropical rainforest that surrounds the Tenorio Volcano National Park. You and your nature guide can go at your own pace and you’ll learn interesting things about the rainforest along the way. When we arrive at Los Tenideros, where two rivers come together, you’ll be amazed at the turquoise blue water that comes from the waterfall. Local legend suggests (as explained by members of the Maleku indigenous group) that God was painting the sky a celeste blue color and reached down to dip his brush to turn the river its magical blue color. But for a more scientific explanation, the celestial blue color is created when minerals (aluminum, silicon, and oxygen) are suspended in the water and refract light from the sun. Get your camera ready because this is the perfect place to take photos of an unforgettable Costa Rica blue waterfall! We’ll finish off with a delicious lunch at a local restaurant and then head back to La Fortuna in our Desafio vans. This Costa Rica hike is about six kilometers long (three miles) and is considered a moderate hike.

Please note: The Río Celeste blue waterfall may lose its blue color during rainstorms. Our policy is to advise clients the day of the tour if it is raining in the area and offer the tour for the following day, should clients want to postpone or change to a different tour. No refunds for inclement weather. Swimming is not permitted in the river.