If you’re visiting Costa Rica, then Rio Celeste Waterfall is probably already on your list. It is one of those places in Costa Rica that you have to go to during your trip.
The Rio Celeste Waterfall is one of the most gorgeous waterfalls in Costa Rica, or even beyond that. It will probably be one of the most beautiful falls you have ever seen.
What makes it so gorgeous is the heavenly blue water falling for 98 feet (30 meters) into a pool below, and the towering lush green forests in the background.
It is tucked in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Volcanic Mountain Range inside the Tenorio Volcano National Park (one of the most popular national parks in Costa Rica). It’s a gorgeous region of mountains, volcanoes, and rich primary forests.
The journey to the waterfall is just incredible with the mountains and volcanoes in the background and lots of opportunities to spot sloths.
I visited Rio Celeste twice, as the first time I went, the waterfall wasn’t that blue because it had been raining in the previous days. But I was so determined to see its beauty that I just had to go a second time. The second time turned out to be the charm, as the waterfall was glowing with blueness, and it was so breathtaking!
In this post, I will share my experience and knowledge so that you find out everything you need to know about the Rio Celeste Waterfall Costa Rica.
Where Is Rio Celeste Waterfall?
Rio Celeste Waterfall is hidden in Volcano Tenorio National Park, in far north Costa Rica, pretty close to the border with Nicaragua.
Nearby, lies La Fortuna, Lake Arenal, and the stunning Volcano Arenal that sits at its shores.
This is the Alajuela province of Costa Rica, which is home to active volcanoes, mountains, hidden waterfalls, tropical rainforests, and countless hot springs.
La Fortuna, Rio Celeste Waterfall, and Lake Arenal are among the most popular destinations in Costa Rica.
For more destinations in this incredible country, read my post The Best Places To Visit In Costa Rica.
Why Is The Water At Rio Celeste So Blue?
The celestial blue water at Rio Celeste Costa Rica looks so perfect, it almost appears photoshopped. Whilst some photos might be over-saturated, Rio Celeste Waterfall really does boast heavenly blue water!
Throughout time, many people have attempted to find explanations as to why exactly the colors are so blue, where the previous generations created interesting myths and more recently, scientists finally think they solved the mystery.
The scientific version
The water of Rio Celeste is a combination of two rivers – Rio Buenavista and Quebrada Agria.
The two rivers carry with them minerals from the nearby volcanoes, such as aluminium and silicon.
When those two mineral-rich rivers unite, a chemical reaction occurs leading to the formation of incredibly tiny colloidal particles. The colloidal particles play a crucial role in scattering sunlight.
So, when the sun’s rays hit the water, and the conditions of the river are right, they help to enhance the reflection of blue wavelengths of light!
Additionally, the rocks at the bottom of the riverbed are coated in a white substance. All of those combined give Rio Celeste its vivid blue color.
The legend
The indigenous people of Costa Rica have their version behind the majestic color of the fall. They believed that Gods were painting the sky, and they used the river to dip their brushes in. This makes sense considering ‘celeste’ translated to English means ‘heavenly’ or ‘from heaven’.
Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike
The fact that the waterfall is hidden among mountains and volcanoes might have you wondering if you have to hike to get to Rio Celeste Waterfall. The answer is yes, there is a Rio Celeste Waterfall hike that you need to complete to see the magnificent waterfall.
However, this shouldn’t discourage you, as the Rio Celeste Waterfall hike is pleasant with a lot of things to see on the way, and makes a great part of the visit. Let me go into a bit more details.
Quick summary
Wondering how long is the hike to Rio Celeste, how hard is it and how long it takes? Here is a quick summary:
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: moderate
LENGTH OF THE TRAIL: 3.7 miles (6 km)
WALKING TIME: 3-4 hours total
ELEVATION GAIN: 492 feet (150 meters)
CHALLENGES: slippery staircase, uneven terrain, lots of mosquitos!
Rio Celeste Waterfall hike description
The Rio Celeste Waterfall hike starts at the Tenorio Volcano National Park ticket office and is around 1 mile (1.5 km) long. This makes it roughly a 30-minute walk.
As for the difficulty of the Rio Celeste Waterfall hike, the hike is easy for the first part. The terrain is well-maintained with only a few parts being slightly steeper and rocky.
However, once you get to the waterfall, you will have to climb down a steep, long staircase. This might not be ideal for young children, older people, or people with knee or ankle problems.
The staircase also gets pretty wet, especially after the rain, making it slippery.
There are sturdy handrails available, and they definitely help.
If you do not feel confident going down the staircase, you can still spot the waterfall from the trailhead – though the view is much much better from close-by.
There are some uphill sections if you decide to go to other points of interest that are after the waterfall (more about this in a bit), but this is optional.
That hike continues for another 1.3 miles (2 km) and will take you to viewpoints with amazing views of the volcanoes and mountains, a gorgeous blue lagoon, bubbling water and finally to El Tenidero – the birthplace of the turquoise water.
Altogether, if you follow the additional trails the hike is 3.7 miles (6 km) round trip and it has 492 feet (150 meters) elevation gain and takes roughly 3-4 hours.
Wildlife along the hike
If you decide to go on a tour with a local guide, and even if you are visiting independently and keep your eyes open and your ears listening, you will be able to spot specific plants and animals, so the hike might take a little bit longer than I have estimated.
But what do you get to see on the way, aside from the beautiful blue waterfall?
The Tenorio Volcano National Park is full of magnolia, and wild avocado trees, stunning orchid plants and bromeliads, moss, ferns including the giant tree ferns that look like palm trees but are made from ferns!
Bird lovers will be happy to spot toucans and plenty of hummingbirds. Quetzals are also believed to live in the forest, however, these are very rare, so you have to be super lucky to spot one!
The most common thing that you will spot is the blue-jeans dart frog! A tiny half-red, half-blue frog that can be found almost everywhere in the country!
Snakes can also be spotted, but don’t worry – they aren’t dangerous.
And yes! You will have a chance of spotting sloths, so remember to always look up!
Other Things To See In Tenorio Volcano National Park
Rio Celeste Waterfall isn’t the only highlight in Tenorio Volcano National Park.
You can continue up the trail to explore more breathtaking spots, like viewpoints showcasing Costa Rica’s volcanoes, geothermal activity, the exact spot where the two rivers merge and give the rest of the flowing river the turquoise color it has, and more!
El Tenidero
El Tenidero, can be translated to ‘dyeing’ or ‘dye house’, and this is where the color of the river transforms from clear, gray-ish color to stunning heavenly blue.
It is situated about 1.2 miles (2 km) further ahead from the Rio Celeste Waterfall.
Along the hike, you will cross suspension bridges that swing over the Celeste River and offer gorgeous views of the river, forests and the rest of what Tenorio Volcano National Park has got to offer.
Laguna Azul
The Blue Lagoon is another great spot to check out. This little lagoon is found along the trail, and it is packed with turquoise water. Snugged by the lush green forest, the Laguna Azul is almost as beautiful as Rio Celeste Waterfall!
You can spend a few moments at its shores, just adoring its beauty.
Los Borbollones
This is where you can see sections of the river boil as they free volcanic gases from the bottom. You will also be able to smell sulphur and even feel the temperature change to warmer.
This is an amazing spectacle that you can watch from the viewpoint. Los Borbollones are like super-hot springs, but it is of course prohibited to swim in them – as in the rest of the national park.
Practical Guide
Best time to visit Rio Celeste Waterfall
Just like with many other places in Costa Rica, the best time to visit Rio Celeste Waterfall is from December to April. This is Costa Rica’s dry season which means there are little to no chances of rain.
However, of course, rainy, or cloudy days still happen during these months, just as sunny and clear days happen during the rainy season.
When you plan your visit bear in mind that the waterfall and the river lose its magical blue color when it rains heavily or when there is no sun.
Therefore, the best time to visit Rio Celeste is when it hasn’t been raining for at least 2 days before your planned visit, which is most likely between December to April.
I went there twice – once in May, which marks the beginning of the rainy season, and the first time was just after a few days of rain, so unfortunately the water was gray!
I came back in November, towards the end of the rainy season, and even though it was raining (not nearly as heavily though) the waterfall was glowing with a mesmerizing blue color! It was definitely worth going back.
Tenorio Volcano National Park admission fee
Tenorio Volcano National Park has an entrance fee of $12 USD for foreign adults and $5 USD for children younger than 12 years old.
Ticos (Costa Rican people) pay only $2 USD.
If you get there using your own car you will have to pay $4 USD for parking.
As of August 2023, you must pay for your ticket to the Tenorio Volcano National Park online. The process is very easy and this is the official website to do that.
Opening hours
Tenorio Volcano National Park and the entrance to Rio Celeste Waterfall are open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm every day, however, the last entry is at 2:00 pm.
There are a limited number of people that are allowed inside the park at the same time, so should it be overcrowded, you might have to wait to enter, however, this is not likely.
How to get to Rio Celeste (from La Fortuna)
The best starting point to visit Rio Celeste is Sueño Real Hotel in Katira, which is just about 25 minutes drive from the park. The area is lovely, but there isn’t much in terms of services and you will need a car to do just about anything.
Most travelers base themselves at La Fortuna, known to be the adventure capital of Costa Rica. Some people also visit on day trips from San José but I don’t recommend it: it’s quite a way!
There is no public transportation connecting La Fortuna to Rio Celeste, so you only have two options to get there: either by car, if you have one, or by guided tour.
By car
Many tourists decide to rent a car as their way of getting around Costa Rica. My sister and I did that on our second trip to the country and our experience couldn’t have been better. The roads and driving standards are great, so if you have the budget then I definitely recommend renting a car.
I have written a dedicated post on How To Rent A Car In Costa Rica that explains everything you need to know about the process. And I also have a guide on How To Drive In Costa Rica.
The drive to Rio Celeste is very scenic and full of opportunities to spot wild animals. Look out for people looking up on the side of the road!
If you’re wondering how to get to Rio Celeste Waterfall in a car, then read on:
You will want to put ‘Parqueo del Parque Nacional Tenorio’ in Google Maps, or ‘Rio Celeste Catarata Waterfall Official Parking’ if you’re using Waze.
First, make your way to a little town called San Rafael de Guatuso. To get there, take route 142 out of La Fortuna and then turn left onto route 4. When you reach the town, just follow the big brown signs leading you to the park.
Once you get there, you will need to pay $4 USD for parking. Then, head towards the park entrance where your bags will be inspected.
By guided tour
If you do not have your own car, you can still get to Rio Celeste.
Most people who don’t rent a car get from La Fortuna to Rio Celeste on an organized tour that offers pick up and a drop off to and from the accommodation, a local guide and even a stop at a nice soda (local restaurant) for a plate of Casado (traditional Costa Rican food). These tours normally include the entry fee to the park too.
It is a good idea to have everything booked by the time you get to Costa Rica because this is a popular place to visit and admission to the park is capped.
It is probably the easiest way to do it, as everything will be organized for you! However, there is also less flexibility with this option as you will be on the guide’s schedule.
Don’t worry, the bus does stop and pull up if there are sloths or other wild animals on the way, with the guide even purposefully looking out for them!
I’ve done one of my trips with an organized tour and loved it. The guides in Costa Rica are really knowledgeable, and I learned a lot, and the lunch included was amazing!
A pro of the guided tour is definitely the knowledgeable local guide who will passionately share his knowledge about the waterfall and all the other highlights of Tenorio Volcano National Park.
They will accompany you through the whole hike, so you will learn a lot.
I recommend this full-day guided tour of Rio Celeste Waterfall from La Fortuna which includes lunch, transportation from La Fortuna and back, admission fees and a guide for the duration of the tour. It is a full-day tour where you get picked up from your accommodation at 8:00 am and then make your way to Tenorio Volcano National Park. After the visit, you will head to lunch and then drive back to La Fortuna, where you’ll arrive at around 5:00 pm.
What to wear and bring to Rio Celeste Waterfall
Since this will be an active day out, you should dress according to the forecasted weather and make sure to bring everything you need for your day. Here are my recommendations:
Wear comfortable clothing. I recommend hiking pants or shorts, alternatively you can also wear leggings. I wore a long-sleeve hiking shirt on my last visit to keep mosquitoes away, but you can also wear a t-shirt if you prefer.
Wear a pair of sturdy hiking shoes: there is quite a bit of walking to do, and you will want something with good grip, preferably water proof and that you can use to walk in the muddy forest.
Bring a rain jacket or a poncho. You will get wet in front of the waterfall even if it’s not raining!
Bring sunscreen and a hat for sunny days, and take a good mosquito repellent with you (and apply it if you are wearing short sleeves and shorts).
You should also bring a reusable water bottle – you can refill at the park’s entrance.
You should also read my post What To Pack For Costa Rica for more tips on what to pack for your trip – including in the rainy season.
Other useful things to know
Finally, here are some other useful things to know before visiting Rio Celeste Waterfall Costa Rica.
You cannot bring plastic into the park. So your water needs to be in a reusable bottle and can’t really bring snacks inside the park. Your bags will be searched at the entrance, and you will be asked to leave any prohibited items – mainly plastic – in your car, or to throw it away in one of the recycling bins.
There is no swimming anywhere in the national park.
No pets are allowed.
The only bathrooms are by the ticket office. I recommend using them before you set for your Rio Celeste Waterfall hike, and at the end.
There are souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants near the parking lot, and you will find plenty of stalls selling “pipa fria” (cold coconut); as well as plenty more along the road leading to the waterfall. These are the best places to get a quick snack and a drink after your visit.
Please respect nature and always stick to the trail, and remember to not leave any trash behind. Costa Ricans do an amazing job at keeping the country spotless, and you should do the same!
It is worth repeating that if you are not traveling with a tour, you need to purchase your Volcano Tenorio National Park tickets online!
Further Readings
These other posts will be useful when planning your trip to Costa Rica:
- The Ultimate Guide To Tortuguero National Park
- How To Visit Nauyaca Waterfalls, Costa Rica
- A Useful Guide To Manuel Antonio National Park
- The Best Things To Do In Manuel Antonio
- The Best Things To Do In San Jose
- What To See And Do In Puerto Viejo
- How To Visit Marino Ballena National Park
- Should You Visit Caño Island?
- The Best Costa Rica Safety Tips
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