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Explore the vibrant blue waters of Tenorio Volcano National Park on a Rio Celeste tour departing from La Fortuna. These guided day trips provide convenient transportation, allowing you to easily experience rainforest hikes, exotic wildlife, and thrilling river tubing.
Free Cancellation Hike the blue Rio Celeste, swim at Llanos de Cortes, and see sloths on a guided organic farm tour.
Free Cancellation Hike to the turquoise Rio Celeste waterfall, spot sloths in the wild, and tour a local coffee and chocolate farm.
Free Cancellation Hike to the Rio Celeste waterfall and see the river turn bright blue on this guided trip from La Fortuna.
Free Cancellation Hike into Tenorio Volcano National Park to see the turquoise Rio Celeste, its hidden waterfall, and volcanic mud ponds.
Free Cancellation Tube down the turquoise Rio Celeste, hike to the volcanic waterfall, and spot sloths on this guided rainforest tour.
Free Cancellation Swim in the Rio Celeste's natural pools on a private, crowd-free tour led by a local guide.
Free Cancellation Float down the turquoise waters of the Celeste River, navigating gentle rapids and lush jungle scenery.
Free Cancellation Hike to the turquoise Rio Celeste waterfall and Los Teñideros, followed by a river swim and traditional lunch.
Free Cancellation Tube down the turquoise waters of the Celeste River on a guided trip through rainforest pools and volcanic clay.
Free Cancellation Experience the stunning blue waters of Rio Celeste on a guided tubing trip through the rainforest.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Rio Celeste — from practical tips to personal highlights.
A trip to Rio Celeste from La Fortuna takes you deep into the lush Tenorio Volcano National Park to witness one of Costa Rica's most striking natural wonders. You can expect a mix of immersive rainforest hiking, fascinating volcanic geology, and the breathtaking sight of a river that looks like it was painted bright turquoise.
Descend 250 steps to a viewing platform where a majestic 98-foot waterfall plunges into a vibrant blue jungle pool.
Witness the exact spot where the Buenavista River and Sour Creek merge, instantly turning the water a brilliant sky-blue.
See Los Borbollones, a section of the river where active underground volcanic vents cause the water to bubble like a boiling pot.
Keep an eye out for incredible biodiversity along the trails, including toucans, monkeys, poison dart frogs, and even the rare Baird's tapir.
Many tours offer an exhilarating tubing experience on sections of the river outside the park, letting you float right on the blue water.
Cross a rustic, low wooden bridge suspended directly over the jewel-toned river, offering perfect elevated photo opportunities.
Planning your Rio Celeste excursion requires a bit of preparation due to the park's remote location and strict conservation rules. Here is what you need to know before securing your tour.
You can choose from straightforward half-day hikes, thrilling river tubing adventures, or full-day combos that include stops at sloth sanctuaries and the Llanos de Cortes Waterfall.
Most guided tours include the $12 USD national park entrance fee in their price. If you are driving yourself or booking a transport-only option, you must buy tickets online in advance via the SINAC website.
Park rangers strictly enforce a closed-toe shoe rule. You must wear hiking boots or trail runners; anyone wearing sandals or flip-flops will be turned away at the gate.
To protect the environment, single-use plastic bottles, plastic ponchos, cigarettes, and drones are strictly banned. Rangers will check your bags at the entrance.
Swimming is entirely prohibited inside the national park boundaries to protect the delicate ecosystem. If you want to swim, book a tubing or horseback riding tour that accesses the river outside the park.
The main trail is a 3.7-mile out-and-back hike over rugged terrain with exposed roots and rocks. You should have a moderate level of fitness, especially to tackle the 250 steep steps down to the waterfall.
Heavy rains can cause sediment runoff that temporarily turns the famous blue water a muddy brown. This is most common in October and November.
Most major tour operators offer flexible booking, allowing you to cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before your scheduled departure time.
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| Full-Day Combo Tour | Classic Guided Hike | Rio Celeste Tubing | Horseback Riding | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 11-12 hours | 8 hours | 2-3 hours | 2 hours |
| Best for | Wildlife lovers wanting to see sloths and waterfalls in one day | Hikers focusing solely on the national park highlights | Thrill-seekers wanting to get into the water | Families wanting a relaxed pace and private river swimming |
| Includes | Transport, lunch, park fees, guide, wildlife sanctuary entry | Transport, guide, lunch, park entrance | Tubing gear, safety equipment, snacks, local transport | Horse, guide, access to private swimming hole |
| Price from | $118 - $135 | $89 - $95 | $50 - $69 | $57 |
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Tenorio Volcano National Park operates on a strict daily schedule to ensure visitor safety and protect the environment.
Arriving right at 8:00 AM is highly recommended to beat the large tour buses that typically arrive around 9:00 AM, allowing for a more peaceful experience at the waterfall.
Rio Celeste is located in the northern lowlands, about 75 kilometers from La Fortuna. The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours.
The visual impact of Rio Celeste is heavily dependent on the weather, making timing crucial for your visit.
Always check the official Tenorio Volcano National Park Facebook page for real-time water conditions if you are visiting during the rainy season.
The natural terrain of Tenorio Volcano National Park presents significant mobility challenges.
Facilities at the park are basic, so it is important to come prepared.
SINAC enforces strict rules to protect the fragile volcanic ecosystem of Rio Celeste.
The river's mesmerizing blue color is caused by an optical phenomenon called Mie scattering. When the Buenavista River and Sour Creek converge at Los Teñideros, suspended minerals containing aluminum, silicon, and oxygen reflect sunlight, creating the illusion of bright turquoise water.
Swimming is strictly prohibited inside the boundaries of Tenorio Volcano National Park. However, if you book a tubing or horseback riding tour, they take you to sections of the river just outside the park where swimming and floating are completely legal.
Most guided tours from La Fortuna include the $12 USD park entrance fee in their overall price and handle the ticketing for you. If you are doing a self-drive option, you must purchase your tickets online in advance through the SINAC website.
You must wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes like hiking boots or trail runners. Park rangers strictly enforce this rule and will turn you away at the entrance gate if you are wearing sandals, Crocs, or flip-flops.
The hike is considered moderately challenging. The main in-and-out trail is about 3.7 miles long and features rugged terrain, exposed roots, and a descent of 250 steep steps to reach the waterfall viewing platform.
No, drones are strictly prohibited inside Tenorio Volcano National Park. Park rangers conduct mandatory bag checks at the entrance and will confiscate drones, along with single-use plastics and cigarettes.
Yes, but it must be a reusable water bottle. Single-use plastic bottles are banned inside the park to prevent littering. Make sure to fill it before you start, as there are no water stations along the trail.
As of early 2026, the very bottom portion of the staircase and the lower viewing platform remain closed due to past storm damage. However, you can still walk partway down the stairs for an incredible view of the waterfall.
The drive from La Fortuna to the national park entrance is approximately 75 kilometers and takes about 1.5 hours. The roads are fully paved, making it an easy trip for tour shuttles and rental cars.
It can be risky. These are the rainiest months, and heavy downpours can cause sediment runoff that turns the vibrant blue river into a muddy brown. If you visit during this time, check local conditions before making the drive.
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The day begins at Llanos de Cortes Waterfall in Bagaces, where you can swim at the base of the falls or explore the surrounding forest trails. Afterward, the tour continues to Tenorio Volcano National Park for a two-hour moderate hike. This trail follows the Celeste River through the rainforest, leading to the point where the water turns a bright turquoise color. Following lunch, you will visit a local organic farm and wildlife sanctuary. A guided walk through the property provides opportunities to see sloths, frogs, and tropical birds among the native plants. The tour focuses on the farm's ecosystem, showcasing the variety of insects and animals that live within the tropical landscape.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This tour combines a hike through Tenorio Volcano National Park with local wildlife and farm visits. You will start with a trek through the rainforest to reach the Rio Celeste waterfall, famous for its bright turquoise water. The trail continues up the Tenorio Volcano, where you can observe the area’s unique geological activity and diverse plant life. Next, the group visits a sloth sanctuary to observe these animals and other Costa Rican species in their natural environment. To finish the day, you will visit a working farm to learn about the production of coffee and chocolate. This includes a guided walkthrough of the growing process and a tasting session of both products. Transportation is available upon request; please reach out to us in advance to arrange a pickup.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This tour visits Tenorio Volcano National Park for a four-hour hike through the rainforest. The trail is moderately challenging and includes stops at a large waterfall, a high lookout point, and the specific spot where two clear streams meet to create the river's distinct turquoise color. After the hike, the group will have lunch at a local restaurant. There is also some free time to take a quick swim in the river before the drive back to La Fortuna. The tour includes all transportation, park fees, and a guide.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
Explore the unique geology of Tenorio Volcano National Park, where the Buena Vista and Roble rivers converge. You will see firsthand how the mix of volcanic sulfur and calcium carbonate creates the river's distinct turquoise hue through a natural chemical process at the point where the two streams meet. The guided trek leads to the Bride’s Veil waterfall and a viewpoint with clear vistas of the Tenorio Volcano. The route also includes stops at thermal mineral hot springs and active volcanic mud ponds located along the riverbanks, offering a close look at the area's geothermal activity.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This guided tour departs from La Fortuna, Tamarindo, Flamingo, and the Papagayo area, taking you into the rainforest of Tenorio Volcano National Park. The day begins with a visit to the turquoise Rio Celeste waterfall and a stop at the 400-year-old Tree of Peace. You will then spend an hour and a half tubing down the blue river, with scheduled stops to swim and eat fresh regional fruit. After the river activities, you will have a traditional lunch before heading back. The return route is chosen specifically for wildlife viewing, offering chances to see two species of sloths, colorful frogs, monkeys, and tropical birds. The trip concludes with a visit to a souvenir market before you are dropped off at your accommodation.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
While swimming in the Rio Celeste is strictly prohibited within the national park boundaries, this tour takes you to a secluded section of the river where you can actually get into the turquoise water. You will visit a natural swimming pool that offers the same vibrant blue color without the crowds or long wait times found at the main tourist sites. This is a private, non-commercial experience led directly by the local owner. Because the location is off the beaten path, you can enjoy the scenery at your own pace without the pressure of large tour groups. The focus is on providing a quiet, personalized visit to one of Costa Rica's most famous rivers.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This tour takes you down the Celeste River for a tubing adventure through the heart of the rainforest. You will navigate a mix of small rapids and calm backwaters, allowing you to experience the river's distinct turquoise color and unique ecosystem directly from the water. As you float downstream, you'll be surrounded by dense tropical vegetation. The pace of the river changes throughout the trip, offering both moments of excitement in the faster sections and quiet stretches where you can observe the local flora and fauna from your float.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This tour takes you through the rainforest surrounding the Tenorio Volcano to see the vibrant waters of Rio Celeste. You will hike to Los Teñideros, the exact point where two mineral-rich streams merge and turn the water a bright turquoise. The trail also visits the Blue Lagoon and the base of the Rio Celeste waterfall. After exiting the national park, we stop at a designated river spot where you can swim and relax. The experience concludes with a traditional Costa Rican lunch served at a local restaurant.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, Spanish
This tour takes you tubing down the bright blue waters of the Celeste River. You will navigate the river's currents while passing through lush jungle scenery, natural pools, and areas with volcanic clay. It is a direct way to see the river's famous color up close while enjoying a steady descent through the tropical landscape. A certified bilingual guide accompanies the group to manage the route and explain the natural features of the river. To document the trip, we use GoPro cameras to capture photos and video of your experience. These files are included with the tour, so you can focus on the river while we handle the photography.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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This tubing tour takes you directly onto the bright blue waters of the Celestial River. Floating downstream offers a unique perspective of the surrounding jungle and riverbanks that you can't get from the hiking trails. It is a steady trip that balances the calm of the rainforest with the natural movement of the river. As you navigate the water, you will be surrounded by lush vegetation and local wildlife. The experience is designed for visitors who want to see the area's famous scenery while adding a light element of adventure to their trip.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
English, French, Spanish