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Rio Celeste waterfall with its striking blue color cascading down rocks in Costa Rica.

Destinations > Latin America > Costa Rica > Rio Celeste Costa Rica - Plus Monteverde Cloud Forest and the La Fortuna Waterfalls

Costa Rica lives up to its name of ‘Rich Coast’ in so many vibrant, refreshing, and even delicious ways. The land and the sea come together to provide an abundant offering of natural wonders, delectable ingredients, and incredible landscapes. The inhabitants of the land have recognized these gifts, and throughout the country’s history have worked to utilize and preserve that natural bounty of the land they call home. The hospitality of the nation invites visitors to share in the adventure and enjoyment of this abundance.

Rio Celeste Costa Rica, nestled within the Tenorio Volcano National Park in Costa Rica, carries a blend of natural wonder and cultural lore. The river's name, which translates to 'light blue river' in Spanish, is a direct nod to its mesmerizing turquoise waters that have captivated visitors and locals alike.

Learn more about this country, and its customs and culture, by reading the short Culture Smart! book today!

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The vivid blue waters of the Rio Celeste river flowing through lush tropical surroundings.

Rio Celeste Costa Rica

Rio Celeste, located in Tenorio Volcano National Park in Costa Rica, is renowned for its striking turquoise waters. The river's bright blue color is due to a physical phenomenon known as “Mie scattering”, which occurs when two clear rivers, carrying aluminosilicate particles, merge.

Cultural Significance of Rio Celeste:

The river holds a special place in local legend. It is said that when the gods finished painting the sky, they washed their brushes in the river, transferring the blue of the heavens into the waters of Rio Celeste. This tale reflects the deep connection between the natural beauty of the river and the cultural identity of the region.

History of Rio Celeste:

While the river has been a part of the local landscape for centuries, it gained scientific interest in the 20th century. Spanish explorers first discovered Rio Celeste in the 16th century, but it wasn't until the 1980s that researchers began to study its unique coloration in depth. The color, as we know today, is not due to a chemical reaction but rather a physical phenomenon where light scattering off suspended mineral particles in the water creates the vivid blue hue.

Rio Celeste is a testament to the rich tapestry of Costa Rica's natural history and cultural heritage, offering a glimpse into the country's vibrant ecosystem and the myths that have been woven around it. It stands as a symbol of the enchanting beauty that can arise from the confluence of nature and legend.

Sign marking the entrance to Tenorio Volcano National Park and the Rio Celeste area.

Getting to Rio Celeste from San José

The journey from San José to Rio Celeste can be made by bus and taxi, taking approximately 3 hours and 19 minutes. Alternatively, you can drive, which takes about 3 hours and 24 minutes. We recommend breaking up your trip a bit by staying overnight in Rio Celeste or even in La Fortuna instead of going directly from San José.

To get to Rio Celeste from La Fortuna, you have several options:

1. Driving: The most direct route is to head east out of La Fortuna on Route 142, then turn left onto Route 4. Follow the signs to Upala and then to Tenorio Volcano National Park, Rio Celeste, and Bijagua. Driving directly can take about 1 hour and 49 minutes.

2. Public Transportation: Take a bus from La Fortuna to Upala, then a taxi to Rio Celeste. Note that there are no direct buses to the national park, so this option requires a combination of bus and taxi. Taking a bus to San Rafael de Guatuso followed by a taxi to Rio Celeste can take approximately 2 hours and 8 minutes if done correctly, but occasionally up to 3 hours, considering the bus schedules and the taxi ride from Upala to Rio Celeste.

3. Shuttles: You can use a roundtrip group shuttle or hire a private car service. Shuttles can be a convenient option if you plan to return to La Fortuna the same day.

Best Time to Visit Rio Celeste:

To get clear skies and less rain the most ideal time to visit Rio Celeste is during the dry season, from December to April.

Here’s the Google Maps spot for the parking location and ticket office.

View from the top of the staircase of the turquoise pool of Rio Celeste waterfall.

Iconic Photo Spots at Rio Celeste

The most photogenic locations include the Rio Celeste Waterfall, Mirador (viewpoint), Laguna Azul (blue lagoon), Borbollones (boiling hot spring), and Tenideros (where the two rivers meet).

- Waterfall: The Rio Celeste Waterfall is a breathtaking 98-foot drop into a bright blue pool, offering a stunning contrast against the dense jungle.

- Laguna Azul: A serene spot resembling a magical mermaid lagoon from a fairy tale.

- Los Borbollones: An area where volcanic gases bubble up through the river, creating a unique and mesmerizing sight.

- El Teñidero: The confluence of two rivers, where the minerals mix and give Rio Celeste its iconic turquoise hue.

Flora and Fauna of Rio Celeste:

The trails around Rio Celeste are enveloped in a lush cloud forest, home to a rich biodiversity. Expect to see a variety of trees like the towering Ceiba and the delicate Fern trees. The undergrowth is dotted with bromeliads and orchids, adding splashes of color to the green canvas. Wildlife is abundant, with the possibility of encountering white-faced monkeys, tapirs, and a symphony of bird calls from toucans and other tropical birds.

Staircase leading down through the forest to the viewpoint of Rio Celeste waterfall.

Rio Celeste’s Paths and Terrain

The hiking paths in Rio Celeste are well-marked and maintained. The trail to the waterfall is relatively flat at first but becomes unpaved and more challenging as you progress. You'll encounter about 250 steep, paved stairs leading down to the waterfall, which can be quite strenuous on the return climb. During the green season (May – December), the trails can get muddy, so sturdy hiking boots are recommended.

How Difficult is the Rio Celeste Hike:

The hike is rated moderate, with some challenging sections, especially the steep steps down to the waterfall.

When hiking to Rio Celeste, it's important to be aware of the natural wildlife and plants in the area. While the park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, there are no specific mentions of dangerous plants or animals that hikers should be wary of. However, as with any natural park, it's always wise to stay on marked trails, avoid touching unfamiliar plants, and keep a safe distance from wildlife.

As for potential hazards, the main concerns are related to the trail conditions. The hike can be moderate to challenging, with steep and sometimes slippery sections, especially during or after rain. It's recommended to wear appropriate footwear and be cautious of your footing.

Regarding swimming, it is not permitted to swim in the river or at the base of the waterfall within Tenorio Volcano National Park. This rule is in place to protect the delicate ecosystem and ensure the safety of visitors. The water contains minerals that are not suitable for swimming, and in some areas, there are high concentrations of substances like Copper Sulfate, which can be an irritant.

Drinking the water from Rio Celeste is also not recommended. While there are no specific reports on the water quality for consumption, it's generally advised to avoid drinking untreated natural water sources. Visitors should bring their own water or ensure they have a method to purify water if necessary.

Plate of fried plantains served at Soda El Pilón, located near the Rio Celeste parking area.

Rio Celeste Hotels and Restaurants

For accommodations, there are various hotels near Rio Celeste, with options ranging from budget to luxury. Dining options include a variety of restaurants offering local and international cuisine.

Best Hotels Near Rio Celeste

The area around Rio Celeste offers a range of accommodations catering to different types of travelers:

1. Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel: A luxury boutique hotel offering private bungalows in the midst of the rainforest. Ideal for luxury travelers and couples seeking a romantic getaway.

2. Celeste Mountain Lodge: An eco-lodge known for its sustainable practices and modern architecture. Suitable for eco-conscious travelers and families.

3. Tenorio Lodge: Offers comfortable cabins with stunning volcano views, perfect for single travelers or couples on a moderate budget.

Best Restaurants Near Rio Celeste

The dining scene near Rio Celeste features a variety of cuisines, reflecting Costa Rica's rich culinary heritage:

1. The Hummingbird Cafe: Known for its home-made dishes using local and organic ingredients. A great spot for health-conscious and vegetarian visitors.

2. Restaurante Tilapiera: Offers delicious Costa Rican food in a beautiful setting. Ideal for families and travelers looking to experience local cuisine.

3. Restaurante Kantala: Located within the Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel, it provides a mix of international and Costa Rican dishes, suitable for those who prefer a fine dining experience.

These businesses reflect the 'Pura Vida' lifestyle that is central to Costa Rican culture, emphasizing quality, sustainability, and community well-being. Whether you're staying at a luxury hotel or dining at a local restaurant, you'll find that the spirit of 'Pura Vida' is infused in every experience.

Rocky trail surrounded by dense forest leading to the Rio Celeste area.

Important Tips for Rio Celeste

- Purchase park tickets online beforehand.

- The park is open from 8 AM to 4 PM, with last entry at 2 PM.

- Start early to avoid crowds and enjoy a tranquil experience.

- Bring water and snacks, as the hike can take several hours.

- Single-use plastics are not allowed; so we recommend taking a reusable water bottle.

- Pack rain gear and a good camera to capture the stunning scenery.

- Wear sturdy hiking boots and mosquito repellent.

- Always stay on marked trails to protect the environment and for your safety.

Visiting Rio Celeste is an adventure that combines natural beauty with a touch of mystery, thanks to its vivid colors and local legends. It's a must-see destination for nature lovers and photographers alike. Remember to respect the park rules and enjoy the wonders of this unique ecosystem.

In summary, while Rio Celeste is a beautiful and enchanting place to visit, it's important to follow park guidelines, prepare adequately for the hike, and respect the natural environment to have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Remember to respect the natural environment and follow all park regulations during your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort pool area

Where to Stay in La Fortuna

We do recommend staying in La Fortuna as a day trip to Rio Celeste, Costa Rica is quite easy from this area and because there is a lot more to do in La Fortuna during your stay while there isn’t much more to do out in Rio Celeste apart from seeing Rio Celeste. Additionally, we have a number of other highlights that you might like to explore in the area listed later in this article.

Scenic waterfall visible from the Hanging Bridges in La Fortuna.

National Geographic Journeys: Natural Highlights of Costa Rica

See the most amazing features of Costa Rica on this 9 day journey:

Have the freshest cup of coffee that you’ll ever have at the Mi Cafecito coffee cooperative
Learn the art of tortilla making and enjoy a typical Costa Rican dish: the tasty “casado”
Opt for a number of adventurous activities in La Fortuna:
- Explore the Venado Caves, cross the Hanging Bridges, take a Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge Tour, swim in La Fortuna Waterfall, soak in the Baldi Hot Springs and Spa, go canyoning down waterfalls and zip-lining over the rainforest canopy, or other amazing activities!
Go horseback riding or zip-lining through Monteverde’s Cloud Forest
Search for a quetzal in Santa Elena Cloud Forest
Learn about National Geographic’s sponsored projects at the Monteverde Institute
Opt to go surfing, horseback riding, or dolphin watching on a catamaran
See monkeys, armadillos, sloths, iguanas, coatimundis, and countless species of birds in the wild at Manuel Antonio National Park
Swim at the park’s lovely lagoons and tidal pools and go snorkelling on the nearby reef

Book your 9-day all-inclusive adventure!

Interior view of SelvaRustica restaurant, a dining spot in La Fortuna.

Rancho Perla Restaurant - a.k.a. SelvaRustica

For people who love good food, Rancho Perla Restaurant, also known as SelvaRustica in La Fortuna is the perfect showcase for the elements of both land and sea. The open-air dining room, surrounded by birdsong, creates a fun and relaxing atmosphere to enjoy the creative and delicious dishes. The menu offers a wide variety of local ingredients, prepared to perfection. The chef incorporates international influences into the options, making the options surprising and unique, also providing something for every taste.

Catarata Río Fortuna

The restaurant is a great place to stop off after a visit to Catarata Río Fortuna, an incredible waterfall in a nearby biological reserve, part of the larger Arenal Volcano National Park. The walk to the falls is not long, but it does comprise of over 500 stairs down, so you’re going to want to rest and maybe even take a refreshing dip in the pool at bottom before heading back up. The joy of soaking in the natural setting is definitely worth the effort to get there. The stairs and rocks at the base of the falls can get a bit wet, so be sure to wear good shoes.

Ecotermales Fortuna

Another gem of the La Fortuna district is Ecotermales Fortuna, a family-owned hot springs. Once a treasured part of the property only enjoyed by family, the springs were opened to the public in 2002, with several pools of varying size and temperature. They have maintained the private getaway feel that made the spot so special to the owners. The pools are carefully situated in the midst of the forest to reduce impact, and the admission is limited to make sure both the local wildlife and the visitors themselves enjoy a peaceful and restorative experience at the hot springs. With two bars and dining options serving guests, the there is nothing to worry about but relaxing in the volcanic mineral waters. Make sure to reserve your visit well in advance – this is one spot you don’t want to miss!

Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges

Adventure lovers will want to check out the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges. The hanging bridges park lives up to its mission of sharing the sanctuary of the rainforest with visitors in a way that’s safe and ecologically sustainable for both the guests and the natural world they come to experience. In addition to the over 2 miles of fabulous canopy walkways themselves, which look out over Lake Arenal and Volcan Arenal, the park offers a variety of tours and experiences designed to share in an incredibly diverse ecosystem. Their horseback and canyoning tours expand the experience beyond the forest canopy. All the adventures require reservations, so they can be sure to tailor the experience to each guest.

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Sloth hanging from a tree branch along the Sloth Watching Trail in La Fortuna.

Sloth Watching Trail La Fortuna

The La Fortuna district is located on the border of the highland and the lowland forests, and so it offers glimpses of the diverse wildlife form both ecosystems. One of the most popular of these animal experiences is the Sloth Watching Trail La Fortuna. The trail is about 2 kilometers long and we definitely recommend getting a guided tour – the guides are familiar with the area’s animals and will make sure you get to see the shy sloths you might miss otherwise. They also offer several other tours, including a night tour, to see the life of the forest at all hours.

Illuminated blue pools inside the Cavernas de Venado caves.

Cavernas de Venado - the Venado Caves

For a look at another unique environment Costa Rica offers, be sure to check out Cavernas de Venado, or the Venado Caves, on your way from La Fortuna to Rio Celeste. This tour takes you in close with the underground world formed over the 6 million years of the cave’s history. While you’re enjoying the ways nature has sculpted the caverns, you can also check out the surprising underground wildlife, including bats, fish, crabs, and spiders. The cave is a wet one, so be prepared to get wet and muddy while you’re having all that fun. They do offer plenty of showers to clean up after your tour, but be sure to bring a change of clothes.

Cabinas Sueño Real

A great place to break overnight or make a base for several of the area’s activities is the Cabinas Sueño Real. The accommodations are comfortable and cosy cabins in varying sizes. The cabins offer privacy, and the central café provides delicious local favorites, with breakfast included in your stay. Some of the cabins also have kitchen facilities, if you prefer to make your own kitchen magic. The shared terrace and lounge are great for relaxing and connecting with other travelers.

Parque Nacional Volcán Tenorio

The Parque Nacional Volcán Tenorio is another great spot for outdoor adventures. There are several natural hot springs throughout the park, but be careful and follow the maps and guides because some of them are too hot for safety. The park is open daily, but the entrance numbers are limited, so be sure to get your tickets in advance. The crater at the top of the volcano and the cloud forest that covers the surrounding slope are closed to the public without special permissions and guides, but there are lovely trails for hiking elsewhere throughout park’s forests, and the limited admissions mean that the wildlife has a chance to thrive and be enjoyed by visitors.

The stunning blue lagoon at Los Teñideros, part of the Rio Celeste area.

Rio Celeste y Los Teñideros

The wonders of nature are never far away in Costa Rica, and Rio Celeste y Los Teñideros makes this very apparent. One of the highlights of the Tenorio National Park, the river is formed when two streams, both colorless but with distinct mineral properties, meet at Los Teñideros and mix to form the distinctive light blue color from the volcanic minerals that enrich the water. The turquoise shade is what gives the river its name. There are several guided hiking tours that offer further information about the local geology as well as the flora and fauna you encounter along the path. They will take you past the Celeste falls, and point out geothermal activity along the way, including springs safe for a little relaxation.

Parque Nacional Rincon de la Vieja

Parque Nacional Rincon de la Vieja is another volcanic preserve. There are several self-guided hikes, though like Tenorio, the summit and crater areas are closed due to the crater being active. These safer hikes still show the power of the active volcano with steam vents and boiling springs and mud along the trail. Be sure to stick to the maintained paths! The Cangeraja Waterfall trails stays away from the volcanic activity and leads to the refreshing falls. There are guided tours for adventures like ziplines and whitewater rafting, as well as volcanic and wildlife watching tours. For guided tours be sure to book in advance, as they don’t take walk-ins.

Catarata Llanos del Cortés

Costa Rica has many incredible waterfalls, but one of the best is Catarata Llanos del Cortés. The falls are easily accessible, and while the path is a bit steep, there are long shallow stairs to make the climb a bit easier. The cascade is spread out along a wide ledge and the drop is not too high. This means the spray and force are not overwhelming, so the sandy pool at the bottom is perfect for swimming. There are even lifeguards on watch.

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Cloud forest view from outside a room at Calathea Lodge in Monteverde.

Calathea Lodge Monteverde

Located near the center of Santa Elana de Monteverde, Calathea Lodge Monteverde provides a wonderful place to make the base of the next leg of your Costa Rican journey. With ecofriendly and sustainable amenities and comfortable rooms complete with balconies looking out over the surrounding forests and highlands, the lodge is a great place to relax between adventures. The onsite café offers local favorites, and room service if you don’t feel like going out. Breakfast in the café is include with the stay.

A brightly colored frog perched on a leaf during a night tour in the cloud forest.

Cloud Forest Night Tour

The lodge is great as for its close access to the three cloud forest reserves near Monteverde. The reserves are home to an incredible biodiversity of both plants and creatures, and are popular with scientists and tourists alike. One of the more popular activities is a Cloud Forest Night Tour. Many of the amazing animals found in the cloud forest are nocturnal, and a night tour gives visitors the opportunity to encounter these otherwise-unseeen insects, mammals, and birds. The groups are small in order to not scare off the animals you’re trying to see, so be sure to book in advance to be sure of a spot on this nighttime adventure.

La Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena

If you prefer a less touristy experience, La Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena, or Santa Elana Cloud Forest Reserve, is a great spot for hiking. Higher in elevation than the more popular Monteverde Reserve, the Santa Elana Reserve protects over 300 hectares of cloud forest. Open every day from 7am to 3pm, you can pick up a free map at the entrance which shows the various trails, including a trail accessible to visitors with mobility issues or disabilities. There is an entrance fee, but the well-maintained trails through a truly magical forest landscape give you more than your money’s worth. There are both guided and self-guided tours, and while it’s lovely to explore on your own, a guide familiar with the area and the wildlife habits will mean you’re more likely to spot the animals that make their home in the reserve.

Selvatura Adventure Park

Monteverde is also home to Selvatura Adventure Park, a nature center and adventure park. The center offers hummingbird and butterfly gardens at the gentle and relaxed end of the adventure scale. There are also treetop suspension bridges, ziplines, natural history walks, and a sloth sanctuary – something for everyone. The park offers various tours and packages to ensure that visitors get the best experience for their time and money. There’s also an on-site restaurant and gift shop.

Hanging bridges visible from below at the Hanging Bridges in La Fortuna.

Best things to do around Rio Celeste, Costa Rica

The forests and falls of Costa Rica offer a backdrop for the most incredible memories you will make on your visit. The rich volcanic soil and proximity to the oceans means delicious food is everywhere you visit. The spectacular natural wonders will stay with you for a lifetime and lure you back to experience them again you’ll find something new each time!

Learn more about this country, and its customs and culture, by reading the short Culture Smart! book today!

Our family enjoying the view from a lookout point at La Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena, with Arenal Volcano in the distance.

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