Río Celeste Waterfall Hike from Arenal
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Rating: 
Trip Type: Hiking & Camping
Duration: 8 hours
Discover the celestial blue waters of Tenorio Volcano National Park on this day trip from La Fortuna. Trek through a jungle, learn from an expert guide about the rainforest’s plant and animal life, and come upon Río Celeste waterfall and its glowing azure lagoon. Find more magic at Los Teñideros, where two rivers merge — and watch the water turn turquoise before your very eyes. Uncover the secret behind this transformation and after the hike, tuck into a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Air-conditioned hotel transport is included.
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Discover the celestial blue waters of Tenorio Volcano National Park on this day trip from La Fortuna. Trek through a jungle, learn from an expert guide about the rainforest’s plant and animal life, and come upon Río Celeste waterfall and its glowing azure lagoon. Find more magic at Los Teñideros, where two rivers merge — and watch the water turn turquoise before your very eyes. Uncover the secret behind this transformation and after the hike, tuck into a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Air-conditioned hotel transport is included.
After morning hotel pickup in La Fortuna, travel northwest on a scenic 1.5-hour drive, passing charming rural villages and the rolling hillsides of Arenal Volcano National Park. You’ll get an opportunity to pick up snacks (own expense) for your hike before arriving at remote and peaceful Tenorio Volcano National Park, home to the gorgeous Río Celeste and Tenorio and Miravalles volcanoes.
Inside the park, follow your expert guide into the dense rainforest on a moderate 4- to 5-hour hike, depending on your group. Listen for Río Celeste, or Sky-Blue River, which runs through the center of the park, and gaze in awe when you come upon the majestic river, whose currents run baby blue. Learn how natural mineral deposits in the river combine to give the river its incredible hue, a phenomenon found in few places around the world.
During the hike, with calls of exotic birds accompanying you along the way, your guide points out the flora that thrives here, as well as the wildlife lurking in the foliage. Perhaps you’ll glimpse the hooked snout of a Baird’s tapir, the leopard-like spots of an ocelot, or high in the canopy, the furtive movements of spider monkeys.
The terrain can prove tricky and steep at certain spots; travel at a pace comfortable for you. Arrive at Río Celeste waterfall, which thunders into a stunning blue lagoon that seems to glow; your guide shares with you local myths attributing the color. Enjoy free time here, feel the waterfall mist and soak up the surrounding beauty. If you’re lucky, maybe blue morpho butterflies will flutter by.
Next, continue to Los Teñideros, where two clear-water rivers meet. Watch in amazement as the water turns blue at the point where the currents crash together, an illusion created by chemical reactions of volcanic minerals. Take a short video to capture this weird but wonderful natural episode.
Follow your guide out of the park, dig into lunch at a local restaurant serving delectable regional cuisine and then relax during the drive back to your hotel.
Inside the park, follow your expert guide into the dense rainforest on a moderate 4- to 5-hour hike, depending on your group. Listen for Río Celeste, or Sky-Blue River, which runs through the center of the park, and gaze in awe when you come upon the majestic river, whose currents run baby blue. Learn how natural mineral deposits in the river combine to give the river its incredible hue, a phenomenon found in few places around the world.
During the hike, with calls of exotic birds accompanying you along the way, your guide points out the flora that thrives here, as well as the wildlife lurking in the foliage. Perhaps you’ll glimpse the hooked snout of a Baird’s tapir, the leopard-like spots of an ocelot, or high in the canopy, the furtive movements of spider monkeys.
The terrain can prove tricky and steep at certain spots; travel at a pace comfortable for you. Arrive at Río Celeste waterfall, which thunders into a stunning blue lagoon that seems to glow; your guide shares with you local myths attributing the color. Enjoy free time here, feel the waterfall mist and soak up the surrounding beauty. If you’re lucky, maybe blue morpho butterflies will flutter by.
Next, continue to Los Teñideros, where two clear-water rivers meet. Watch in amazement as the water turns blue at the point where the currents crash together, an illusion created by chemical reactions of volcanic minerals. Take a short video to capture this weird but wonderful natural episode.
Follow your guide out of the park, dig into lunch at a local restaurant serving delectable regional cuisine and then relax during the drive back to your hotel.
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