Tenorio Volcano & Rio Celeste
Admire the stunning and unique Rio Celeste. A bright, sky-blue river!
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Why Visit Rio Celeste?
The Rio Celeste flows through the Tenorio Volcano National Park, a 129 square kilometer patch of pristine nature, encompassing cloud forest, rain forest, hot springs, geysers, waterfalls, and wildlife/birdlife galore.
Here are some of our favorite reasons to check out the Tenorio Volcano National Park and the Rio Celeste:
- Blue Waters: The phenomenon of such a bright blue river surrounded by jungle is spectacular. It's a sight you won't forget.
- Hiking: The area offers excellent hiking trails through primary and secondary forests without the crowds you may find elsewhere.
- Wildlife: Tenorio Volcano National Park is home to Costa Rica's most exotic wildlife. Tapirs, jaguars, and pumas have all been recorded in the area.
Where to Stay
See below our recommendations for places to stay.
Things to Do
There is plenty to do at Tenorio Volcano and Rio Celeste. For nature lovers, bird watchers, and hikers, Rio Celeste is a true paradise.
Visit the Enchanting Blue Waters of Rio Celeste
Celeste in Spanish means a bright, light tone of blue, which means the Rio Celeste has the perfect name when you see it. Different minerals from other rivers that feed the Rio Celeste help create a beautiful, turquoise/sky blue color water without getting too scientific about it. These minerals can't absorb the color blue, which means it reflects instead, causing the illusion that the water is turquoise.
We like the local explanation better - Rio Celeste is a result of God cleaning his paintbrush in the river while he was painting the sky!
Best Time to Travel to Rio Celeste
The rainy season in the Rio Celeste area runs from May-November, with December to April being drier. The driest months are January to April, the best months to visit. Outside these times, be aware that the trails can get muddy, especially during September and October.
It's also worth noting that sometimes the Rio Celeste isn't as blue as mudflows into the river after heavy rainfall. It usually clears up pretty fast, but if you want to guarantee bright blue waters, maybe avoid September and October.
On the other hand, the rainy season is better for spotting wildlife.
The Weather in Tenorio Volcano and Rio Celeste
Like most places in Costa Rica, there's little difference in temperature year-round. So you're looking at an average of around 28 degrees centigrade (80 F), rain or shine.
During the dry season months of December to April, you can expect hot, dry days, although sometimes it will rain occasionally. The rest of the year is typically dry mornings and rainy afternoons.
Safety: Is Rio Celeste Safe?
This remote area is more about nature and wildlife than human attractions. The most significant hazard here is getting lost in the Tenorio Volcano National Park, so never stray away from the trails. When hiking in the park, try not to be alone.
How to get to Rio Celeste
The Guanacaste Airport (Airport Code LIR) near Liberia is the closest international airport to the Rio Celeste.
Distance & Driving Time to Tenorio Volcano and Rio Celeste:
From Liberia: 60 miles (97 kilometers), about 1.5 hours.
All Costa Rican Vacations packages include an airport "meet and greet" service and private transfers with English-speaking drivers, which means you're all set when you arrive in-country - just sit back and relax. Our driver will get you to your destination.
Suppose you are renting a car upon your arrival at Guanacaste Airport, though. In that case, it's quite an easy drive to Rio Celeste - although we don't ever recommend driving at night, so time your arrival accordingly if this is your plan.
Once you have your car, drive out of the airport and turn left. You'll head towards the city of Liberia and hit a junction with the PanAmerican Highway. Turn right and keep heading south, towards the city of Cañas. Before you get to Cañas (after passing through Bagaces), you'll see an intersection for Upala. Take that right-hand turn and head north on Ruta 6.
Keep following this road to Upala, and follow the signs to the Spring Paradise Bijagua - you'll take another left just outside Upala to find this. Then keep on going. You'll see more and more signs for hotels near the Rio Celeste. That means you're on the right track!