See below our recommendations of places to stay.

Tenorio Volcano National Park is 129 square kilometers of primary cloud forest and rainforest. It's home to many of Costa Rica's wildlife but what's more interesting is The Rio Celeste, a river that flows through the national park featuring bright blue waters.

Best Places to Stay in Tenorio Volcano

Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel

Rio Celeste

See a Sloth

Nature & Wildlife

Birdwatching with a Naturalist Guide 

Birdwatching

National Parks

Wildlife & Birdwatching in Caño Negro by Boat

Explore Nature by Boat

Hiking in Costa Rica

Hiking

Guided Nature Hike at Night

Nature Hike at Night

River Tubing Adventure

Adrenaline

Río Celeste and Tenorio Volcano Guided Hike

Río Celeste and Tenorio Volcano

Waterfalls

White Water Rafting

See below our recommendations for places to stay.

There is plenty to do at Tenorio Volcano and Rio Celeste. For nature lovers, bird watchers, and hikers, Rio Celeste is a true paradise. 

<h2>Visit the Enchanting Blue Waters of Rio Celeste</h2>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!&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1646256209/rio_celeste_hideaway_tenorio_national_park_trail_bridge_3709bb86fc.jpg" alt="rio-celeste-hideaway-tenorio-national-park-trail-bridge.jpg" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1646256210/thumbnail_rio_celeste_hideaway_tenorio_national_park_trail_bridge_3709bb86fc.jpg 234w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1646256211/small_rio_celeste_hideaway_tenorio_national_park_trail_bridge_3709bb86fc.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1646256211/medium_rio_celeste_hideaway_tenorio_national_park_trail_bridge_3709bb86fc.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1646256211/large_rio_celeste_hideaway_tenorio_national_park_trail_bridge_3709bb86fc.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw"><h3>Best Time to Travel to Rio Celeste</h3>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.<figure class="image"><img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1646256204/rio_celeste_hideaway_waterfall_tenorio_national_park_8fa82c6593.jpg" alt="rio-celeste-hideaway-waterfall-tenorio-national-park.jpg" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1646256204/thumbnail_rio_celeste_hideaway_waterfall_tenorio_national_park_8fa82c6593.jpg 234w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1646256206/small_rio_celeste_hideaway_waterfall_tenorio_national_park_8fa82c6593.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1646256205/medium_rio_celeste_hideaway_waterfall_tenorio_national_park_8fa82c6593.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1646256205/large_rio_celeste_hideaway_waterfall_tenorio_national_park_8fa82c6593.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw"></figure><h3>The Weather in Tenorio Volcano and Rio Celeste</h3>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.<h3>Safety: Is Rio Celeste Safe?</h3>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.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648080516/rio_celeste_and_tenorio_volcano_guided_hike_national_park_entrance_sign_a3f0268e9d.jpg" alt="rio-celeste-and-tenorio-volcano-guided-hike-national-park-entrance-sign.jpg" srcset="https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648080517/thumbnail_rio_celeste_and_tenorio_volcano_guided_hike_national_park_entrance_sign_a3f0268e9d.jpg 234w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648080518/small_rio_celeste_and_tenorio_volcano_guided_hike_national_park_entrance_sign_a3f0268e9d.jpg 500w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648080518/medium_rio_celeste_and_tenorio_volcano_guided_hike_national_park_entrance_sign_a3f0268e9d.jpg 750w,https://res.cloudinary.com/vacationscostarica-com/image/upload/v1648080517/large_rio_celeste_and_tenorio_volcano_guided_hike_national_park_entrance_sign_a3f0268e9d.jpg 1000w," sizes="100vw"><h2>How to get to Rio Celeste</h2>The Guanacaste Airport (Airport Code LIR) near Liberia is the closest international airport to the Rio Celeste.<h3>Distance &amp; Driving Time to Tenorio Volcano and Rio Celeste:</h3>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!

Tenorio Volcano & Rio Celeste

Family Time

Romance

Colors of Costa Rica: Celeste River and Jaco

Colors of Costa Rica

Beach Fun

Rainforest

National Park

Volcano

Jaco has something for everyone and every budget, from high-end hotels and resorts to boutique options and rentals.

Although it's a party town, famous for its nightlife, bars, and restaurants, there's more to Jaco than just that. 

Jaco

Beach

Adventure

Deep Sea

FADS

Freshwater Fishing

Sailfish

Mahi Mahi

Golf

Best

Yellowfin Tuna

Blue Marlin

Inshore Fishing

Fly Fishing

Wahoo

Tarpon

Surfing

Destination: Self-Care: Celeste River and Nosara

Destination: Self-Care

Relaxing

There are plenty of hotels and rentals around Nosara. If you are looking to go outside the beaches, check south of Playa Guiones before Playa Garza, as there are some excellent hotels/resorts.

Surf and sunsets! Nosara also has great outdoor activities and a laidback atmosphere. Enjoy a yoga class right on the beach.

Nosara

Unique

Honeymoon

Teen-friendly

Sustainable

Boutique

Couples

Enchanting Waterfalls: San Gerardo de Dota and Rio Celeste

Enchanting Waterfalls

Culture

These are some of the many lodging options available in San Gerardo de Dota. 

Take advantage of the great outdoors in style, whether by horseback, zip line, birdwatching hikes or visiting a national park. Enjoy the culture, coffee, and isolation. 

San Gerardo de Dota

Countryside

Jungle Meditation: San Ramón and Celeste River

Jungle Meditation

Villa Blanca Cloud Forest Hotel is a boutique eco-hotel located in the tropical cloud forests outside of San Ramon. 

For nature lovers, this is an ideal place to visit. Also, if you're staying close to town, you can visit the park, explore the church and the streets. You'll be charmed.

San Ramón

Cloud Forest

Yoga

Real Estate

Jungle Rivers and Waterfalls: Tortuguero and Rio Celeste

Jungle Rivers and Waterfalls

Despite its remoteness, Tortuguero is a very popular destination with a variety of hotel options. 

Wildlife watching is, by far, the most popular attraction in Tortuguero.  

Tortuguero

Jungle Yoga and Beach Retreat: Rio Celeste and Santa Teresa

Jungle Yoga and Beach Retreat

Santa Teresa offers some nice places, among you can find resorts and boutique hotels with beachfront access, private bungalows, and modern comfort.


A wide range of activities can be found in Santa Teresa; those that stick out would be surfing, yoga, hiking, and fishing. 

Santa Teresa

Adults-Only

Lovin' Costa Rica: Rio Celeste and Flamingo Beach

Lovin' Costa Rica

A selection of resorts, including Margaritaville, and plenty of rental options ideal for families looking to enjoy the beach.

From fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, sunset sailing, to thrilling ATV tours, Flamingo has something for everyone.

Flamingo Beach

Snapper

Fishing

Monkeys and Waterfalls: Arenal Volcano and Rio Celeste

Monkeys and Waterfalls

From luxurious five-star options with fantastic volcano views to the more cozy three-star boutique options. There are no all-inclusive resorts, but the service is generally excellent!

There is so much to do in the Arenal area! Hot springs, hikes, nature reserves, hanging bridges, waterfalls, etc.

Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna

Arenal Volcano

Relaxation

Group Travel

Monteverde and Tenorio Volcano & Rio Celeste

Monteverde and Rio Celeste

The Monteverde area offers a mix of accommodation, from hostels and B&Bs, to unique eco-resorts. We recommend booking in advance.

Monteverde is known for great zip lines, hanging bridges, rich biodiversity, photography, birdwatching and so much more. 
