The Secret of Rio Celeste Blue Waters

Two rivers come together, creating the celestial blue water that gives the waterfall its name. People leave feeling refreshed. Is the color effect on our mood? The result of the volcanic minerals working their magic? It’s a feeling you just have to experience.

The hike is not particularly difficult, but the ground is uneven and frequently changes between cement trails and dirt ones. There are rocks and tree roots to navigate. Additionally, there are about 150 steep steps to climb.

From October to December, it rains a lot more. This can leave the trails muddy and the lagoon less blue. However, it will be blue unless it rains for days in a row; if it rains hard the night before, it should be bright blue again by mid-morning.

Your guides are excellent at listening to animal calls and tracking animal behavior to point out wildlife along the journey. They’ll take you to impressive spots like Los Borbollones, where sulfuric gasses from the volcano bubble through the river’s water. They’ll also introduce you to Laguna Azul, which resembles the magic mermaid lagoon from Peter Pan.

FAQs about Río Celeste and Tenorio Volcano Guided Hike

How long is the hike to Río Celeste?

About an hour and a half each way.

Is Río Celeste worth going to?

A big, massive YES.

Can we swim in Río Celeste?

Unfortunately, swimming is not permitted in the national park, but there is a place to swim nearby just outside the park.

Where is the Río Celeste waterfall?

In the Tenorio Volcano National Park, about halfway between Liberia and Arenal.

Why is Río Celeste so blue?

This has to do with the constant flow of minerals from the volcano to the area.