Exploring Río Celeste

Located within Tenorio Volcano National Park, Río Celeste is approximately 11 km from Casitas Tenorio. The park features a 7 km round-trip trail that takes you through stunning natural wonders, including:

• The Río Celeste Waterfall (1.5 km from the entrance) – a breathtaking cascade of blue water.
• The Blue Lagoon – a mesmerizingly vivid pool.
• Bubbling Hot Pools – where volcanic activity heats the water.
• Teñideros (“Dye Point”) – where the river’s famous blue hue originates.
• Lookout Point – offering panoramic views of the lush surroundings.

• Facilities: Restrooms, taps with drinking water, a couple of ‘sodas’ (traditional Costa Rican restaurants) are located outside of the park There is WiFi available but not much phone coverage.
• What to expect: When you arrive, park in the car park on the right. Pay the entrance fee in the ranger’s hut. Enter the park and follow the well-marked trail through the Tenorio National Park, with several key attractions, including the waterfall, (40 mins walk from the entrance), a blue lagoon and then the point where the two rivers meet to form Rio Celeste. The second part of the trail includes quite a steep incline, so a moderate level of fitness is recommended.
• Tips: Weather can change rapidly in this region, so be prepared for rain or shine. Sometimes after a heavy rain, the color of the water changes to become a bit ‘muddy’, but it changes back to blue rapidly. It can get crowded over the Christmas and Easter periods and entrance is restricted to 500 in the park at one time and a total of 1500 per day are permitted to enter. Lots of people try to enter the park early in the morning. Our recommendation is to enter later, around 11am. There will be less people and you will be able to enjoy the attractions without so many people. If it’s raining in the morning, wait a little longer as the weather might clear up.
• Weather Conditions: The river’s color may change after heavy rain due to sediments, but typically returns to its iconic blue after a few hours of dry weather.
• Swimming: Swimming in Río Celeste inside the park is no longer permitted. However, you can still enjoy a refreshing dip outside the park at a designated swimming area near a bridge just past the entrance.