Every trip to Costa Rica should include a visit to Rio Celeste. At Adobe Rent a Car, we can make it happen!
In the following blog, we’ll introduce you to the fabulous Rio Celeste and its natural wonders, hiking trails, and hidden treasures. You’ll learn what to expect and what routes to take to the Tenorio National Park from different locations within Costa Rica.
You will learn where to purchase tickets and what to take with you, as well as interesting places to visit while in the area. We also provide recommendations for the vehicle that best suits your travel plans.
Tenorio Volcano National Park
In addition to the magical and unique Rio Celeste and its stunning Waterfall, there is so much to see and experience.
The park’s upper region is covered in virgin cloud forests. The lower region boasts a rainforest full of exotic tree and plant species teeming with birds, animals, and reptiles.
Discover its beautiful natural lagoon, mineral-rich natural hot springs, small geysers, and geothermal rarities scattered throughout. A well-maintained hiking trail will help you reach and explore them.
Tenorio Volcano National Park, located in the northern lowlands of Guanacaste Province, makes up part of the greater Arenal Tempisque Conservation Area.
The park harbors a vast parcel of protected wilderness that spans over seven percent of Costa Rica’s land territory, including the Tenorio Volcano.
Rio Celeste Tenorio Volcano
Tenorio Volcano is one of five major volcanoes found within the Cordillera de Guanacaste mountain range.
Although Tenorio Volcano has been dormant for ages, it still produces geothermal activity and sulfur thermal springs. A blend of rare minerals produced by the volcano provides the area’s turquoise rivers with their magical ingredients.
The park’s hiking trail leads visitors from one noteworthy spot to another. The most famous of which is the Rio Celeste Waterfall.
Río Celeste (Blue River)
Costa Rica’s mystical Rio Celeste River spans both the Alajuela and Guanacaste Provinces. It flows from the base of the Tenorio Volcano and forms part of the Arenal Tempisque Conservation Area and Tenorio Volcano National Park.
Rio Celeste certainly isn’t your regular river. Its otherworldly pale turquoise color appears oddly artificial against the natural emerald-green hues of the surrounding rainforest.
Images of the river’s sparkling blue waters online don’t do it justice. Seeing is literally believing!
What gives Rio Celeste its beautiful color?
The Legend of Rio Celeste
According to local legend, Costa Rica’s blue river, Rio Celeste, was formed when God was painting the world into existence. As He painted the sky, he rinsed His paintbrush in the river and turned its waters into a stunning celestial blue.
However, the river’s milky, turquoise color is actually formed when two rivers join. Each river has distinct mineral compositions that originate in Tenorio Volcano from which they flow.
One river, the Buena Vista, carries a large amount of aluminosilicate particles along with calcium carbonate, sulfur, and other minerals. The Quebrada Agria (Sour River) has a high acidity that is common to volcanic activity. Many visitors detect the smell of sulfur coming off the water.
Like most rivers, the two are clear until they join at the volcano’s base to form the Celeste River.
The sudden drop in acidity causes a physical reaction in the minerals that shows as an optical reaction.
Light entering the river is refracted off the enlarged mineral particles, causing what appears to be a miraculous transformation in the river’s color and transparency. Magically creating a fairy-book spectacle of brilliant blue that, with the natural beauty of its surroundings, delights visitors young and old.
This is why visiting Rio Celeste is one of Costa Rica’s most popular day tours.
This point where the rivers meet, and the Rio Celeste is formed is known locally as Los Teñideros, or “the dyers” in English.
Although the turquoise blue water runs throughout the park, Los Teñideros is the only place where visitors can witness the river change color.
Rio Celeste Waterfall
Rio Celeste Waterfall proves that fairytale destinations do exist.
Visitors travel from far and wide to see the enchanting Rio Celeste Waterfall. Its captivating beauty is breathtaking as it plunges nearly 100 feet from the lush rainforest above into a shimmering blue pool below.
Most people can’t believe that pictures of the falls are real until they witness the display firsthand.
HIKING IN TENORIO VOLCANO NATIONAL PARK
Hiking Trail to Rio Celeste Waterfall
There are two options for hiking the Rio Celeste Waterfall Trail: visit just the waterfall or hike the entire trail into the heart of Tenorio Volcano Park. The hike to the waterfall takes about 30 minutes from the park entrance. The whole hike is approximately 3.7 miles roundtrip and takes between three to five hours.
The first part of the trail is paved and relatively flat, with one short hanging bridge to cross and two small creeks. It changes to a dirt path before turning off to the waterfall. From there, the trail descends via about 250 stairs (150m or 490 ft) to the viewing platform below.
The well-constructed stairs cling to the mountainside and have handrails. The climb back up can be challenging for people not accustomed to physical activity. The trick is to take it slow and enjoy frequent breaks.
After the waterfall, the trail is a natural path and includes a couple of steep sections, a rustic bridge, and several river crossings.
There are plenty of signs and information boards along the way. You return on the same path and will likely encounter other hikers.
Hiking to Laguna Azul (Blue Lagoon), Los Borbollones, and Los Teñideros
On leaving the waterfalls, the trail heads deeper into the wilderness to another Mirador overlook with a stunning view of the park.
Keep an eye out for pizotes, monkeys, and armadillos. Lucky visitors may even meet up with a wandering tapir! Aspiring botanists will delight at the many plants and trees along the way.
About 200m/650ft further on from the waterfall you will pass the dazzling Laguna Azul, or Blue Lagoon, surrounded by rainforest and resembling another scene out of a fairytale.
The trail can be rugged, with the occasional rock and tree roots to navigate. There are also some steeper ‘rustic’ steps leading down to the lagoon. Rain and mud are also common, so it’s best to come prepared to get wet and possibly dirty.
Remember, swimming in the Rio Celeste within Tenorio Volcano National Park is strictly prohibited.
Los Borbollones
The next natural marvel you encounter, los Borbollones, is about 50 meters/164 ft after the lagoon. As the name implies, this is a segment of the river where boiling mineral waters bubble up to the surface through fissures and cracks in the riverbed.
Sulfurous steam permeates the air, adding to this mystical experience. Getting too close to or touching the boiling brew is dangerous.
Los Teñideros
Walking to Los Teñideros, you will cross two bridges spanning both rivers. Here is where the trail ends, and visitors must return the same way,
On the first bridge, look down, and you’ll see clear river water. At the second bridge, you’ll see the waters combine and form the brilliantly milky-blue color that makes Rio Celeste famous. This is the only point where you can witness the sudden change in color. A truly mesmerizing sight!
Entrance fees, park hours, and when to visit
Tenorio National Park is managed by the Costa Rican government. The park is open from 8 AM to 4 PM daily, and visitor numbers are limited. For those not on a guided tour, tickets must be pre-booked and purchased via the SINAC website.
Visitors can reserve up to three months ahead of the planned visit. For more information visit the SINAC website at https://serviciosenlinea.sinac.go.cr/. The entrance fee is currently $13 per person, and 1,000 colones (CRC) for locals and residents. Keep in mind that the public can only enter up until 2 p.m.
We recommend booking an early morning slot to avoid both the intense heat and the afternoon rains. Especially to beat the traffic during Costa Rica’s peak tourist season from December through February.
Although there is a dedicated area set up near the Park entrance for Wi-Fi internet access to buy an online ticket via your phone, we do not recommend you to rely on this as visitor numbers, see above, are restricted and internet access can be iffy!
You must present your ticket barcode, email receipt, and identification. Either as a passport photocopy or as a scanned photo of the passport information page on your phone. Or a Costa Rican ID. So, don’t forget it!
There is also a security check. Make sure you are not carrying cigarettes, knives in any form, nor drones. Drones are strictly prohibited in the Park. Your backpack and purses will be checked.
It’s a good idea to check the park’s FB page before visiting to ensure there are no trail or entrance closures.
The only public restrooms are in the ranger station. So, especially if you have children, make sure you pay them a visit before you continue. It may be awhile before you return.
The Tenorio Volcano is covered in cloud and rainforests, which means it rains – a lot. The best way to avoid hiking through mud is to avoid the rainy season and visit during the dry season from December to April.
Not only will the water be its brilliant shade of blue, but also the trails will be drier. Heavy rains can dilute Rio Celeste’s water, so its blue coloration becomes less intense.
Our Advice
Good physical condition and hiking boots with a good grip are a must.
Make sure to pack in plenty of snacks and water in refillable bottles as discardable bottles are not allowed. Insect repellent, sunscreen, and a light raincoat are also recommended. A change of clothing and dry footwear is useful after the hike.
Hiking poles are always a good idea.
There are no amenities such as bathrooms, water fountains, or picnic areas inside the park. Bathrooms, drinking water, and first aid are only at the entrance ranger station. There are a few local restaurants outside the entrance.
Stay on the trail. Visitors that stray from the recommended paths are likely to get lost.
Note: Although swimming within the park is prohibited, for those of you who want to experience the delights of a dip in the Rio Celeste, you can swim in part of the river outside the park.
After driving 1 km past the park entrance, you will see a bridge that crosses Rio Celeste. You can stop, park for free here, and dive in! It’s actually shown on Google maps and named as “Rio Celeste Free Pool”.
What is the best way to visit Rio Celeste
The best way to visit Río Celeste is by car or on a tour. The park is not accessible by public bus and renting a taxi can be very expensive.
What car to rent for a day trip to Rio Celeste Waterfall
We, at Adobe Rent a Car, have the biggest and newest fleet of vehicles in all of Costa Rica. From mini-sedans to full-size SUVs and pickup trucks, we’ve got you covered. No matter where you travel, it’s likely there’s an Adobe Rent a Car office nearby.
We have full-service offices at both of Costa Rica’s international airports (San José and Liberia) and at the most popular tourist destinations. In fact, there are 14 Adobe offices located strategically across the country.
We offer a wide variety of rental options. Choose from one-day rentals to one-week, one-month, or even long-term rentals. We also have corporate and business packages that meet a variety of customer needs.
What are the road conditions like around the park?
Road conditions around Tenorio National Park have improved in recent years. Now that the road to and from Tenorio Volcano National Park is paved and in good condition, renting a sedan or compact vehicle is perfect if you only want to visit the park and see the sky-blue river and waterfall.
However, if you plan on traveling extensively through Costa Rica, a 4WD vehicle is your smartest choice.
The added clearance and traction are a must on the many unpaved or poorly maintained roads and steep terrain. Please speak with one of our bilingual Adobe agents to find the rental car that’s right for you.
Driving to Rio Celeste Waterfall
Drive times to get to the park vary depending on your departure point. From downtown San Jose, the trip is approximately 210 kilometers and takes about 4.5 hours.
The drive from La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano is only 68 km and takes about 1:45 to 2 hours. The 98 km trip from the Adobe office and the international airport in Liberia takes only two hours.
We recommend using a navigational app like WAZE or Google Maps when you drive to Rio Celeste. Remember that the river is located within the park so you should enter “Parqueo del Parque Nacional Tenorio” (Tenorio Volcano National Park parking lot) as your destination.
You can also enter the name of the restaurant located next to the park entrance. It is called El Pilón or Soda El Parque.
You can access and park your car at the Rio Celeste Waterfall & Tenorio Volcano National Park from the ranger station and entrance, which is near the town of Bijagua.
Choose one of the parking lots. A parking fee of 2,000 colones in cash is required. Make sure to get and display the receipt on your vehicle’s dashboard.
Although the parking lot is guarded, do not to leave any valuables in the car or in plain sight. Lock the car and close all windows. If possible, park close to the ranger station or parking lot office.
If you’re traveling with your luggage, try to keep any electronics or other personal items out of sight.
iPad, purses, laptops, and cameras are easy targets for thieves, even if the car is locked. Try and leave your valuables, passports, credit cards, and any important documents in the hotel safe while you’re out.
If it’s not possible, it’s best to purchase a discreet fanny pack or travel wallet to carry your documents and valuables with you when you’re out and about.
Exploring with a guide
Exploring the park with a guide is always recommended. Tour guides are usually native Costa Ricans with a wealth of knowledge about their country. Many guides are also licensed naturalists or biologists who can explain in interesting detail Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife.
Alternative to driving yourself, just about every tour provider in the country will offer day trips and Rio Celeste hiking tours to Rio Celeste Waterfall and Los Teñideros.
These tours involve extensive hiking. They include shuttle transportation to and from the park, the park entrance fee, and a guide. Sometimes lunch, beverages, and drinks are also included.
Rio Celeste from Liberia
Those of you flying into Liberia’s Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport can get your rental car in our Liberia Costa Rica office.
We recommend using WAZE or Google Maps when you drive to Rio Celeste – or any other location.
However, for those of you who like to know the directions before setting off, here are the main starting points.
From the Adobe Liberia office, head northeast on Highway 21 and then southeast on the Pan American Highway #1. After approximately 40 km, take a right turn at the Camino El Bijagua exit. Then, continue east past Bijagua town until you arrive at the Rio Celeste Ranger Station and the Rio Celeste Parking lot.
The drive time from Liberia International Airport to Tenorio Volcano National Park is approximately three hours.
From Tamarindo: you can also rent a car from our Tamarindo local office.
From Tamarindo, you must first drive towards Liberia. From Tamarindo, take Route 155 to Route 21 in Belén. From Belén, drive through Filadelfia de Guanacaste to Route 21 and Liberia.
Once you’ve reached the Panamerican Highway #1 (also known as the Carretera Interamericana), head south to Route 6 and Camino al Parque de Bijagua in Upala. Keep following the signs until you arrive at Tenorio National Park. The drive time is approximately three hours.
From Playas del Coco
Getting to Rio Celeste from Playas del Coco is similar to the directions mentioned above. The drive time is approximately 2:30 hours.
From town, follow Route 151 and east on Route 21 until you reach Liberia. Head south on the Panamerican Highway #1 for approximately 40 km. Take a left (north) onto Route 6 and continue for about 35 km on Camino al Parque to your destination in Guatuso.
Rio Celeste From La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano
Experiencing the breathtaking Rio Celeste Waterfall from La Fortuna is a great day trip.
Take Route 142 out of town to Route 4 (the Corredor Noratlántico). Take a left onto Route 4 and continue driving for approximately 37 km until you reach San Rafael de Guatuso and Barrio del Bosque.
Next, take a left onto Maquengal Road and continue for approximately 21 km until you reach the National Park Ranger Station and parking lot.
Staying locally for overnight or longer
Most visitors take day trips to Tenorio Volcano from nearby destinations like La Fortuna / Arenal or the Northwest Pacific Coast beach towns.
But, if you wish to stay overnight, we recommend finding lodging in the nearby town of Bijagua de Upala. There are several small yet charming local hotels in and around town.
Visit La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano
Although most people visit Rio Celeste as a day trip, we recommend combining the experience with an overnight stay at the nearby town of La Fortuna. Home of the Arenal Volcano.
La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano National Park are the capital of Costa Rica’s adventure tourism. Visitors will find just about everything Costa Rica is famous for in one beautiful location.
Choose from horseback riding, canopy and zipline adventures, rock climbing, hanging bridges, white water rafting, mountain biking, and more. And, to top it off, the area is full of hot springs and spa resorts to soothe sore muscles after a day of adventure.
Heliconia Hanging Bridges
For visitors wishing to enrich their time at the Tenorio Volcano, and get away from the tourist spots, the Heliconia Hanging Bridges at the still relatively unknown Albergue Heliconias Lodge is open to the public for a small ticket fee.
Visitors can enjoy the lodge’s walking trails and suspended bridges with views of the volcano and the surrounding rainforest. A 4WD vehicle is highly recommended to get there.
Swimming in the Rio Celeste
Guests of Hideaway at Rio Celeste, within the private 80-acre Tapir Natural Reserve, can also swim in Rio Celeste’s blue waters. They have a calm and shallow natural pool and nature trails.
Some Common FAQs
In the Tenorio Volcano National Park, swimming is absolutely forbidden. However, there are both private and public areas outside the park where swimming in the Rio Celeste is allowed.
For example: One kilometer past the park entrance there is a bridge over the Rio Celeste where you can stop, park, and swim for free. It’s shown on Google maps as “Rio Celeste Free Pool”.
To the waterfall itself, it is only a 30-minute relatively easy hike along a mostly paved path with a few bridge crossings.
Despite the sturdy handrail, the steps down and back up from the viewing platform are steep. Those unaccustomed to physical exercise may find it difficult. Taking it slow with pauses for breath is the secret.
The Tenorio Volcano Park entrance fee to get in to see the waterfalls and the magical point where the river changes color is currently only $13 for foreigners and non-Costa Rican residents. CR residents pay ¢1,000.
By private car, taxi, rental car, or with a tour group. There is no public transport to the park entrance. Details are explained in the blog above.
Many families with children visit the park. However, baby/toddler strollers are not allowed. If small children need carrying, adults should be strong enough to negotiate the tricky and steep points in the trail.
Pets are forbidden in the park
