If you havent been able to tell by now, Rio Celeste is most famous for its sky blue color that is hard to come by in other parts of the country and world. Are you planning a trip to Costa Rica and have more questions? Easy Walk to Beautiful Turquoise Waterfall. Opening Times: 8 AM 4 PM (last entry at 2 PM). A fraction of this mineral reaches the bottom of the river and it can be seen as a white sediment, whereas the majority of the mineral remains suspended along the river. Your email address will not be published. Continue for another 3/4 mile or so to see a few additional sites before reaching the end of the trail. A local lunch is included. If youre into wildlife spotting, youll get good use out of these! It really is just a jaw dropping landscape that is just difficult to comprehend. Car nous aurons srement les bagages lintrieur ? Park hours: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., last entry must be before 2 p.m. To get to the waterfall, youll take the spur trail heading pointing down and to the left (catarata). The views were beautiful we hit it on a sunny day so we got to see the water at its brightest color. At some points, the path is not always paved but rather more of a dirt path to follow (nothing technical though). The Rio Celeste Waterfall is Costa Rica's most magical cascade. The trail itself isnt terribly difficult, however that is definitely weather dependent. The stairs are quite steep and there are a LOT of them. Location and directions The Cortes waterfall is in Bagaces, Guanacaste. I would say that is what most people do who are not part of a longer day tour. Rio Celeste and the stunning waterfall are definite highlights. You'll find an informational sign and a lookout point over the . There is one ranger station within the park open daily from 8 am 4 pm with restrooms, drinking water, restaurants, and first aid available. Deciding which hotel to stay at when visiting the waterfall will depend on your decision on where to base yourself. Theres no easy way to get there via public transportation. In the green season (May December), the trail can get pretty muddy. Prepare for mud during the rainy season: During the months of May through November, be sure to pack rain gear and always wear sturdy hiking boots. So, at the end of the day it is not a chemical reaction but rather an optical illusion. Rio Celeste is a river of brilliant turquoise waters that ends in a breathtaking waterfall. So its up to your personal preference but you really dont **need** them. AllTrails Pro (or download Google Maps offline for the area). Absolutely breathtaking! I'm a hiker and my legs were on fire but I also didnt stop I kept going. You can raft, hike, spot amazing wildlife and even swim! Below are some items I would recommend either way: 1) Dry Bag: since Costa Rica can always bring the rain I would highly recommend a dry bag to keep all your valuables safe. Thanks lot. Weve created a guide that has everything you need to know about renting a car and driving in Costa Rica. Borbollones (translated to bubbles), is where you will get to really take in that sulfur smell coming from underground. Calles 27 & 29, Ave 2, Start at the rangers station, following signs for the trail. No, you cannot. Join 19k+ in receiving Expert travel advice, news & promotions! As there are no public busses that go to the waterfall, you will need a car if visiting from La Fortuna. The tubing down the river was so much fun! So, when visiting Rio Celeste, dont think of it as just a waterfall. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. We went in late November just after a couple days of rain and were afraid the water would be muddy. After getting picked up in La Fortuna, your tour guide will take you through the lush rainforest to discover Rio Celeste Waterfall, vibrant lagoons, and Los Teideros (the source of the blue water). If you want, you can access the river from the Piruri Cabinas too but for $6. Tip: The best time to visit the Rio Celeste is during the dry season of December to April, as rain can cloud the water and dull the turquoise effect. Again, I highly would recommend continuing onwards if you have it in you. When visiting Tenorio, you should also drop by its charming neighbors. The Rio Celeste Waterfall is among the most breathtaking sights in all of Costa Rica! To reach the Rio Celeste waterfall, you'll need to hike on a trail through a luscious rainforest in Tenorio Volcano National Park, which is tucked away in the northwest corner of the country. Think warm waters, friendly locals, beautiful beaches, and an all-around safe and lovely country. The waterfall (aka Catarata) is the first attraction on the trail. One reason why Rio Celeste does not always show up on a standard Costa Rica itinerary is due to its location. It's a pretty place with a waterfall that was okay. Rio Celeste Waterfall & Tenorio Volcano National Park Guide We did not go into the Tenorio National Park. The Rio Celeste Waterfall is located within the Tenorio Volcano National, in the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica. But where does that color come from? The hardest part is the stairs leading from the trail to the waterfall. This waterfall looks beautiful! At the Tenideros is where you get to see that natural phenomenon take shape mentioned at the very beginning of this guide. Rio Celeste in Tenorio Volcano National Park: Hike to the Most Colorful The falls are nice, the water is as advertised, what I liked the most was the surrounding nature. As we've said, the major attraction of Bijagua is the Rio Celeste Waterfall that . Everything along the pathways are well marked and it is impossible to get yourself lost. Check your inbox for your surf trip packing list. This might mean an early start, but its so worth it! No worries! The legend of the Rio Celeste waterfall, is that when God was painting the sky blue, he dipped his paint brush into the river, forever changing it to a sky blue hue. Youll arrive at Tenorio Volcano National Park for a challenging, but picturesque, two-hour hike. You can actually see the exact spot where two rivers meet and the blue river comes to be. Rio Celeste River & Waterfall Overview: Location: 25 minutes southeast of Bijagua, via a partially paved road. WOW! The volcano is dormant, but there is still lots of geothermal activity occurring on this site, especially in the river. You can certainly hike Rio Celeste without a guide. 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Even if you leave home without travel insurance or your policy runs out, you can buy or extend out on the road. When we visited there were 2 or 3 people there, so we pretty much had it to ourselves. I developed a new found appreciation for my rain ponchos (with hood to keep my glasses dry-ish)! What's in this article? Rio Celeste is about 69 km (43 miles) northwest of La Fortuna. Surround yourself with nature, volcanos, wildlife, waterfalls, and pristine nature in these secluded, riverside glamping domes. But if you would like to swim and enjoy the therapeutic waters, you can still do so. What a cool share. According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Rio Celeste: Full-Day Rio Celeste Tour From La Fortuna (From C$119.15) Rio Celeste Hiking, Sloth Sanctuary & Llanos de Cortes Waterfall Tour (From C$180.73) Rio Celeste Hike + Swimming Pool (From C$93.71) Rio Celeste Horseback Riding Tour (From C$60.42) However the view you get of the waterfall is well worth the effort. After taking in the Borbollones, it is time to head on the last 300 meters (0.2 miles) of trail as you reach the Tenideros. While visiting a waterfall may seem pretty standard, there are some things to know about trail and what to bring along with you. Avoid flip-flops or any kind of open-toed shoes. Includes transfers, a guide, entrance, and lunch. Join 19k+ subscribers in receiving FREE travel advice, news & promotions! The path to the Waterfall was an easy hike - about 1 mile long - on pavement. Enjoy! Costa Rica: Rio Celeste Hiking Guide - Pack More Into Life Tripadvisor gives a Travelers Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor. Get a quote for a World Nomads travel insurance policy today! The mineral that remains in suspension explains the sky-blue color of the river. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 15 Things To Know Before Visiting Rio Celeste (Rio Celeste Waterfall) Hours: Entrance between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., every day; you may remain in the park until 4 p.m. Services Available: Potable water, restrooms, a mirador/lookout point, and parking (1,000). We got eaten alive. Be prepared for lots of other people also interested in seeing the area. Still worth going but set your expectations and simply enjoy getting to see the waterfall, small bubbling thermal section, the river change from clear to blue at the end of the trail), and getting some exercise. Dont swim in the national park: It is not allowed to swim in the parts where Rio Celeste meets the national park. 13 Plastic Products to replace when Traveling, Best Travel Insurances in 2023 (COVID-19 coverage). Set in the magical landscapes of the Tenorio Volcano National Park, its remarkably blue waters are the stuff of myths and legends. If you are looking for some international influences as well, pay a visit to the charming Hummingbird Cafe. Read: Reduce Plastic & Travel Plastic-Free! Guides are fantastic for spotting wildlife in the forest that you would otherwise miss. Beyond that, the remainder of the hike is unpaved. The water color, the swinging bridge, and the waterfall at the end this is our kind of vacation adventure. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the waterfall and hike. Maybe you can pre-purchase them through a 3rd-party but this will be at an additional cost. These can be quite long days, especially if coming from farther out places. RIO CELESTE WATERFALL LOCATION. The beautiful Rio Celeste waterfall is 90 meters (295 ft) tall and you can visit Rio Celeste waterfall in Tenorio Volcano National Park. The park is about a 1.5 drive from the Liberia International Airport (100 km) and about a 3.5 hour drive from the San Jose airport (172 km). The reason why Rio Celeste is so popular is due to its sky blue color both of the waterfall and of the river that you follow during the trail. I recommend getting to the park as soon as it opens to experience the waterfall before it gets too crowded. The beaches of Santa Teresa in Costa Rica, Website designed & built with by only us (Nick & Hannah), Villa Celeste Katira (has a nice campsite). Make sure you try the traditional casado! Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Why only take a shot at spotting some animals during the day? It was well laid out with some challenging areas to walk around and somewhat muddy in spots. Bijagua is located in northern Costa Rica and sits at the border between the provinces of Guanacaste and Alajuela. While surfing in Jaco, Read More Surfing in Jaco Costa Rica: Your Ultimate Guide!Continue. Catarata Llanos de Cortes is 36 kilometers (22 miles) from Liberia International Airport and about a 35 minute drive. We recommend to rent a car in Costa Rica through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. I arrived at 8am, was the very first person in the park and it felt like I had it all to myself, which was truly magical. 3) GoPro: having a GoPro will solve some of those camera issues when dealing with water. Now that you have a bit better understanding of why the water of Rio Celeste is so blue, lets now get into the experience itself. From the entrance of the park, youll make a right and drive until you see the bridge and a parking area on the left hand side of the road. Rio Celeste waterfall is located just over 40 miles northwest of La Fortuna, in Tenorio Volcano National Park. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. The property itself has over 860 private acres of land full of walking trails, wildlife, and volcano viewpoints. But if you really want to get in the water, there are a few options. Celeste River - Wikipedia 1 km from the park entrance you can enter the waters for free. In the rainy season, I definitely recommend 44 for this drive. Just north or Rio Celeste, stay in relaxing, atmospheric rooms nestled in over 60 hectares of cocoa farms. World Nomads has simple and flexible travel insurance that has been designed by travelers for travelers. 4) Quick Dry Towel: a quick dry towel is always helpful to have whether it is for the rain or to clean yourself off. If they are persistent with you, you can offer them a small tip or they may have a juice or drink you can purchase. Here you can take an amazing night walk through the Tapir Valley! This Rainleaf microfiber quick dry towel has been my go to when it comes to traveling. To make the most out of your visit to Rio Celeste, we suggest visiting more of these stunning locations near the waterfall for a well-rounded trip. The two rivers meet here, and you get to clearly see the change in color that occurs as these two sources join into one. This amazing region will leave you speechless. Rio Celeste waterfalls is explored by hiking the Rio Celeste Trail, which is 3 kilometers/1.9 miles each way. to the waterfall. White-faced monkeys, pumas, tapirs, tucans, anteaters reside here as well as an endless amount of exotic plants. Swimming is not permitted within Tenorio Volcano National Park. The river then turned this beautiful sky blue color because of that. The first mile or so of the trail is flat and paved, then it gradually turns into a traditional, rugged hiking trail with rocks and thick vines as it navigates through the forest. Good to know: Parking is free here, but locals may still try and charge you for it. Its a bit of a challenge on the return ascent, but worth it! Good to know: This tour doesnt include transport to and from the park. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Feel free to take a look at Rentalcars.com for a variety of car options to choose from for your time in Costa Rica. It is then just another quick 150 meters until you reach Laguna Azul, which translates to Blue Lagoon. It can take a day or two after rainfall for the color to come back to life. Just a short drive away from Rio Celeste, each dome has a fully functioning bathroom, kitchen, and deck. 2023-04-22. To see this phenomenon, hike the last 300 meters (0.2 miles) of the Rio Celeste trail to see exactly where this reaction changes clear river water to the brilliant blue. 17 Best Surf Camps in Portugal Reviewed {2023}, Puerto Escondido Surf- The Ultimate Guide (2023), San Juan Del Sur Surf- Your Ultimate Guide, Is Surfing Dangerous? Zoom in or out or pan left, right, up or down with the controls on the left. 3-in-1 Ro Celeste Waterfall, Natural Pool and Chocolate Tour. You can even do so for free just by the bridge 1 km away from the park entrance! No, too much rain and lack of sun can desaturate the water and make it appear more brown. Discover beautiful rainforest trails, lagoons, geothermal pools, and the breathtaking sky-blue waters of Rio Celeste. Just because you visit during dry season though, doesnt mean it will always be dry. There is one hiking trail within Tenorio Volcano National Park which brings you past a multitude of wonders, but ultimately to the brilliant blue Rio Celeste. The Tenorio Volcano National Park sits in the beautiful Guanacaste mountain range north of Costa Rica. Rio Celeste Costa Rica: How to Plan the PERFECT Visit in 2023 - MytanFeet Discover some of the most amazing natural sights in the Tenorio Volcano National Park with this complete guide to Rio Celeste Costa Rica! Surfing in Jaco Costa Rica: Your Ultimate Guide! Location: Tenorio Volcano National Park, near Bijagua and Guatuso (Northern Zone) Visit from La Fortuna or Nuevo Arenal Level of Difficulty: Moderate . Your email address will not be published. Surfing Risks Revealed, 5 Best Sayulita Surf Camps Reviewed {2023}. Nuff said. This way you can better guarantee your one of a kind experience. All our tips: favourite to do's, restaurants, hikes, secret spots & more in Google Maps! Thats mostly your call. The Tour guide was knowledgeable and showed us many unique plants. Rio Celeste Waterfall, Costa Rica: ULTIMATE Guide