The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Rio Celeste Waterfall

The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Rio Celeste Waterfall

Costa Rica has many impressive waterfalls, but our favorite is the beautiful 30-meter-high Rio Celeste Waterfall. You can take a day trip from La Fortuna or Monteverde and explore the Tenorio Volcano National Park.

The scenery at Catarata Río Celeste is stunning, like a fairy tale with magical shades of blue. Spend at least 3 hours in the national park, hike the rainforest trails, and explore other beautiful attractions.

In this post, you can find out how to get there, the best time to visit, how much the entrance fee is, and what to expect on the hike to Rio Celeste Waterfall.

Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through our link. This is a free way to support us and allow us to continue to create inspiring travel guides.

Where is Rio Celeste Waterfall?

Located in the Tenorio Volcano National Park, Costa Rica. It is about 4 hours from San Jose, 1.5 hours from La Fortuna, and 2.5 hours from Monteverde.

Best Time to Visit Rio Celeste Waterfall

The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season, which runs from December to April when the weather is pleasant and not so humid. However, tropical rain can still occur during these months.

We don’t recommend a visit during the rainy season (May to November) as heavy rains and storms change the beautiful blue color of the river to brown. Hiking is also more difficult during these months, as the trail to the waterfall can be muddy and slippery.

TIP
As this is a popular attraction in Costa Rica, we recommend arriving early to avoid the crowds (especially if you want to take good photos).

Read our → Costa Rica Itinerary

How to Get to Rio Celeste Waterfall + Parking

Most people take a day trip from La Fortuna. The best way to get to the waterfall is by car, as there is no public transport to the national park. You can easily rent a car at San Jose International Airport. You don’t need a 4×4, but a car with higher ground clearance is recommended.

We drove from La Fortuna to Monteverde and made a detour to the national park on the way. There is a large parking lot near the park, and the parking fee is around 2000-3000 colones (4-6 USD). Lock your car, and don’t leave valuables out of sight.

The tour price includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, transport by air-conditioned vehicle, a professional guide, the entrance fee, and lunch at a local restaurant.

Recommended post → How to Renting a Car in Costa Rica

Rio Celeste Waterfall Entrance Fee & Tickets

The entrance fee is 12 USD for foreign adults and 5 USD for foreign children (2-12 years old).

There is no entrance fee for children under 2 years old. The admission fee is 800 CRC (1,60 USD) for Costa Ricans and 500 CRC (1 USD) for resident children (2-12 years old).

Tickets must be booked in advance and can only be purchased on the official website. First, you need to register and give your passport number, then choose the date and schedule of your visit to the national park. We found buying tickets online safe and easy. On arrival, you will need to show your purchased ticket and passport.

See also → Best Eco Lodges in Costa Rica

Tenorio Volcano National Park Opening Hours

The national park is open every day from 8 AM to 2 PM, but you can stay until 4 PM.

TIP
Arrive as early as possible to enjoy the waterfall without the crowds.

Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike

The Rio Celeste Waterfalls hike is moderate, and the signs are easy to follow. The total hike is about 5.5 km. Walk along the hiking trail and return to the ranger station on the same route.

Hiking Trail to Rio Celeste Waterfall

After arriving at the national park, start your hike to the stunning waterfall. From the ranger station, the trail is flat and paved for the first 20 minutes, then becomes unpaved and descends about 250 steep steps to the waterfall. Go slowly and use the handrails.

The walk from the entrance to the waterfall takes about 30-40 minutes, depending on the road conditions (muddy, slippery trail).

TIP
You should wear good hiking shoes or boots as the path is often muddy.

See also → Best Waterfalls in Costa Rica

Always be ready to take photos, as you will see lots of wildlife. Two coatis ran across the trail in front of us, and we were lucky to catch a photo of them.

The waterfall is closed to visitors, but there is a large platform where you can enjoy the view. As the waterfall is the most beautiful from above, take some photos and continue exploring the national park.

Go back up the stairs and then follow the trail signs.

Keep reading → Things to Do in La Fortuna

You can see a viewpoint (Mirador) of the jungle and the Laguna Azul (beautiful blue pool), watch the geothermal activity at Borbollones, and smell sulfur. At the end of the hike, you can see the Tenidero, where the two rivers meet, and then you can hike back.

Along the way, there are some suspension bridges over the river that you can cross. The bridges also offer great photo opportunities.

Why is Rio Celeste Waterfall so Vibrant Blue?

The magical color of the Rio Celeste River is due to a chemical reaction between volcanic minerals.

The most unique attraction of the national park is the Tenidero, where the two rivers meet.

Can I Swim at Rio Celeste Waterfall?

Swimming is prohibited in the Tenorio Volcano National Park. However, if you want to take a refreshing dip in the blue river, visit the Rio Celeste Free Pool.

The Rio Celeste Free Pool is located directly under the bridge, just a short drive from the national park. There is no official parking, but you can park on the side of the road.

GPS coordinates: (10.7099230, -84.9800250)

Good to know
Swimming at La Fortuna Waterfall and Nauyaca Waterfalls is allowed, which is a fantastic experience in Costa Rica.

What to Pack for Visiting

• Osprey Small Backpack: A very lightweight, versatile, and durable backpack, perfect for day hikes.
• Light Raincoat: Packable, lightweight, and waterproof raincoat with hood perfect for travel and hiking.
• Sunscreen: You don’t have to worry about sun damage with this reef-friendly UVA/UVB sunscreen.
• Quick-dry towel: This microfibre quick-drying towel is ideal for traveling, hiking, swimming, bathing, and sports.
• Grayl Filtered Water Bottle: The Grayl filter removes viruses and bacteria and filters microplastics, chemicals, and heavy metals. Fill up your filtered water bottle anywhere and drink crystal-clear water wherever you go.
• Swimsuit
• Hiking shoes or boots
• Mosquito repellent
• Camera gear
• Water
• Snacks

Tips for Visiting Rio Celeste Waterfall

• Arrive as early as possible.
• Don’t take unnecessary things with you.
• Wear closed hiking shoes and lightweight, quick-dry clothes, as the weather is always warm and humid.
• As unexpected rain can happen at any time, bring a light raincoat.
• Be patient, and don’t be loud when you walk the trails.
• Take plenty of water and snacks.
• If you are elderly or have knee/ankle problems, we suggest you take hiking poles with you.
• Allow enough time to visit the waterfall, as muddy and slippery trails can make the hike time take longer.

• Single-use plastic is not allowed in the national park, so bring your refillable water bottle with you.
• Tenorio Volcano National Park is one of the best places to watch wildlife in Costa Rica, so always keep your eyes open.
• There is a local vendor near the car park where you can buy fresh fruit.
• Use the bathroom before you start the hike.
• If you need a raincoat or hiking boots, you can rent them near the entrance. But save money and bring them with you.
• Don’t feed or touch the animals.
• Don’t leave off the trail.
• Buy an eSIM and data package for Costa Rica.

Where to Stay near the Waterfall

Most people take a day trip from La Fortuna. These are our accommodation recommendations.

Best hotels in La Fortuna

• Luxury: Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa or Nayara Gardens
• Mid-Range: Los Lagos Spa & Thermal Resort Experience
• Budget: Arenal Xilopalo

We have a detailed post on the best areas and hotels in La Fortuna.

Photo credit: Los Lagos Spa & Thermal Resort Experience

We hope you found our guide to Rio Celeste Waterfall useful and will inspire you to visit. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.

Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM – Airalo
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway

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