Can visitors swim at the Rio Celeste Waterfall?

No, swimming is strictly prohibited within Tenorio National Park to preserve this natural wonder. Visitors are asked to leave swimsuits behind.

What is the physical difficulty of the Rio Celeste Waterfall hike?

The hike is considered moderate, involving partially groomed, often muddy trails and a physically demanding descent and ascent of 526 steep steps to the waterfall's base. Participants should be in good physical condition.

What is included in the Rio Celeste Waterfall tour?

The tour includes round-trip transportation from La Fortuna area hotels, a bilingual naturalist guide, Tenorio National Park entrance fees, and lunch.

What is the zero-plastic policy for the Rio Celeste tour?

The tour maintains a strict zero-plastic policy, meaning single-use plastics are not permitted. Visitors are encouraged to bring a reusable bottle to refill at provided water stations.

Rio Celeste Rainforest Hike to the Magical Blue Waterfall

Arenal ・ Arenal Zone 2 ・ Arenal Zone 3 ・ Nuevo Arenal ・ Chachagua Rainforest Hotel

From

$141

Per Person

Overall

94%

203 Guest

Ratings

Good to Know

Embark on a captivating trekking adventure to the Rio Celeste Waterfall, a natural marvel renowned for its electric-blue waters within Tenorio National Park. This moderate rainforest hike culminates in a challenging descent of 526 steps to witness the magnificent turquoise river. The full-day experience includes round-trip transportation, a bilingual guide, park entrance, and lunch, offering exploration of the Blue Lagoon and potential volcanic thermal vents. Please note, swimming is strictly prohibited, and a zero-plastic policy is enforced.

The Rio Celeste Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world! Imagine yourself in front of a turquoise blue waterfall surrounded by lush, emerald green jungle.

The tour starts off when you are picked up from your La Fortuna area hotel. The ride to the Rio Celeste takes about 2 to 2.5 hours and takes you through rural countryside that few tourists have the opportunity to see. You will pass through small villages, farm lands and forest.

When you reach the Tenorio National Park your guide will lead you on a hike through the jungle, always looking for wildlife. While this is not exactly a wildlife hike, you may have the opportunity to see animals such as white faced monkeys, sloths, agouti, peccaries, and many species of birds including hummingbirds, trogons, motmots and much more.

The hike will be on partially groomed trails that are often muddy. Eventually you will reach the waterfall trail which requires several hundred steep steps down to the observation platform. As you make your way down, the incredibly beautiful waterfall begins to come in to view.

Local legend has it that when God finished painting the sky he dipped his brush in the river. The more scientific version involves the volcanic minerals found in two rivers that merge creating the Rio Celeste and the Kool Aid blue color. Regardless, this truly is a magical place of unsurpassed beauty.

After observing the river and waterfall, there will be a little more hiking and remember that you will have to climb back up several hundred steep steps. This is not an easy hike, so participants should be in good physical condition and be prepared to get muddy.

After the hike you will drive back through the countryside and eventually be returned to your hotel. Including round trip transfers, the tour is expected to last a total of around 8 – 9 hours, though this is subject to change. This fun filled full day adventure includes transportation, bilingual naturalist guide, park entrance fee, and lunch.

Highlights

Hike through the jungle in Tenorio National Park
Visit one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world

This supplier maintains a zero-plastic policy, so no water bottles will be offered, only a refrigerated water dispenser for visitors to refill their own reusable bottles. You cannot swim beneath the waterfall or in the national park.

What to Bring

Hiking shoes, clothes that can get wet, water, change of clothes, camera, rain gear, reusable water bottle.

Includes

Transportation, bilingual naturalist guide, park entrance and lunch. This supplier maintains a zero-plastic policy, so no water bottles will be offered, only a refrigerated water dispenser for visitors to refill their own reusable bottles.

Location and Availability

Available in: Arenal, Arenal Zone 2, Arenal Zone 3, Nuevo Arenal, Chachagua Rainforest Hotel

Tour Times

08:00

Tour Type

Nature
Learning/Family
Hiking
Wildlife Hike
Waterfalls

Location

Lattitude: N 10° 39' 26.04" (10.657234)
Longitude: W 84° 58' 5.11" (-84.968086)

Recent Reviews

Overall

94%

Expectations

92%

Experience

93%

Guides

92%

Logistics

92%

Value

92%

1/21/2026

Unfortunately it was rainy so the water was brown but our guide made the most of it and we found some animals to view. The lunch was fabulous.

12/13/2025

Andre was wonderful! We enjoyed spending the day with him and the extra effort he put in to making our day memorable

11/29/2025

Orlando tried hard to find interesting sites along the hike, but there was a bit of mud and not as many wildlife to view. the waterfalls and site were nice. What made the trip great was he found sloths and toucans on the drive back and we got some of the best views of the trip of them. we also got see Arenol volcano on the drive back, and he pulled over to let us take some memorable photos.

Call us if you want to see more reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can visitors swim at the Rio Celeste Waterfall?: No, swimming is strictly prohibited within Tenorio National Park to preserve this natural wonder. Visitors are asked to leave swimsuits behind.
What is the physical difficulty of the Rio Celeste Waterfall hike?: The hike is considered moderate, involving partially groomed, often muddy trails and a physically demanding descent and ascent of 526 steep steps to the waterfall's base. Participants should be in good physical condition.
What is included in the Rio Celeste Waterfall tour?: The tour includes round-trip transportation from La Fortuna area hotels, a bilingual naturalist guide, Tenorio National Park entrance fees, and lunch.
What is the zero-plastic policy for the Rio Celeste tour?: The tour maintains a strict zero-plastic policy, meaning single-use plastics are not permitted. Visitors are encouraged to bring a reusable bottle to refill at provided water stations.