Experience the Legend Where the Sky Meets the Earth.
Journey to the heart of Tenorio Volcano National Park to witness Rio Celeste—a turquoise masterpiece forged by volcanic alchemy, ancient indigenous lore, and the rarest ecosystems in the northern highlands.
Where Legend Meets Liquid Light
Long before modern explorers carved paths through the Guanacaste range, the indigenous Maleku people held this river sacred. To them, these turquoise waters were no geological fluke but a divine presence. Their ancient language, part of the Chibchan family, carries the whispers of spirits residing in the current.
Local tradition tells a celestial story: as God finished painting the sky, He washed His blue brushes in these very waters. Today, we know the secret lies in Mie scattering, where aluminosilicate particles expand to approximately 566 nanometers to scatter the blue spectrum of sunlight—a phenomenon you can explore deeply in our guide to The Science of the Blue.
Today, Rio Celeste serves as a biological bridge between the Tenorio and Miravalles volcanoes, a place where the air smells of sulfur and the water hums with a color that science—and the soul—struggle to capture.
A Journey Through Tenorio
Catarata Rio Celeste
A powerful 30-meter drop into an electric-blue impact pool. Witnessing it requires navigating the 253-step descent through the lush primary forest.
The Maleku Spirits
Keep a sharp eye for the Blue Morpho butterflies. To the Maleku, these are the “sparkling spirits” of the water taking flight to join the sky.
Wildlife Corridors
The park is a sanctuary for the endangered Baird’s Tapir. For the best sightings, visit our Wildlife Guide to learn about Lago Danta.
Hand-Picked Blue Adventures
While swimming is strictly forbidden inside the National Park, these vetted local operators offer legal tubing and specialized hiking access to the river’s most pristine stretches.
Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike from Arenal
⭐ Professional local guide included
🔥 Booked 10 times this week
Tubing in Rio Celeste
⭐ Professional local guide included
🔥 Booked 11 times this week
La Fortuna: Mistico Park Hanging Bridges Guided Tour
⭐ Professional local guide included
🔥 Booked 12 times this week
Safari Float and wild life experience in Arenal
⭐ Professional local guide included
🔥 Booked 13 times this week
Tour / Night Walk La Fortuna
⭐ Professional local guide included
🔥 Booked 14 times this week
La Fortuna Arenal Bird Feeder Station and Butterfly Garden
⭐ Professional local guide included
🔥 Booked 15 times this week
Gravity pulls the river 98 feet (30 meters) down into a basin of churning, opaque turquoise. The **Rio Celeste waterfall** is accessed via 253 steep steps. *Advisory:* The lower viewing platform is currently closed for repairs (2026), but the vantage point from the descent remains open.
Field Notes: Essential Logistics
The Reservation Rule
Access to Rio Celeste in Costa Rica is controlled by a strict digital gate. There are no ticket booths at the park entrance. You must purchase your pass via the official SINAC website before arrival. Rangers will turn you away if you lack a reservation code.
The Swimming Law
Entering the water inside Tenorio Volcano National Park is a federal offense punishable by expulsion. To swim, drive one kilometer past the park entrance to the public bridge over the Rio Celeste river. The water is just as blue; the current is free.
Terrain & Timing
The trail is a 3.7-mile loop of volcanic clay that swallows sneakers. During the rainy season (May–November), boots are mandatory. Arrive by 8:00 AM. Clouds typically descend from the highlands by noon, erasing the blue color from the water.
Operating Hours
Daily: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Last entry is strictly at 2:00 PM. If you are not at the gate by 1:59 PM, you will not enter.