The Rio Celeste Waterfall Tour from Guanacaste is one of the most spectacular nature experiences you can enjoy during your vacation in Guanacaste. Located within Tenorio Volcano National Park, this unforgettable adventure combines a scenic rainforest hike, volcanic wonders, incredible wildlife, and a visit to the world-famous Rio Celeste Waterfall, renowned for its brilliant turquoise-blue waters.
Your Rio Celeste Waterfall Tour from Guanacaste starts with a comfortable drive through picturesque countryside, charming rural villages, rolling hills, and lush cattle farms before reaching the beautiful town of Bijagua. As you approach Tenorio Volcano National Park, the landscape transforms into dense tropical rainforest filled with incredible biodiversity.
Once inside the national park, your guided hike follows well-maintained rainforest trails surrounded by towering trees, colorful tropical plants, and abundant wildlife. Along the way, your naturalist guide will explain the fascinating flora, fauna, and volcanic history that make this protected area one of Costa Rica’s hidden treasures.
The highlight of the hike is undoubtedly the breathtaking Rio Celeste Waterfall, a magnificent 65-foot cascade famous for its surreal turquoise color. The vibrant blue water contrasts beautifully against the lush green rainforest, creating one of the most photographed locations in Costa Rica.
Take time to admire this incredible natural wonder, capture unforgettable photos, and enjoy the peaceful sounds of the surrounding rainforest while your guide explains the scientific phenomenon behind the waterfall’s unique coloration.
The adventure continues deeper into Tenorio Volcano National Park, where you’ll discover fascinating geothermal activity created by the Tenorio Volcano. The rainforest trail leads you past bubbling hot springs, steaming volcanic vents, and sulfur-rich pools that showcase the powerful forces still active beneath the earth’s surface.
One of the most remarkable stops on the Rio Celeste Waterfall Tour is Los Teñideros, where the two rivers merge to create the famous turquoise waters of the Rio Celeste. This extraordinary natural phenomenon is caused by the interaction of volcanic minerals suspended in the water, producing one of Costa Rica’s most unique landscapes.
Along the trail, you’ll also enjoy panoramic views of crystal-clear lagoons, dense rainforest, and pristine rivers, making this one of the best hiking experiences in Guanacaste. After exploring the national park, the Rio Celeste Waterfall Tour continues with a visit to a beautiful wildlife sanctuary, one of the best places in northern Costa Rica to observe sloths in their natural habitat.
You will visit an exclusive Sloth sanctuary, a serene setting where you can observe both two-toed and three-toed sloths, along with toucans, different species of monkeys, red-eyed and red dart frogs, and colorful tropical birds in a natural environment. The experience continues with a hands-on cultural presentation, where you’ll learn about traditional coffee and chocolate preparation and enjoy crafting handmade tortillas.
Following your rainforest adventure, enjoy a delicious traditional Costa Rican lunch prepared with fresh local ingredients, served in a peaceful garden setting, surrounded by nature and a charming butterfly garden. Relax while taking in the beautiful surroundings before beginning the comfortable drive back to your hotel in Guanacaste.
If you’re looking for one of the best nature tours from Guanacaste, the Rio Celeste Waterfall Tour is an unforgettable experience that showcases Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity, volcanic landscapes, and one of the country’s most extraordinary natural wonders.
Our Rio Celeste Waterfall Tour from Guanacaste includes transportation from Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa, Ocotal, Playa Panamá, and Riu Guanacaste Hotels. We also depart from Andaz Papagayo, Planet Hollywood Costa Rica, and Four Seasons Costa Rica. As well from Secrets Papagayo, Villas Sol, Occidental Papagayo, and El Mangroove Resort, among others. You can also enjoy our tours from Tamarindo Beach, Playa Flamingo, Westin Conchal, Las Catalinas, and Playa Potrero. This experience is also available from JW Marriott and Hacienda Pinilla.
The tour departs from Playas del Coco, Ocotal, Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique, and Playa Hermosa. You can enjoy this experience from Riu Guanacaste Hotels, Secrets Papagayo, El Mangroove Resort, Occidental Papagayo, CC Beach Front Papagayo, Bosque Mar, and Villas del Sol. As well as Planet Hollywood Costa Rica, Nekajui, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Andaz Papagayo, and Four Seasons Costa Rica
The tour is also available from Flamingo Beach, Tamarindo Beach Hotels, Westin Conchal, Las Catalinas, and Playa Potrero, add $20 per person.
From JW Marriott Guanacaste and Hacienda Pinilla, add $30 per person.
Special Rates for Groups and Families.
Includes Private Transportation, Bilingual Guide, Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike, Rainforest Sloth Garden, Coffee, Sugar Cane, and Chocolate Show, National Park Entrance Fee, Butterfly Garden, Traditional Lunch, and Water.
What to bring: We recommend wearing long pants and tennis shoes. Also bring a rain poncho or sweater, insect repellent, sunblock, a change of clothes, and a towel.
Departure: 7.00 am / Return: 4.00 pm approx.
Duration: 8 hours approx.
Schedule: Daily, Upon Request.
A minimum of two guests is required to operate the tour.
Taxes are not included.
Hiking Level:
Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike
Medical Recommendations:
If you suffer from high or low blood pressure problems, asthma, or any heart problems, please let our guide know and bring your medication with you.
Not recommended for small kids.
The total hike takes approximately 3.00 hours, depending on your hiking speed. Since the tour is private, you can also decide to take the short 90-minute hike and visit only the waterfall.
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