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The Río Celeste waterfall falling into a turquoise pool

Private day tour from La FortunaRío Celeste and Tenorio Volcano National Park Private Day Trip from La Fortuna

9h, from 07:00
Up to 16 people
Your hotel in La Fortuna (the town and the hotels on the road to the volcano)
Free cancellation, 24h

A day at Río Celeste, the river in Tenorio Volcano National Park that runs a bright sky blue: the waterfall, the blue lagoon, the hot bubbling springs and the place where the colour begins.

The day

About an hour and a half's drive each way, and three hours on the park trail.

07:00

Your hotel

Collected in La Fortuna. The road runs north-west through farmland towards the Tenorio volcano.

08:30

Río Celeste waterfall

From the park entrance, a forest trail and a long stairway lead down to the waterfall dropping into a pool of milky blue water.
Park ticket not included

10:30

Laguna Azul, the Borbollones and Los Teñideros

Further along the trail: a blue lagoon, springs bubbling with volcanic gas, and the point where two clear rivers meet and the water turns blue.

12:30

Lunch

In one of the small family restaurants near the park.

13:45

A swim in the blue river

Swimming is not allowed inside the park, but there is a public spot on the river just beyond the entrance.

14:30

Back to La Fortuna

Back the way we came.

16:00

Back to your hotel

In the afternoon.

The Río Celeste waterfall falling into a turquoise pool
The Río Celeste waterfall falling into a turquoise pool
The pale blue water of Río Celeste in the forest
The pale blue water of Río Celeste in the forest
Río Celeste winding through the rainforest, seen from above
Río Celeste winding through the rainforest, seen from above

Photos by Paola Luna, Jancy Barahona, Bernd Dittrich on Unsplash

In the price

  • Private vehicle and driver for the whole day
  • Fuel and parking
  • Itinerary changed on the day

Not in the price

The park ticket, a guide, lunch and parking at the swimming spot are not included.

Before you book

Tickets
Tickets are sold only online by SINAC, the national parks service, in entry slots from 08:00; the last slot is at 13:45. They are not sold at the gate. Book the 08:30 slot before the day.
The trail
About 7 km there and back, around three hours, with some 250 steps down to the waterfall and the same back up. It is often muddy: wear shoes with grip.
Before you go
Parts of the stairway to the lowest waterfall platform have been closed after landslides. We check the park's notices the day before.
Start time
Starts at 07:00, every day. Every tour is customisable: a different start time, extra stops, more time where you like it, or a longer day. Tell us when you book.
Language
Guided in English. Other languages on request, if we have notice.
Cancellation
Free up to 24 hours before, refunded in full.

Questions

Yes. The tour is private, and the price depends on how many of you travel, starting from €500. Choose the number of people when you book.

Two clear rivers meet at Los Teñideros, and minerals from each react together and scatter the light. You can see the change in colour on the trail.

No. After heavy rain the water can turn cloudy and lose its colour.

Two vehicles travelling together, on one booking. Message us and we will price it.

Yes. Every tour is customisable: a different start time, extra stops, more time where you like it, or a longer day. Tell us when you book.

Message us and we'll move it if we can — we work with several drivers, so there is usually room. More than 24 hours ahead costs nothing.

More in Costa Rica

Not sure which to pick? Read our guide to day trips from La Fortuna

from €500 Up to 16 people, 9h