Definitely keep an eye out for wildlife along the hike. Thats so cool that a mineral can make the water look so turquoise! After rainfall, the river and waterfall can actually lose that color to an extent due to the muddier conditions that form. The walk to the waterfall is well maintained with stairs, and there is an incredible . Having hiking shoes or closed toe sandals will be your best bet here. I love how clear and blue the water is! What a stunning waterfall! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Youll want to bring a pair of good hiking shoes with you, and avoid sandals of any kind, so you can navigate the trails easier. Tickets & Tours - Celeste River (Ro Celeste), Costa Rica - Viator Here you can take an amazing night walk through the Tapir Valley! You may opt to rent rubber boots if the trails are very muddy. The only way I can describe it is that the Celeste River looks like someone spilled a bucket of blue food coloring into it. If you dont have a pair of sturdy shoes or boots, you can rent a pair at the entrance for $5 USD. It really is just a jaw dropping landscape that is just difficult to comprehend. No, too much rain and lack of sun can desaturate the water and make it appear more brown. From the waterfall just continue following the signs pointing you towards the mirador and other points of interest. -> Feel free to also take a look at my usual hiking packing list for even more great items to bring along with you! Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike Guided Tour | Costa Rica Experts Good to know: This tour doesnt include transport to and from the park. This would of course depend on you having your own rental car. Looking for more travel information? Rio Celeste Hiking, Sloth & Waterfall Tour | Native's Way Tours & Transfers The trail starts off on a concrete pathway that you will easily follow deeper into the forest. Its good to know that you can rent boots if needed, as I love hiking but also love to pack light , It looks stunning! Rio Celeste Waterfall or Catarata Rio Celeste is one of the most unique waterfalls in Costa Rica. During the rainy season, the water can appear brown due to all the rain and lack of sun. The roads reaching this national park have recently been paved. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. A local lunch is included. Please note: You cannot swim anywhere in the Tenorio Volcano National Park. Along the way, observe the volcano vents emitting gases. The legend of the Rio Celeste waterfall, is that when God was painting the sky blue, he dipped his paint brush into the river, forever changing it to a sky blue hue. [1] It is notable for its distinctive turquoise coloration. If so, please consider supporting our work. They cost about $4 and are completely worth it. Although Costa Rica has two distinct seasons, rain can show up year round and make the trail very muddy and slippery. This Rainleaf microfiber quick dry towel has been my go to when it comes to traveling. Most of the hotels in the area have connections and are happy to do that for you. Book your rental car here. Theres no easy way to get there via public transportation. Your email address will not be published. You can then decide to visit the waterfall when you know it hasnt received recent rainfall. The park is named after the active Volcan Tenorio, in the northern highlands. Follow our travels daily on Instagram together with 300K others. - SAVE 10% PLUS OTHER PERKS , Rio Celeste Important Visitor Info in Detail. Make sure you also visit the hanging bridges and the largest human-made lake in Costa Rica! There are several signboards here explaining the background of the river and this optical illusion if you are looking to learn more. No, a 44 vehicle is not necessary to get to Rio Celeste. My Costa Rica (CostaRica.Org) is a Travel Agency that offers Custom Costa Rica Vacations & Packages Including Hotels, All-Inclusive Resorts and Tours. The country is justly famous for its glorious scenery and stunning views. Considering stops and pictures along the way, expect around 1.5 hours for the waterfall only. You will get some great views along the way of this picture perfect blue river until you reach the final point. It stretches 1,500 meters (around 1 mile) until you reach the waterfall staircase. However, it was later found out that there is no copper in the river to turn the river this shade of blue. Hike alongside the alluring blue waters of Rio Celeste on a full-day trip from San Jose. I suggest spending a little bit of time here because the stairs back up are a killer! However, even during the dry season, it can be rainy and cool in this area. Rio Celeste and the stunning waterfall are definite highlights. This article does a great job of explaining the science behind the Rio Celeste waterfall! The first section of trail is the longest but most maintained. Read: Top Things to do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica! When inputting the destination into Google Maps, you are better off just typing out the exact GPS coordinates that will take you directly to the main parking lot. We unfortunately had to cancel our trip to CR but this was totally on our list! The latest number I have come across is 400 people at one time. The water is fiercely blue almost bluer than the sky! 30-minutes to 1 hour is a good amount of time to soak in the beauty of the falls and take some pictures. They discovered that when they took water samples from Rio Celeste the water did not appear bright blue at all, but rather transparent. Rio Celeste Waterfall: the real hack to beat the crowds and it's not Your email address will not be published. Swimming at Rio Celeste is prohibited. The grand finale of this hike is the magnificent Rio Celeste . Visiting Rio Celeste is also one of the best things to do when staying in La Fortuna since it is only a 1.5-hour drive away! This heart pumping activity is the perfect action packed thrill to combine with the therapeutic Rio Celeste. Geothermal activity is sprinkled around Tenorio Volcano National Park, and the Los Borbollones, or boiling spring, is where you can witness it firsthand. This is the spot where the two rivers meet. Prepare for mud during the rainy season: During the months of May through November, be sure to pack rain gear and always wear sturdy hiking boots. Odds are Rio Celeste came up as something you wanted to do in Costa Rica because of its beautiful blue color. Navigate the challenging curbs and spot some wildlife along the way. Rio Celeste Waterfall Costa Rica: 11 Things to Know - Simply Wander Learn more Tenorio Volcano National Park, Costa Rica Overview Can you buy in advance now? Heres all the info you will need to self-drive to the Rio Celeste waterfall. There will be rocky staircases and muddy pathways that you are sure to pass through on the way there. The 180-degree views, wildlife, nature trails, and local community make this an incredibly unique stay. If you are looking for a massive waterfall check out the 270 foot Catarata Del Toro. Discover beautiful rainforest trails, lagoons, geothermal pools, and the breathtaking sky-blue waters of Rio Celeste. There are, however, places outside of the park where you can take a healing dip in the waters. This can be a great option either if you have a rental car or if you are using Costa Ricas bus network. The last thing I wanted to mention here is that there is a limit of how many people can enter the trail at once. The 6k hike will take you by hot springs, lagoons and viewpoints. We visited once in March (dry season) and it still rained all morning on both days that we were in the area. Considering travel insurance for Costa Rica? In other words, in Rio Celeste occurs an optical phenomenon called Mie scattering in the field of physics.. The color of the water is just stunning! Spend the day rafting 13km of intense waters on the Tenorio river! Some of those times were great and some were not so successful. After getting picked up in La Fortuna, your tour guide will take you through the lush rainforest to discover Rio Celeste Waterfall, vibrant lagoons, and Los Teideros (the source of the blue water). While visiting a waterfall may seem pretty standard, there are some things to know about trail and what to bring along with you. You will then turn onto Route 6 to get to the town of Bijagua de Upala. The whiteness of the stones makes the Rio Celeste look far bluer than your average river! Copyright 2004-2021 all rights reserved. The trail will be hard to walk in the rainy season, so its essential to allocate extra time. It created a cold mist that floated through the air around me. The national park is open daily from 8:00am until 4:00pm. Rio Celeste Waterfall: The Ultimate Travel Guide - Framey This depends on the weather, your hiking speed, and how often you stop to take pictures! When you turn off to the waterfall, the trail turns into a more typical unpaved hiking trail. While going at your own pace is nice, having a guide can be very helpful when it comes to learning more about the waterfall and park in general. Save on Pinterest to read it later. Rio Celeste is just beautiful. Top Things to do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica! I think your main focus here is probably on seeing the bright blue color of the water. To get to the waterfall (marked Catarata on the map), you will need to walk down several sets of stairs (about 250 steps in total). You can explore the trails along the rivers and lagoons on foot. My sister and her boyfriend definitely did not share in his enthusiasm. If you visit during a rainy time, we highly recommend renting the rubber boots they offer you at the entrance. The brilliant blue water, which seems altered at first blush, gets its show-stopping hue from a chemical reaction between volcanic minerals. The best time to visit Rio Celeste Waterfalls is in the dry season (December to April). If youre a nature or adventure enthusiast, visit Tenorio Volcano National Park and make the most of its crater hikes, horseback riding, and epic birdwatching! A hike that should be on every visitor's must-do list is the trail of the Ro Celeste, the Heavenly River. Discover beautiful rainforest trails, lagoons, geothermal pools, and the breathtaking sky-blue waters of Rio Celeste. When visiting Tenorio, you should also drop by its charming neighbors. You can actually see the exact spot where two rivers meet and the blue river comes to be. The dazzling centerpiece of Costa Rica's Tenorio Volcano National Park, theCeleste River (Ro Celeste) is most famous for its shockingly bright blue color. Feel free to take a look at Rentalcars.com for a variety of car options to choose from for your time in Costa Rica. Id love to visit one day, thanks for the great guide! I personally dont love the idea of rental shoes for sanitary and comfort reasons. During a tour, you will be picked up from your hotel early in the morning, head to Rio Celeste (and potentially other spots along the way), and then be dropped off back at your hotel at days end. Reading your article brought me right back there! Because of this, it can also be challenging to hike. In the rainy season, the trails can get pretty muddy and you might want to wear boots. From Liberia it's about 1 hour 30. There are also tour options that can introduce you to the private nature reserve! Eventually, you will get to a spot called Mirador on the map. But when it comes to sheer beauty, Rio Celeste could be on top of the list. In the dry season, it can be hot hot hot. If youre intrigued by this lesser-known, Read More Playa Avellanas Surf GuideContinue, Costa Rica is one of the best travel destinations in the world for many reasons. I arrived at 8am, was the very first person in the park and it felt like I had it all to myself, which was truly magical. Dont do it. Rio Celeste is located at about 2 hours from the Liberia international airport (LIR). Hike alongside the sky-blue Rio Celeste. When traveling to a foreign country this dilemma always seems to come up. This meant the waters werent quite as blue as they sometimes are, but we were still in awe. If you are staying up near Rio Celeste you will have no problem finding the park entrance by just inputting Rio Celeste into your GPS unit. There are plenty of incredible hotels, B&Bs and glamping options to choose from. So, when visiting Rio Celeste, dont think of it as just a waterfall. The residual paint from the brushes died the river sky blue, giving it its otherworldly color that you can admire today at Rio Celeste Waterfall. Recommended accommodations near Tenorio include the Rio Celeste Mountain Lodge and Hideaway, both of which feature a secluded setting amid lush jungle with a host of exciting tours including horseback rides and whitewater rafting. Below is an excerpt from the information board along the Rio Celeste trail that explains the research: The particular color of Rio Celeste appears at the point known as Tenidero. I get into hotel, restaurant, and other activity suggestions at the end of this article. but has lived in sunny San Jose, Costa Rica since 2016. Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Additionally, it is known as the location where you can experience some of Costa Ricas best hiking trails. Rio Celeste, Sloth Sanctuary & Llano de Cortez Waterfall However, if you are up for a little bit of driving or you want to stay off the tourist path then visiting Rio Celeste should be no problem for you. Meaning, at no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission anytime you purchase any of the linked products. Thanks for your support of Gathering Waves! Waterfalls Wildlife Rio Celeste, Sloth Sanctuary, and Llanos de Cortes Waterfall Tour Book online now! For more info on what to bring on your trip to Costa Rica, check out my Costa Rica Packing List! An adventurous hike in Tenorio Volcano National Park to see one of Costa Rica's most famous natural wonders - Rio Celeste - known for it's divine hue of turquoise. Home Blog Costa Rica Rio Celeste Waterfall, Costa Rica: ULTIMATE Guide. From the parking area, there is a small dirt trail that will take you down to the river. If you are interested and have a bit more scientific knowledge than I do, you can read more about the study in this scientific journal. How to Get to Rio Celeste By Car: Road Condition and Map - MytanFeet 84 Comments Set in the mountains in rural northwestern Costa Rica, the Rio Celeste (Blue River) and waterfall is a breathtaking natural wonder that one has to see to believe. Be sure to check out the other Costa Rica guides and itineraries up on the site. With spectacular turquoise blue waters and matching morpho butterflies fluttering around, natural hot springs and jungle trails that lead to one of Central America's most stunning waterfalls, Rio Celeste (meaning Light Blue River in Spanish) is one of Costa Rica's best kept secrets . If your time in Costa Rica is short, you may opt to visit Rio Celeste as a day trip from either La Fortuna or the Guanacaste beaches. Once youve soaked in all the beauty of the waterfall and natural phenomena, youll hike back to the Don Alexis Farm to enjoy a delicious lunch and a private swimming area along the river. The first 20 mins are flat and paved, making it easier for hikers of all skills and ages. Continue with Recommended Cookies. We have lots more resources on travel in Costa Rica and destinations throughout the country. The town is located just 15 minutes away from the waterfall parking lot. Your email address will not be published. More info in our. Nuff said. And this is not only found at the waterfall itself. Plus, how often can you swim in a bright blue river? You used to be able to take a relaxing soak in the hot springs but it is no longer allowed. . Rio Celeste Highlights: There are 5 main highlights to visit once you are past the entranceway. When we were there last time it did not seem as though they were paying too much attention to the cars. My dad, my sister, and her boyfriend were driving together. However, there are 4 additional highlights further along the way listed below. I also suggest bringing long socks. So, finally a group of researchers at Universidad de Costa Rica and the Universidad Nacional decided it was time to figure out exactly what was causing this sky blue color. A powerful river came crashing 60 feet down from the trees above into a dazzling pool of turquoise blue water. In addition to three of Costa Ricas monkey species howler, white-faced and spider, youre likely to spot sloths, anteaters, collared peccaries, and coatis! Just north or Rio Celeste, stay in relaxing, atmospheric rooms nestled in over 60 hectares of cocoa farms. It is really nice here because you can actually see how the different rivers mix to create the bright blue color. Yes. The beautiful color of the river and waterfall is something out of this world. You can certainly hike Rio Celeste without a guide. What a cool share. Other Waterfall Hikes. Thanks for supporting the work I put into TripTins! About 0.8 miles in, you come to the junction with signage to go down to the waterfall or continue to the sulfur outlets in the river, where two rivers meet to create the blue Rio Celeste.
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