Río Celeste hike and swim: Tenorio volcano waterfall river
Rainforest, two mineral streams turning turquoise, a waterfall, and time in the river
This 8-hour guided hike in Tenorio volcano national park takes you through rainforest to Los Teñideros (where two mineral-rich streams meet and shift the water turquoise), Río Celeste Waterfall, and a swimming spot on the river itself. Hotel pickup, a professional guide in English or Spanish, lunch at a farm, and transport by minivan are included. Not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with cardiovascular concerns.
Step-by-step itinerary
Hike and swim at Río Celeste
- Visit Tenorio Volcano National Park
- See Río Celeste Waterfall and Los Teñideros
- View tropical rainforest and Los Borbollones
- Stop at ancient tree for photo
- Arrive at Don Alexis Farm
- Swim in turquoise river water
- Relax on hammock
- Enjoy delicious Costa Rican lunch
What’s included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off.
- professional guide in English or Spanish.
- transport by air-conditioned minivan.
- bottled water and snacks throughout the day.
- a full costarican lunch at the farm.
- all taxes, fees and handling charges.
Times
Next departure: 31 Aug 2027
12 departing soon ›Before you book
Operated by SEVEN TOURS COSTA RICA
Prices and times updated 4 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
The day starts with pickup from your hotel and a drive to Tenorio volcano national park. Once inside, the hike moves through rainforest canopy toward Los Teñideros, the place where two streams with different mineral compositions meet and the water shifts to turquoise blue. You'll see Río Celeste Waterfall next, then stop at an ancient tree for photos before heading to Don Alexis Farm, where the real break comes: time to wade into the river itself, float in the turquoise water, and rest in a hammock while lunch is prepared.
The guide leads the whole route and carries the pace. You move at a steady clip through the forest but the itinerary builds in a long stop at the farm so you're not rushing the swim. Bottled water and snacks come along, and lunch is a full meal, not a bar. The minivan waits for transport between the park and the farm, so the day is structured but not rigid: the guide adjusts for the group's rhythm and the river time is yours to use.
Is this one for you?Eight hours is long enough to move through three sites without rushing the swimming time at the farm, but it means the rest of your day is spoken for. Plan this as your main outing. The hike is steady rainforest walking, not a scramble, so it suits most fitness levels, though it's not suitable if you're pregnant or managing cardiovascular concerns.
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Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Spanish.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 10 years); Infant (under 6).
What is Los Teñideros and why does the water turn that color?
Los Teñideros is the spot where two streams with different mineral and chemical composition meet. The minerals in each stream react when they combine, and the result is the turquoise blue water you see. It's a natural phenomenon, not dyed or treated.
Do I actually get to swim in the river, or just look at it?
You swim in the river. The farm stop is built around water time: you wade in, float in the turquoise water, and relax on a hammock while lunch is prepared. It's the centerpiece of the day, not a photo stop.
How long is the hike itself, and how steep is it?
The itinerary covers rainforest trails to the waterfall and the mineral streams, with the hike broken into sections by the stops at each site. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though it's not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.
What's included in lunch, and when do we eat?
Lunch is a full costarican meal served at Don Alexis Farm after the waterfall and swimming time. Bottled water and snacks are provided throughout the day as well.
Will I need my own transportation, or is it arranged?
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and you travel by air-conditioned minivan between your hotel and the park, then to the farm. No car rental or separate transport is needed.
Río Celeste hike and swim: Tenorio volcano waterfall river
8h · EN · ES · at your hotel
from US$ 95 per person
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