Rio Celeste rain forest tour: Waterfall, river hike, wildlife

Three stops: a waterfall with almost no walk, a hike into the blue river, and a rain forest where sloths and toucans live

This tour visits three sites in and around Tenorio Volcano National Park near Liberia: Llanos de Cortés Waterfall, where a short walk reaches clear water; Rio Celeste, a hike to a river turned celestial blue by minerals from the volcano; and a rain forest sanctuary where you walk among the flora and fauna. Private transport, lunch, snacks, park entry and a live guide in English or Spanish are included. Children from age 5 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Llanos de Cortés Waterfall1h · entry included
2. Celeste River2h · entry included

Waterfall visit and Rio Celeste hike

• Visit Llanos de Cortez Waterfalls
• Hike to Rio Celeste river

The experience

The day starts at Llanos de Cortés Waterfall, a short walk from the parking area to a pool of clear water where families can wade without strain. From there you drive to Rio Celeste itself, where an adventurous hike takes you to the river's edge. The water's celestial blue color comes from a natural fusion reaction released by Tenorio Volcano: a phenomenon the operator describes as "Heaven on the Water." The hike is the physical heart of the tour, and the river is why people book it.

The final stop is a rain forest sanctuary where you walk through dense vegetation to encounter sloths, frogs, toucans and the abundance of the canopy. This section is an immersive walk into the forest rather than a viewpoint or boardwalk. You are moving through the habitat itself. Private transportation moves you between all three sites, and lunch plus snacks are provided during the day. The tour runs 5 to 8 hours depending on pace and how long you spend at each stop.

What’s included

• Private transportation and an air-conditioned vehicle.
• admission to Llanos de Cortés Waterfall and Tenorio Volcano National Park.
• lunch and snacks.
• bottled water, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Infant (5 to 11 years): free · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 38 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availablePets welcomeNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Coco Bay Adventure

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to hike to Rio Celeste's blue river and see rain forest wildlife in one day without arranging your own transport. The private vehicle and fixed itinerary work well for families with children from age 5, though the Rio Celeste hike requires moderate fitness and the rain forest walk is not a casual stroll.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (5 to 11 years): free. Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

How much walking is involved on this tour?

Llanos de Cortés Waterfall requires almost no walk to reach the water. Rio Celeste involves an adventurous hike to the river, and the rain forest sanctuary is an immersive walk through the vegetation. The operator notes that moderate physical fitness is needed and the tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What is Rio Celeste and why is the water blue?

Rio Celeste is a river in Tenorio Volcano National Park whose water turns a celestial blue color naturally, produced by a fusion reaction released by the volcano. The hike takes you to the river itself so you can see the color and the surrounding landscape.

What wildlife might I see at the sanctuary?

The rain forest sanctuary is home to sloths, frogs and toucans. The walk is designed to move through their habitat, so encounters depend on the time of day and season, but the operator describes it as a place where you will encounter the abundance and beauty of the forest's flora and fauna.

What is included in the tour price?

Private transportation, admission to both Llanos de Cortés Waterfall and Tenorio Volcano National Park, lunch, snacks, bottled water, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and an air-conditioned vehicle are all included. A live guide in English or Spanish is provided.