Rio Celeste & Tenorio Volcano: Blue River Hike with Waterfall & Hot Springs

Summary

Rio Celeste’s surreal blue river hike with waterfall plunge and volcanic hot springs

You’ll follow jungle trails to Rio Celeste’s surreal blue river, stand beside its roaring waterfall, watch two rivers blend into one impossible color, and unwind in volcanic hot springs near Tenorio Volcano. Local guides share stories along the way and lunch is included — expect mud on your shoes and something new on your mind by sunset.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the color — not just blue, but this kind of electric, milky turquoise that looked fake against all the green. We’d barely started down the trail at Tenorio Volcano when our guide, Diego, stopped and scooped up a handful of wet leaves. “Smell this,” he said. It was sharp and earthy, like rain on hot stone. I didn’t expect the forest to be so loud — birds arguing overhead, something crashing through leaves somewhere out of sight. My shoes were already muddy.

We reached the Rio Celeste waterfall after about an hour. The sound was huge — you could feel it in your ribs before you saw it. People stood there just staring at that water pouring into a perfect blue pool (I tried to take a photo but honestly it looked unreal). Diego explained how two rivers meet here — Buena Vista and Roble — and when their minerals mix with volcanic stuff from Tenorio, that’s what makes the color. He drew lines in the dirt to show us where it happens. I probably should’ve listened more closely but I kept watching the spray catch sunlight in little rainbows.

After that we hiked further to Los Teñideros — the spot where those two rivers actually merge. You can see clear water turning blue right in front of you. It’s weirdly satisfying to watch; I stood there longer than I meant to while some kids tried to skip rocks (badly). The air smelled faintly like sulfur but not in a gross way — just enough to remind you there’s a volcano nearby. Lunch was simple but good: rice, beans, grilled chicken, fresh juice. There was this old man at the next table who nodded at me and said something about “el secreto del río” — I think he meant the magic is better if you don’t try too hard to explain it.

We ended with a soak in hot springs surrounded by steam and trees dripping from earlier rain. My legs were tired but I felt weirdly lightheaded — maybe from all that blue or maybe just being outside all day. On the drive back I kept thinking about how sometimes nature gets away with colors that shouldn’t even exist together, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tenorio Volcano and Rio Celeste Hike

• Depart early from La Fortuna
• Hike through rainforest trails
• Learn about Rio Celeste's color
• Visit Rio Celeste Waterfall
• See Los Teñideros river merge
• Explore Tenorio Volcano region
• Discover volcanic history and ecosystems

Top questions

How long does the Rio Celeste & Tenorio Volcano tour take?

This is a full-day tour starting early morning and returning by evening.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, private transportation with pickup is included.

What should I bring for hiking Rio Celeste?

Wear comfortable shoes you don’t mind getting muddy; bring water and rain gear if possible.

Is lunch provided during the Rio Celeste hike?

Yes, lunch is included as part of your day trip experience.

Are there age restrictions for this tour?

The tour is recommended for ages 12 and up; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Will we have a local guide during the hike?

Yes, a local guide leads the group throughout the tour.

Can travelers with limited mobility join this hike?

This tour requires moderate fitness; not recommended for travelers with mobility issues or certain health conditions.

Do we visit hot springs on this Rio Celeste day trip?

Yes, time at natural mineral hot springs near Tenorio Volcano is included.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off, all entry fees along rainforest trails and waterfalls at Rio Celeste and Tenorio Volcano, a guided hike led by a local expert who shares stories along the way, plus lunch before relaxing in natural volcanic hot springs before heading back in the evening.