Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike: Blue River & Sloth Wildlife

Hike into a blue river, then swim under a 40-foot waterfall

A guided hiking tour from Playa Flamingo combines three separate walks: a 90-minute trek to Rio Celeste, where minerals from Tenorio Volcano turn the river bright blue; a drive to Llanos de Cortez Waterfall for swimming in a white sand pool; and a sloth observatory hike where you spot two and three-toed sloths, toucans, monkeys and frogs. Private transport, lunch and a guide in English or Spanish are included.

The experience

The day starts with a 90-minute hike through rainforest to Rio Celeste, where the river's color shift comes from minerals washed down from the dormant Tenorio Volcano. The blue is not dyed or filtered. It is the result of the volcano's mineral deposits and remaining vents, and the effect is strongest where the river runs over pale rocks. After the hike, you drive 15 minutes to Llanos de Cortez Waterfall, a 30-foot-high, 40-foot-wide cascade that spills into a natural pool with white sand. Swimming and wading are part of the stop, and the waterfall sits off the main tourist routes.

The third section is a guided walk through the sloth observatory, a separate hour-long hike where the guide points out two and three-toed sloths, toucans, howler monkeys, frogs and birds. A typical Costa Rican lunch happens between the second and third hike. The tour runs six hours total and requires at least a moderate fitness level. The hikes involve uneven terrain and elevation change. Bring or rent hiking boots, a raincoat, bug spray and a towel. Binoculars and a camera are useful for wildlife spotting.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your hotel.
• bottled water.
• a typical Costa Rican lunch.
• all park fees and taxes.
• an air-conditioned vehicle.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day8 departure times: the first at 06:00, the last at 07:00

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (20 to 59 years) · Senior (60 to 90 years) · Youth (13 to 19 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Infant (2 to 4 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Guanacaste Adventure & Travel

Is this one for you?Book this tour if your group has at least four adults, since the operator requires a minimum of four to run it. The combination of three distinct hikes and a swim suits travelers who want variety within a single day and have moderate hiking fitness. The pace is steady but not strenuous, and the stops break up the walking with a meal and a swim.

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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: Youth (13 to 19 years); Child (5 to 12 years); Infant (2 to 4 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What makes Rio Celeste's water actually turn blue?

Rio Celeste's blue color comes from minerals washed into the river by water draining from Tenorio Volcano, a dormant volcano whose vents still release mineral-rich water into the ground. The minerals scatter light in a way that makes the river appear bright blue, especially where it flows over pale rocks.

Can I swim at both waterfalls on this tour?

Swimming happens at Llanos de Cortez Waterfall, where the cascade flows into a white sand pool. Rio Celeste itself is a hiking destination where you walk alongside and view the blue river, but the water is not deep enough for swimming at the main viewing areas.

How much wildlife will I actually see on the sloth observatory hike?

The sloth observatory hike is designed to spot two and three-toed sloths, and the guide knows where they typically rest. You will also see toucans, howler monkeys, frogs and other birds, though wildlife sightings depend on the time of day and season. Binoculars help with spotting animals in the canopy.

What is included in the lunch, and can I request vegetarian food?

Lunch is a typical Costa Rican dish included in the tour price. Vegetarian options are available if you request them when you book. Let the operator know about any other dietary requirements at the time of booking.

Do I need to be an experienced hiker to do this tour?

The tour requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The three hikes total around three hours of walking on uneven rainforest terrain with some elevation change. Hiking boots (which you can rent at the park) are recommended, and the rainforest is wet and slippery after rain.