Río Celeste Waterfall hike in Tenorio Volcano National Park

Walk through rainforest to the source of the turquoise river

A guided hike through Tenorio Volcano National Park in Alajuela takes you to Río Celeste Waterfall, the Blue Lagoon, and Los Teñideros, where volcanic minerals and a natural phenomenon create the river's vibrant turquoise color. The tour runs three hours with a certified local naturalist guide. Fresh fruit and water are included. Children from age 3 are welcome, and the guide speaks English or Spanish.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike to Río Celeste Waterfall

• Walk rainforest trails with guide
• Admire Río Celeste Waterfall
• Stop at scenic viewpoint
• Visit Blue Lagoon
• See Borbollones boiling springs
• Explore Los Teñideros river merge

The experience

If you have a free afternoon and want to see one of Costa Rica's most distinctive natural sites without spending a full day, this hike fits the window. You start on the rainforest trails of Tenorio Volcano National Park, where your guide points out the plants, trees and wildlife as you move deeper into primary and secondary forest. The walk builds toward the main viewpoint, where you stop to take in the panoramic view of the volcano, river and waterfall together.

The core of the hike is Río Celeste Waterfall itself. The turquoise color comes from volcanic minerals in the water, and the guide explains the geology as you stand in front of it. From there, the trail continues to the Blue Lagoon, where the river pools into vivid blue water calm enough for photos and wildlife watching. You also visit Los Teñideros, the exact spot where two clear rivers merge and the chemical reaction between them creates the turquoise hue. Along the way, you'll pass Borbollones, natural bubbling springs caused by volcanic activity beneath the ground.

The whole route takes three hours. Your guide carries optical equipment for spotting birds and animals in the canopy, and the tour includes fresh fruit and water to keep you going. The group stays small, so the pace is personalized rather than rushed through the stops.

What’s included

• Professional guided service from a certified local naturalist in English or Spanish.
• use of optical equipment for spotting wildlife.
• fresh fruit and water throughout the hike.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 14:00

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

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.

Paid on siteUS$ 6

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditions

Operated by Rio Celeste Wildlife Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Spanish, so choose the language that works for your group. The small-group format means the pace stays comfortable for families with children from age 3, as well as for adults who prefer a slower walk through the rainforest without a large crowd.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

22 verified traveler reviews

5 ★22

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years). Under 3: they can't be included in the booking.

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 is the turquoise color of Río Celeste caused by?

Volcanic minerals in the water create the turquoise hue. At Los Teñideros, you see exactly where two clear rivers merge and the chemical reaction between them produces the distinctive color.

How long does the hike take and what's the terrain like?

The tour runs three hours total through rainforest trails in Tenorio Volcano National Park. You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The hike is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.

What wildlife might I see on the trail?

Your guide keeps watch for birds, monkeys, sloths and other rainforest animals as you walk. The guide carries optical equipment to help spot wildlife in the canopy and explains the ecosystem as you go.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes professional guided service from a certified local naturalist, use of optical equipment for wildlife spotting, and fresh fruit and water throughout the hike. Parking fees are separate.