Rio Celeste Waterfall hike private tour with sloths

Two rivers meet and turn the water bright blue. A natural phenomenon you'll see at Los Teñideros.

A private guided hike through Tenorio Volcano National Park in Costa Rica's northwest, ending at Rio Celeste Waterfall. The tour covers roughly 5 miles over about three hours, passing Los Teñideros where two streams merge to create the river's distinctive turquoise color, plus thermal springs and wildlife habitat. Includes park entry, a driver-guide, lunch in the nearby town of Bijagua, and private transportation. Available in English or Spanish for groups of two or more.

The experience

The hike starts in Tenorio Volcano National Park and moves through rainforest trails where you'll walk past thermal springs heated by volcanic gases, the "Borbollones", and stop at Los Teñideros, the exact point where two clear streams collide and the water shifts to turquoise. Rio Celeste Waterfall sits at the end of the trail. The whole route runs about 5 miles and takes roughly three hours of hiking, with your guide pointing out sloths, monkeys and tropical birds along the way. You'll need moderate fitness and proper hiking shoes. The operator recommends bringing mosquito repellent, sunscreen, a hat and a change of clothes.

After the hike, lunch happens in Bijagua, a rural town near the park where you'll eat traditional Costa Rican food. Private transportation picks you up from your hotel in the Liberia area and brings you back, so the day runs about eight hours total. The guide speaks English or Spanish and knows the park's ecology and conservation work. A minimum of two people per booking keeps the group small and the experience genuinely private.

Children from age six are welcome, though the operator notes the hike is not suitable for pregnant travelers or anyone with spinal injuries or cardiovascular concerns. Specialized infant seats are available if you're traveling with very young children, though they won't join the hike itself.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your hotel in the Liberia area.
• park entry to Tenorio Volcano National Park.
• a private guide who speaks English or Spanish.
• bottled water during the hike.
• traditional Costa Rican lunch in Bijagua after the hike.

Options for this experience

2 options

Rio Celeste Waterfall.Up to 8 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · 07:30Sloth Sanctuary: Guests will observe sloths in their natural habitats, with guides pointing out sloths and other wildlife along the way. Private family tour: An excellent option for families, groups, or couples seeking a more intimate and customized travel experience. Duration: 8 hours. Traditional Costa Rican Lunch: You will have the unique chance to try Casado, a well-balanced and satisfying meal that brings together a variety of flavors and textures. Rio Celeste Hiking Tour: The journey runs from Guanacaste to Tenorio Volcano National Park, passing scenic areas and lush landscape. Full A/C minivan: Comfortable vehicles. Pickup is included.

Rio Celeste Waterfall groupUp to 10 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · 07:30Pickup is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30Last departure this season: 30 Nov

AgesAdult (10 to 60 years) · Child (6 to 9 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

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.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Costa Rica Green Life Tours

Is this one for you?Book the group option if you're comfortable sharing the guide with other hikers. Choose the private option if your group wants the guide's full attention and flexibility on timing. Either way, the three-hour hike suits anyone with moderate fitness who can handle jungle terrain in hiking shoes and wants to see the exact spot where the two rivers create the blue water.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 9 years). Under 6: they can't be included in the booking.

What exactly happens at Los Teñideros on this hike?

Los Teñideros is where two clear streams meet and merge into one river. The collision of the water creates the turquoise color Rio Celeste is famous for. You'll stand at that exact spot during the hike and see the color change happen in front of you.

Will I see sloths on this tour?

Sloths live in the rainforest around Tenorio Volcano National Park, and your guide will watch for them along the trail. The operator runs this as a sloth-focused tour, so spotting them is part of what the guide is trained to do, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

How long is the actual hiking, and what's the full day like?

The hike itself covers roughly 5 miles and takes about three hours. The full day, including transportation from your hotel, the hike, lunch in Bijagua and the return trip, runs about eight hours total.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

The tour includes park entry, private transportation, a guide, bottled water and lunch. Bring hiking shoes, comfortable clothes, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and a change of clothes. A copy of your passport is also useful.

Can I book this as a group, or does it have to be private?

This is a private tour, meaning your group hikes together with one guide. A minimum of two people is required per booking. You can choose between a group option or a fully private option at checkout.