Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike: Turquoise River & Rainforest

The water really is turquoise, not a trick of the light or the camera angle.

A full-day guided hike to Rio Celeste waterfall in Tenorio National Park, departing from Playa Flamingo with hotel pickup included. You walk two hours through rainforest and flatlands to reach the teñideros, a lake and the waterfall itself, with a guide who points out birds and wildlife along the way. Lunch is a traditional Costa Rican casado (rice, beans, salad, plantains or picadillo, meat or fish), and the tour includes bottled water, snacks and air-conditioned transport both ways.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike and explore Rio Celeste Waterfall

• Hike 2 hours in National Park
• Observe turquoise water and wildlife
• Listen to guide about fauna
• Enjoy traditional Casado lunch

The experience

Rio Celeste sits inside Tenorio National Park, where the Tenorio River runs a color most travelers have only seen in photos. The hike itself is two hours through rainforest and flatlands, moving past the teñideros (the mixing point where mineral-rich springs turn the water that shade of turquoise), a lake and finally the waterfall. Your guide talks about the wildlife and birds you'll spot. The landscape is built for movement, and the fresh air and the sounds are part of the point.

Lunch is a casado, the representative meal of Costa Rica: rice, beans, green salad, plantains or picadillo, and meat or fish. It arrives partway through the day, grounding the hike in something local and substantial. The tour runs eight hours total, which includes the drive from Playa Flamingo, the hike itself, lunch and the return. Transport is air-conditioned. The vehicle carries bottled water and snacks for the road.

Bring cash for any extras, swimsuit and towel if you want to get in the water, shoes that grip wet rock, insect repellent and sunscreen. A moderate level of fitness gets you through the two-hour hike comfortably.

What’s included

• The tour includes private transportation from your Playa Flamingo hotel.
• bottled water and snacks throughout the day.
• a traditional Costa Rican casado lunch.
• and an air-conditioned vehicle for the drive.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 06:30, 07:00 and 07:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (3 to 80 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

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 10 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats available

Operated by Orly Tours

Is this one for you?Your guide speaks about wildlife and fauna as you hike, so anyone comfortable following a Spanish-speaking guide through a rainforest will get the full experience. The two-hour hike and the eight-hour day suit travelers with moderate fitness who want to see the waterfall without a scramble or a long trek.

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Top questions

What is Rio Celeste and why is the water that color?

Rio Celeste is a river in Tenorio National Park where mineral-rich springs mix with the main river flow, creating that distinctive turquoise hue. The teñideros are the spot where you can actually see this mixing happen, and the waterfall is where the river drops after the lake.

How much of the day is spent actually hiking?

The hike itself is two hours through rainforest and flatlands to reach the teñideros, lake and waterfall. The full tour is eight hours, which includes the drive from Playa Flamingo, the hike, lunch and the return journey.

What wildlife might I see on this hike?

Your guide will point out birds and wild animals as you move through the rainforest and flatlands around the Tenorio River. The guide talks about wildlife and fauna throughout the day, so you'll learn what you're looking at as you spot it.

Is the water safe to swim in?

The tour includes time at the river and waterfall, and many travelers bring swimsuits and towels. Bring water shoes or shoes with good grip since the rocks can be slippery, and the water is cold from the mountain springs.

What's included in the lunch?

Lunch is a casado, a traditional Costa Rican meal with rice, beans, green salad, plantains or picadillo, and meat or fish. It's served partway through the day and is included in the tour price.