San José: Río Celeste hike with swim & Caldera beach stop

Summary

Walk rainforest trails, taste Costa Rican flavors, and swim in turquoise Río Celeste

You’ll start your day early from San José heading north with a local guide, hiking lush trails to see Río Celeste’s glowing waterfall and volcanic pools. After lunch at a family-run spot, you’ll swim in turquoise water on private land before ending with artisan ice cream at Caldera beach — moments you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was the mist clinging to the hills as we left San José — not quite rain, just that damp air that makes your hair curl. Our guide, Andrés, kept us awake with stories about the volcanoes and why Río Celeste is so blue (something about minerals mixing — I’ll admit I zoned out staring at cows grazing by the road). By the time we reached Tenorio National Park, my shoes were itching for a walk. The forest here feels alive in a way that’s hard to explain — everything buzzes or drips or calls out. We stopped suddenly when someone spotted a sloth curled up like a mossy pillow. Andrés grinned and whispered “perezoso,” which I tried to repeat but probably mangled.

The waterfall itself… well, it’s not like any blue I’ve seen before. It almost glows against all that green. The spray hit my face and tasted faintly metallic — maybe from the volcanic stuff? There were locals on the trail too, families with kids pointing at toucans overhead. At one point we passed these bubbling pools where you could actually smell sulfur in the air (not my favorite scent but kind of cool). Lunch after all that walking was at this small spot run by a family — rice, beans, fried plantains, chicken stewed in something sweet-smelling. I ate too fast and regretted it later but honestly it was worth it.

I didn’t expect to be able to swim in Río Celeste itself — turns out our group had access to this private bit outside the park. The water felt cold at first but then weirdly soft on my skin; someone said it’s good for asthma? Not sure if that’s true but floating there looking up at tangled branches above… I still think about that moment when everything went quiet except for birds somewhere off in the trees.

The drive back felt long but not boring. We stopped at Caldera beach just as the sky started turning gold and pink. There was salty wind and some local guy selling ice cream from a cart — coconut flavor for me (sticky fingers after). Watching waves roll in while licking melting ice cream is maybe not glamorous but it felt perfect right then. So yeah, if you’re thinking about a day trip to Río Celeste from San José, this one covers more than you’d expect.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Rio Celeste and Surroundings

• Visit Rio Celeste Waterfall and Blue Lagoon
• Swim at private Rio Celeste river stretch
• Enjoy ice cream at Caldera Beach sunset

Top questions

How long is the drive from San José to Río Celeste?

It takes several hours by road from San José to Tenorio National Park where Río Celeste is located.

Can you swim in Río Celeste during this tour?

Yes, swimming is allowed on a private stretch of Río Celeste outside the national park boundaries as part of this tour.

Is lunch included on the day trip?

Yes, lunch is included at a typical family-run restaurant near Río Celeste.

Are there chances to see wildlife like sloths or toucans?

Yes, you may see monkeys, toucans, and sloths along the trails in Tenorio National Park.

Does this tour include hotel pickup from San José?

Yes, pickup from your hotel in San José is included.

Is this day trip suitable for children or people with limited fitness?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels and specialized infant seats are available.

What should I bring for swimming in Río Celeste?

You should bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim during the private river stop.

Do you visit Caldera beach on this tour?

Yes, there’s a stop at Caldera beach on the return journey where you can enjoy artisan ice cream and watch sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from San José, breakfast and coffee or tea to start things off right, guided hiking through Tenorio National Park with entry fees covered, authentic Costa Rican lunch made fresh by locals, snacks along the way, exclusive access for swimming in Río Celeste’s mineral-rich waters outside park limits, plus an evening stop at Caldera beach before heading back home.