Río Celeste Waterfall Hike from La Fortuna: turquoise lagoon

Walk into the rainforest and stand at the base of a waterfall glowing turquoise

This day trip from La Fortuna takes you on a guided hike through Tenorio Volcano National Park to Río Celeste waterfall and its azure lagoon, with a stop at Los Teñideros to see two rivers merge and turn the water turquoise. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with lunch at a local restaurant after the hike. A local guide leads the trek and explains the rainforest's plant and animal life along the way.

The Experience

Tenorio Volcano National Park sits about 1.5 hours from La Fortuna. Your guide picks you up at your hotel or rental home in an air-conditioned vehicle and takes you on back roads to the park entrance, where restrooms and changing facilities are available. From there, the hike to Río Celeste waterfall is roughly an hour through deep rainforest. The trail circles back to the starting point, so you're not retracing the same ground twice.

The waterfall itself is the draw — the water flows in that distinctive celestial blue, a color that stops you when you first see it. Before you reach it, you'll visit Los Teñideros, where two rivers meet. Your guide will explain why the water turns turquoise at that exact point, a transformation that happens right in front of you. The hike involves a moderate amount of walking and requires comfortable shoes; bring a change of clothes, sunglasses, insect repellent and water.

After the hike, you rest and eat lunch at a local restaurant. Your guide speaks English or Spanish and can answer questions about the rainforest's plant and animal life as you walk. The whole day runs about six hours from pickup to drop-off.

What’s included

• Local guide in English or Spanish.
• hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• lunch at a local restaurant after the hike.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availableNot for back problems

Operated by Desafio Adventure Company

Is this one for you?The tour departs from La Fortuna with hotel pickup included, so you don't need a car or a way to reach the park entrance 1.5 hours away — the guide handles the drive and the route, and you arrive ready to hike.

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Top questions

How difficult is the hike to Río Celeste waterfall?

The hike to Río Celeste takes roughly an hour through rainforest and requires a moderate level of physical fitness. A moderate amount of walking is involved, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. The trail circles back to where it starts, so you're not covering new ground on the return.

What exactly is Los Teñideros and why does the water turn turquoise there?

Los Teñideros is where two rivers merge within Tenorio Volcano National Park. Your guide will explain the natural process behind the color transformation — the water turns turquoise at the point where the rivers meet, and you'll see it happen as part of the hike.

Does the tour include hotel pickup from La Fortuna?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included. The guide picks you up at your hotel or rental home in an air-conditioned vehicle and takes you on back roads to the park entrance, about 1.5 hours away.

What's included in the lunch after the hike?

Lunch at a local restaurant is included after you finish the hike and rest at the park. The tour does not cover gratuities, which you can add if you choose.

What language does the guide speak?

Your guide speaks English or Spanish, depending on availability. You can request your preferred language when you book.

What should I bring on this hike?

Bring a change of clothes, sunglasses, insect repellent and water. Wear comfortable walking shoes. The park has restrooms and changing facilities at the entrance.