Tenorio Volcano & Rio Celeste: Nature Hike with Guide

Summary

Rio Celeste Forest Walk & Wildlife Spotting Experience

You’ll walk rainforest trails near Tenorio Volcano with a local guide who knows where to find sloths and monkeys. Swim in Rio Celeste’s surreal blue water outside the park, hear stories about ancient trees, and spot birds hidden in the canopy. It’s an easygoing day full of small surprises you’ll remember long after your shoes dry out.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wonder what color “celeste” really is? I didn’t, not until we stood at the edge of Rio Celeste near Tenorio Volcano, watching the water swirl this impossible blue — like someone dropped paint into the river. Our guide, Carlos, grinned at my face. “It’s from the minerals,” he said, but honestly it looked like magic. The air was thick with that green smell you only get in real rainforest, and every step on the trail felt soft underfoot — damp leaves everywhere, a little squish in my shoes.

Carlos knew exactly where to look for animals. He’d stop mid-sentence and point up: “There!” And sure enough, a sloth curled up high above us, barely moving except for one lazy blink. We heard monkeys before we saw them — this wild chattering overhead — and then they’d swing past so fast I almost missed it. At one point he handed me his binoculars to spot a toucan (I fumbled them; he laughed). It wasn’t just about ticking off animals though; he told stories about the trees too, how some are older than his grandfather. I liked that part.

After hiking through all that green, we got to swim outside the national park — cold at first but then perfect once you’re in. The water left my skin feeling almost slippery, which Carlos said was normal here (mineral something-or-other). I lay back and watched sunlight flicker through the branches overhead. Didn’t expect to feel so calm after all that walking. The whole thing was slower than I thought it would be — in a good way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rio Celeste Nature Hike

• Swim in Rio Celeste outside park
• Walk in mature forest
• Visit large trees and spot wildlife

Top questions

How long is the hike at Rio Celeste?

The walk is moderate and takes place in mature forest near Tenorio Volcano. Exact distance varies but expect several hours on foot.

Can you swim in Rio Celeste during this tour?

Yes, swimming is included outside the national park as part of the experience.

Are entrance tickets included?

Yes, entrance tickets are included in your booking.

Is bottled water provided on this hike?

Bottled water is included for all participants.

What kind of wildlife might we see?

You may see birds, monkeys, sloths, and other animals depending on luck and season.

Is parking available for customers?

Yes, customer parking is provided as part of the tour.

Do I need to be very fit for this hike?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended for this nature walk.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed during the activity.

Is there a local guide during the hike?

Yes, a local guide leads the nature hike and helps spot wildlife along the way.

What’s included

Your day includes entrance tickets to explore near Tenorio Volcano with a knowledgeable local guide leading you through mature forest trails. Bottled water is provided along with customer parking at the meeting point before setting off together into Costa Rica’s wild side.