Río Celeste Hike

A hike toward one of the most singular landscapes in Costa Rica, where the forest, geothermal activity, and the color of the water make the route something truly extraordinary

We’ll coordinate it with your current reservation or room.

About this experience

Río Celeste is one of those places where nature seems to reveal something extraordinary in the middle of the forest. This hike through Tenorio Volcano National Park covers close to 6 kilometers among jungle trails, biodiversity, and the meeting of two crystalline streams that give rise to the river’s characteristic blue color, one of the most singular natural phenomena in Costa Rica.

The route also allows you to observe manifestations of the geothermal activity of the area and culminates with a visit to the Río Celeste waterfall, followed by a typical lunch in the region. From Chachagua Rainforest Hotel, the concierge team can incorporate this experience into a broader itinerary, smoothly and personally.

Tenorio Volcano National Park

7:00am

Bilingual guide

6 years old

Highlights

Location: Tenorio Volcano National Park
Main experience: Hike along jungle trails and visit to Río Celeste
Duration: Approximately 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Hiking distance: 6 km / 3.7 miles
Level: Moderate
Previous experience: Not required
Ideal for: Travelers who want to combine hiking, rainforest, and one of the most emblematic landscapes in Costa Rica
Highlight: The meeting of the streams that give rise to the sky-blue color of the river, and the visit to the waterfall

Your day, step by step

7:00 a.m. · Pick-up

Departure from the Arenal area toward Tenorio Volcano National Park to begin the experience early in the morning.

8:30 a.m. · Arrival and route briefing

Before entering the trail, the guide shares practical recommendations and prepares the group for the rhythm of the hike.

9:00 a.m. · Start of the hike

The experience begins along rainforest trails, where the landscape gradually opens through humidity, lush vegetation, and the sounds of the natural surroundings.

10:30 a.m. · Los Teñideros and geothermal scenery

As the walk continues, the route reaches one of the most memorable points of the experience: the place where crystal-clear streams come together to create the river’s distinctive light-blue color, alongside geothermal features in the landscape.

12:00 p.m. · Waterfall viewpoint

The hike continues to the iconic Río Celeste waterfall, where the vivid color of the water stands out against the deep greenery of the canyon.

1:30 p.m. · Lunch and return

After the hike, the day concludes with lunch and the return transfer to Arenal.

What's included

Transportation
Guide
Water refill
Lunch
Entrance ticket
Snack

What to pack

Water bottle
Comfortable clothing
Sunscreen
Hat
Extra clothing
Insect repellent
Hiking shoes

Design your trip with the concierge

Want to combine this adventure with hot springs, gastronomy, and nights in the jungle? Our team creates a personalized itinerary at your pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Río Celeste experience?

It is a guided hike through Tenorio Volcano National Park, where the route crosses tropical forest trails and areas of geothermal activity and leads to the most representative points of Río Celeste, including its waterfall.

What makes Río Celeste special?

One of its greatest attractions is the point where two crystalline streams meet and generate the river’s characteristic sky-blue color, along with the presence of geothermal activity and the visit to the waterfall.

Does the experience include the Río Celeste waterfall?

Yes. One of the highlights of the route is the visit to the spectacular Río Celeste waterfall.

Is it suitable for nature lovers?

Yes. It is one of the most suitable outings for those who want to walk inside the rainforest, observe unique natural processes, and discover a landscape of great ecological richness.

Can the hotel help me arrange this experience?

Yes. Chachagua Rainforest Hotel’s concierge team can guide each guest to integrate Río Celeste into a personalized itinerary, according to the pace of the trip and the type of experiences they wish to prioritize.

How much time is spent on the boat during the experience?

The main boat ride lasts დაახლოებით 2 hours, within a broader guided day that also includes transportation, wildlife observation, and lunch.