Deep in Tenorio Volcano National Park, two clear rivers meet at a spot called Los Teñidores, and the minerals they carry turn the water sky blue. That is the Río Celeste, and this hike follows it to the place where its color begins.
Along the way you stop at the 30 m turquoise waterfall, the bright blue pool of Laguna Azul and the volcanic vents that make the river bubble. The trail is about 6 km there and back, muddy and with stairs. Lunch is included after the hike.
Highlights
- The 30 m Río Celeste waterfall and its turquoise pool
- Los Teñidores, where two clear rivers meet and turn sky blue
- Laguna Azul and the volcanic vents that make the river bubble
- Forest trails on the slopes of Tenorio Volcano, with a certified guide
Know before you go
- Swimming is not allowed anywhere in the park, including at the waterfall.
- Park tickets are sold online only, for a fixed entry time, and late arrivals are turned away. I book your time slot together with the tour.
- After heavy rain the river can lose its color for a few days.
- Storms sometimes close sections of the trail. I check the trail status before your tour.
- The trail is muddy for much of the year and has stairs, so it is not suitable for strollers.
How the day goes
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Pickup in La Fortuna
The drive to Tenorio Volcano National Park, near Bijagua, takes about 1.5 hours.
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180 min
Hike to the waterfall and Los Teñidores
About 6 km there and back on a forest trail, with stops at the waterfall, Laguna Azul, the bubbling vents and the spot where the color begins.
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Lunch and the drive back
Lunch is included after the hike, and you are back at your hotel in the afternoon.
Included
- Certified bilingual guide (English and Spanish)
- Round-trip transport from your hotel in La Fortuna
- National park ticket for a fixed entry time
- Lunch
Not included
- Tips
What to bring
- Hiking shoes with good grip
- Rain jacket
- A spare pair of socks
- Insect repellent
- Refillable water bottle