This tour can best be combined with the Guatuso Malekus Indian Reserve.
This tour introduces travellers to one of Costa Rica’s most incredible sights – the enchanting, blue-hued Río Celeste. The river’s colour is the result of the chemical mixture of sulphur and carbonate, which originate in the nearby Tenorio Volcano. Seeing this sky-blue river flow through a dense rainforest is an undeniably amazing experience.
The river is at only 90 min drive from La Mansion Inn Arenal.
While on this tour, you’ll hike through both primary and secondary rainforest in the Tenorio Volcano National Park. Enjoy the trails while searching for monkeys, sloth’s, tropical birds and more. As the hike continues, you’ll soon arrive along the banks of the Río Celeste. Have your camera ready, because you’re going to want it! The trail winds along the banks of the river, taking you upstream as you hike. The further upriver you travel, the deeper the colour of blue in the water. You’ll eventually reach the point where this colour is generated – the confluence of the Buena Vista and Roble rivers.As the hike continues, you’ll soon arrive at an impressive waterfall – a wonderful place to take pictures or even swim. Once the hike is completed, you’ll be rewarded with a delicious meal and fresh fruit.
This hike is recommended for people in good physical condition. Although it is not physically gruelling, it does require solid health and stamina. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera, swimsuit, and insect repellent.
Rio Celeste is the crown jewel of Northern Costa Rica. The Light Blue River, a winding body of water surrounded by amazing rainforest in the Tenorio Volcano National Park, sports one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful waterfalls, natural hot springs, as well as the unique phenomenon of clear water turning blue by means of a volcanic chemical reaction.
What does a trip to Rio Celeste involve? A trip to Rio Celeste involves a pleasant, yet somewhat challenging hike through the cool rainforest scenery of the TENORIO Volcano National Park. The hike will last about an hour and a half before you reach the Rio Celeste Waterfall. Take some time here to enjoy the beauty of this gorgeous cascading water crashing into the baby blue swimming hole below. The lush green tropical surroundings top off one of most aesthetically-pleasing views in all of Costa Rica.
After another hour of hiking, meanwhile taking a dip in the various hot spring pools along the way, you arrive at the spot where the Rio Celeste turns from a crystal clear water to a magnificent light blue color only found in Rio Celeste. This chemical reaction is caused by a constant flow of minerals supplied by the Tenorio Volcano.
After you’ve seen the water turn blue you can start heading back to the park entrance. This downhill hike will likely only take you an hour and a half. When you get back to the park entrance you will be satisfied by all of the exercise you got while seeing a hidden natural wonder.