Tenorio Volcano National Park/Rio Celeste
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Tenorio Volcano National Park/Rio Celeste
Costa Rica has a few secrets and one of them is the Rio Celeste located in the northwestern part of the country. Rio Celeste is known for its magnificent light blue color water. The river is surrounded by stunning rainforest and the entire area is located in Tenorio Volcano National Park. The Rio Celeste is home to a striking waterfall with its frothy water cascading into the picturesque light blue waters below. The water changes color due to the sulfur emitted by volcanic activity and mixes with calcium carbonate to produce a stunning hue. Legend has it, when the Gods painted the skies, they dipped their paint brushes into the river which turned the river its light blue color. The river also has a number of natural hot springs located along the banks which can be quite relaxing while the cool blue water rushes downstream right next to you. There are a series of hot springs and boiling mud pots- so use some caution when exploring the area.
Video: Rio Celeste BLUE Costa Rica
A trek to Rio Celeste involves a pleasant, yet somewhat challenging, hike through the cool rainforest of the Tenorio Volcano National Park. From the park entrance (which is located at the Rio Celeste Lodge) it takes about an hour (depending) to reach the Rio Celeste Waterfall. There's also trails that take you to the place where the water magically appears to turn blue. You’ll want to spend some time here taking in the Eden-like beauty of the area and although you do so at your own risk, many people swim here as well. The scenery in this area is spectacular. So give yourself some time to hike around. To view all points of interest give yourself 4-5 hours there and back. At some points you will be back tracking.
Tenorio Volcano National Park is one of the newer national parks and is just now beginning to be seen as a great option for a 1 or 2 day excursion out of La Fortuna. In years past, the lack of public transportation and park infrastructure contributed to the lack of tourists, but now it is easily accessible by making your way to Guatuso. Tour companies also offer tours to the area.
Driving Instructions: From San Jose, take the main highway to Ciudad Quesada (aka San Carlos), then to Upala. Turn left in Upala towards Bijagua, and follow the road approximately 30 miles to the entrance of the Park.
Alternatively, from San Jose take the Interamerican Highway to Canas. About 6 miles after Canas is a turnoff to Bijagua. About 20 miles past Bijagua, you will find the entrance to the Park.
From La Fortuna drive on the main street AWAY from the volcano and head towards El Tanque which is about 5 minutes away from Fortuna. Take a left at the intersection in El Tanque (don't worry, there's only 1 intersection). When you see a sign for Upala or Guatuso, follow that. The Rio Celeste turn off is just after Guatuso (there's really no clearly marked signs in Guatuso, ask for directions to Upala or Rio Celeste, the town is small but a bit confusing. If you make it to Upala, you went to far.
