20 Rio Celeste Facts

Rio Celeste is well known for its stunning turquoise waters, lush tropical rainforest, hiking trails, and beautiful landscape. There are many assumptions about Rio Celeste that are mostly not true. However, there are much more intriguing facts to this natural wonder than meets the eye. 

Most visitors tend to have many beliefs about Rio Celeste before visiting. This is due to what they have read or watched online and heard people who have visited the Tenorio Volcano National Park talk about, which can be false based on individual bias.

When I first visited the Rio Celeste waterfalls with my boyfriend and now husband ten years ago, I could have concluded many things that are false now. Ten years ago, there was not much information about this place.

In fact, we visited at the peak of the rainy season and met muddy water instead of the much-expected turquoise water, and the road was very steep and bad. However, ten years later, a lot has improved around here.

That is why, in this guide, I’ve compiled 20 facts you need to know about Rio Celeste before visiting. The information in this guide comprises both well-known and lesser-known facts.

Key Takeaways

Before we delve into it, here are some key takeaways from this article if you do not have enough time to read it.

• Los Tenideros is the point where two clear rivers meet to form the turquoise color of the Rio Celeste.
• The most breathtaking view is the Rio Celeste waterfall, towering at a 90-foot height.
• Tenorio Volcano National Park is the home of the Rio Celeste Waterfall.
• There is an entrance fee of $12 before you are allowed access to the park.
• The dry season is the best time for photography, which starts from December through April.

Facts of Rio Celeste

There are many assumptions about Rio Celeste. Some think the turquoise watercolor is not as real as people paint it, while others think the only thing attractive about it is the waterfalls.

However, there are more real facts about this tourist destination than the assumptions made when flying online. In no particular order, here are 20 facts about Rio Celeste

1. Natural Phenomenon

The unique turquoise color in the Rio Celeste is formed by the converging of two colorless rivers, Quebrada Agria (Sour Greek) and Rio Bueno Vista (Good View). The point where they meet is called Los Tenideros.

There are many beliefs behind why:

The waters are blue, and the one that stands out among the locals is that when God had finished painting the sky, he dipped his brush inside the river. However, some scientists at the University of Costa Rica collected a water sample from Los Tenideros and took it to a lab. They discovered that the color of the water was only in the river and not in the tubes.

As a result, they discovered that the turquoise-blue color we see in the waters of the river is not a chemical phenomenon but an optical one.

This means that the turquoise-blue color is not produced by a chemical that colors the water but rather because of the way water disperses sunlight and reflects the turquoise color to our human eye.

2. Location

Tenorio Volcano National Park is located in the beautiful Guanacaste mountain range in Northern Costa Rica.

It’s known for the Rio Celeste waterfalls, hiking trails, lush tropical rainforests, and beautiful landscapes.

3. Los Tenideros

This is where two ordinary rivers, Rio Buenavista and Quebrada Agria, converge to highlight the striking turquoise color.

4. Cultural Significance

There are some legends and myths associated with the mesmerizing turquoise color of the Rio Celeste by locals. These legends and myths tell the story of how the river acquired its distinctive color.

The local folklore goes thus:

Once upon a time, when the gods were still painting the sky, they dipped their paint brushes into the waters when they were done, and it transformed the waters into the stunning turquoise color.

It is further told that when the riverbanks, lush with tropical vegetation, witnessed this heavenly transformation, they became a sanctuary of enchantment and beauty.

That is why people marvel when they encounter the river’s breathtaking color for the first time.

However, in reality, Rio Celeste’s striking turquoise colour is a natural phenomenon caused by the combination of minerals, primarily aluminium silicates and sulfur, which scatter sunlight in such a way that it appears turquoise-blue to the human eye.

5. National Park 

The Tenorio Volcano National Park is in the Guanacaste province of northern Costa Rica, where the Rio Celeste Waterfall is located.

Before you can access the park, you must pay an entrance fee of $12 for foreigners, $5 for children, and 800 colones for locals.

The park is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day. The final entry time is 2 p.m., and only 1000 visitors are allowed inside the park per day, with no more than 500 per section.

There are basic amenities like a restroom and soda outside the park, and if you come with your car, you pay $4 as a parking fee.

6. Wildlife

The captivating park is not only famous for its stunning turquoise watercolors and landscapes but also for its rich biodiversity.

Overflowing with life, it is home to various species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, making it a haven for nature and wildlife lovers.

As someone who has visited Tenorio Volcano National Park countless times, I would advise those visiting to keep an eye out for captivating mammal species such as coatis, howler monkeys, and ocelots. Listen for the melodious songs of toucans, trogons, and parrots, and watch for bright green eyelash vipers and basilisk lizards.

I also saw a variety of butterflies, including the beautiful Blue Morpho butterfly.

7. Flora

Walking through the Jungle, you will see that the flora is many and varied. Jungle vegetation includes a high diversity of palms, heliconias, ferns, bromeliads, and orchids, among others.

And as for the trees, there are the aguacatillos, zapotes, pilons, lauraceae, marias, oaks, and the jícaro danto.

They are so huge, forming a canopy and richness that leaves you in awe.

8. Hiking Trails

There are five main sections of the jungle, and the trails leading to them are well marked. The jungle is about 6 kilometers long.

The Waterfall Trail is the first trail from the park’s entrance. It involves a 250-foot staircase that leads to the majestic Rio Celeste Waterfall, where the water flows freely, cascading into the turquoise-blue pool beneath it.

As tempting and stunning as it appears, you are not allowed to enter the water to conserve this pristine environment. After gaping and standing in awe, you will need to return up the stairs to continue your exploration towards the Mirador, the viewpoint.

Mirador: This is the next stop on the trail, and it’s also called the viewpoint. From here, you can see the Tenorio Volcano covered in clouds. It’s such a beautiful sight.

Laguna Azul, the blue lagoon: The mesmerizing turquoise-blue river will make you feel calm and take your mind to a place of peace and bliss.

After soaking yourself in the beauty of the lagoon, you can continue on your hike, following the trail. Along the way, you will come across the Borbollones, the hot springs.

Borbollones, the hot springs: The bubbling thermal springs are beautiful to watch. The water bubbles because of the sulfur gases coming from beneath the Tenorio Volcano.

It is prohibited to enter or swim in the hot springs, just like every river in the park. As you continue your hike through the trail, you will cross a hanging bridge that brings you to the end of the trail at Los Tenideros.

Los Tenideros: This is where two clear rivers, Rio Bueno Vista and Quebrada Agria, meet and transform into the stunning turquoise color that you see on the waters.

9. Waterfall

The Rio Celeste waterfall, also called “Catarata del Rio Celeste” in Spanish, is an astonishing natural wonder located in Tenorio Volcano National Park.

The magnificent waterfall towers at a height of 90 feet and cascades water into the pool beneath it.

Lush rainforests and a vast variety of wildlife surround it. The beauty of the waterfall makes it a tourist destination for nature lovers and photographers.

10. Hot Springs

The hot springs, also known as “Borbollones,” are one of the park’s five attractions.

It is made when sulphuric gases from the nearby Tenorio Volcano reach the spring, creating a bubble on the surface of the water.

Despite how tempting it may be, swimming is not allowed in this hot spring. However, there are surrounding hot springs outside the park that one can swim in.

11. Biodiversity 

The national park is rich in biodiversity; there are

• 540 species of birds.
• 72 species of mammals.
• 52 species of reptiles.
• There are 27 species of amphibians.
• There are 3,690 species of plants.
• 534 species of fungi.
• There are 6,024 species of arthropods.

Walking in the jungle gave me a view of plants and wildlife I had never thought of. The jungle was Jungle, with sounds from bugs, critters, birds, reptiles, tapirs, monkeys, and even a sloth.

There are so many species of plants, from palms, heliconias, ferns, bromeliads, and orchids to giant trees like Aguacatillos, Zapotes, pilons, and the Jícaro Danto.

It was all so beautiful to view and perfect for avid nature lovers seeking to explore more.

12. Geothermal activity

Upon seeing the hot springs, one can tell that the Tenorio Volcano is still very active.

The sulphuric gas that comes from the Tenorio Volcano gets into the spring and makes it bubble.

This continuous bubbling is a result of the geothermal activity in the water.

13. Conservation Effort

Conserving the pristine beauty of Río Celeste takes the collective effort of both the locals and visitors alike.

In order to conserve this natural paradise for future generations to meet and enjoy, some guidelines have been put in place on how tourists can contribute to the conservation efforts:

No Single-Use Plastics Allowed: The park bans the entry of single-use plastic in an effort to reduce pollution and protect the local ecosystem. Tourists are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles and containers to minimize their environmental impact.

No Pets Allowed: Pets are not permitted within the park in order to maintain the area’s natural balance and prevent stress or harm to wildlife.

Respect the River: Entering and swimming in the river is strictly prohibited. This does not just help preserve the beauty but also ensures visitors’ safety and protects the natural mineral balance that gives Rio Celeste its turquoise color.

No Drones Allowed: The use of drones is not allowed within the park. This regulation preserves wildlife from disturbance and ensures a peaceful experience for all tourists.

Alcohol and Smoking Prohibited: To maintain the park’s natural and serene atmosphere and avoid certain damages, alcohol and smoking are strictly forbidden.

Stay on Marked Trails: Staying on marked paths is important for both personal safety and environmental protection. It prevents soil erosion, protects plant life, and reduces the risk of unexpected wildlife encounters.

14. Accessibility

You can only get to Rio Celeste by road, as there are no airports in the area. Below are detailed routes you can take from major Costa Rican cities to arrive at Rio Celeste.

San Jose

From the capital city of San Jose to Rio Celeste, it is about a three- to four-hour drive, depending on your take-off point, traffic, and weather conditions.

So here is a simple and easy guide to finding your way to Rio Celeste if you did not book a tour package for a hassle-free trip.

Head to a bus terminal and take a bus from San José to Ciudad Quesada. When you arrive, take another bus to Guatuso, from where you can take a taxi to Río Celeste.

Or you can take a bus to La Fortuna. When you get there, you alight and take another bus to Upala; once you get there, you take a taxi to the next town, Bijagua, and from there, you take a taxi directly to the park’s entrance.

Liberia

Getting to Rio Celeste from Liberia is easy if you hire a tour package service from travel and tour agencies  However, if you choose to drive there yourself, here’s how to arrive at the park from Liberia.

If you are driving from Liberia International Airport, turn left onto the main road towards Liberia on Route 21 and then turn left again onto the Interamericana Highway Route 1 for about 40 kilometres when you see the signs Upala, Route 6, exit left off the highway onto it.

Continue driving on this road for another 33 kilometres until you reach Bijagua.

Once you get to Bijagua, turn right about 1 kilometre north of Pizza Barrington. Continue on this road for about 40 minutes until you reach the park’s entrance.

This trip should take you about two hours from Liberia, depending on the traffic conditions.

Please drive carefully once you leave the highway. The roads are very narrow and steep.

Also, do not get so engrossed in the driving that you forget to enjoy the beautiful landscape views.

La Fortuna

A new road connects La Fortuna to Tenorio Volcano National Park, making it easy to travel from La Fortuna to Rio Celeste. This route takes about one hour and forty-five minutes on an excellent, paved road through small towns and farmland with scenic views.

To get to Rio Celeste from La Fortuna, head east out of La Fortuna on Route 142 and turn left onto Route 4. Then follow the road signs, whether you are using Google Maps or not, to Upala.

Continue on this route until you reach Bijigua and finally arrive at Tenorio Volcano National Park, where the Rio Celeste is located.

Please ensure to drive in a more substantial car, avoid potholes, and drive carefully on the narrow road.

15. Photography

Rio Celeste is such a stunning place worthy of photographs. This beautiful paradise draws in photographers from far and near. It’s not a spot you can visit without taking photos. However, there is a little downside to the stunning turquoise watercolor: it does not stay that way all year round.

The vibrant turquoise color is greatly influenced by seasonal change. There are two main seasons in Costa Rica: the dry and rainy seasons.

The dry season is the perfect time to take shots of the turquoise waters, and it runs from December to April.

Tip: Even in the dry season, humid weather can cause rain, so bring a waterproof bag or covering to shield your camera in case it rains.

16. Local Economy

Rio Celeste makes a huge contribution to the local economy through tourism by generating multiple sources of income and creating jobs across different sectors.

Here are some major ways in which tourism at Rio Celeste improves the local economy:

Tourism Revenue

Before you are allowed access to the Tenorio Volcano National Park, where Rio Celeste is located, you need to pay an entrance fee.

The revenue generated from that is used to maintain the park so it remains attractive for tourists.

Another source of tourism-generated revenue is guided tours, which generate income for both local and company tour guides.

Hospitality

The more tourists troop in, the greater the demand for hotels and lodges to accommodate visitors, as well as restaurants where they can eat.

It does not just provide steady income to boost the local economy; it also creates employment.

Transportation Services: The inflow of tourists needs transportation services, which benefit both local and international tour companies alike.

Opportunities for Employment: 

Tourism creates direct and indirect employment opportunities for different sectors in the area.

Supports Local Businesses: Every time I visit tourist destinations, I find myself buying handicrafts and artwork from local artisans in the area.

This helps provide support for local businesses.

Development of Community: The revenue from tourism is used to enhance some infrastructure in the community, such as good food, educational programs for the locals on how to treat tourists, improved community facilities, etc.

17. Educational Tours 

Before entering the national park, there is a little preparation of what to expect inside the jungle; however, it may not be enough for you.

If you need detailed information, there are tour guides outside that park who are very knowledgeable and educate you on the different plant species and wildlife in the area.

I have to say that this service is not free; you have to pay a fee before they can follow you in, but it is worth it.

18. Visitors Facilities

There are no facilities inside the Jungle; however, there is a restroom where you can ease Junglelf outside the park.

There is also a soda shop where you can buy food after the HikJunglea local art shop, where you can buy souvenirs, artwork, antiques, and rain jackets in case of light showers.

19. Sustainable Tourism

Sustainable tourism aims to minimize ecological damage, protect the heritage site through conservation efforts, and provide financial benefit to the local community.

The initiatives include some of the things you see in the national park:

Trails Materials: The materials used in developing these trails are durable and environmentally friendly.

Regulated Tourism: In the park, there are guidelines on the kinds of activities to participate in.

For example, swimming is prohibited because the rivers are kept pristine and the trails are well marked so you do not disturb or encounter wildlife attacks.

Local Business Support: Prioritizing locally-owned accommodations, tour operators, vendors, and other tourism-related businesses ensures money stays in the community to stimulate economic growth and development.

Community Infrastructure Investment: Visitor usage fees, taxes, and related tourism income can help fund public works, health facilities, schools, and governance capabilities for supporting communities.

Cultural Heritage Preservation: Restoring historic sites, preserving customs, arts, music, crafts, and language, and funding such work helps sustain cultural integrity and assets for tourism purposes.

20. Fun Facts

Conversation Area: Rio Celeste is still very much a conservative area, regardless of its popularity. This makes it a more tranquil and less crowded tourist destination compared to other tourist spots in the country.

Water: Water in plastic bottles is very expensive at restaurants; ask for a glass of tap water. It is well-treated and very safe for drinking.

Hospitality: Accommodations and restaurants here are cheaper compared to other tourist destinations in the country.

Finally, if you’re weighing your travel plans, you can read our article on whether Rio Celeste is Worth It to help you make your decision.

Conclusion

Rio Celeste is a beautiful natural paradise on its own, from the breathtaking turquoise waters and the hiking trails that fill you with adventure to the lush tropical rainforest and landscape with dreamy views.

I highly recommend this beauty if you are looking for a more conserved and pristine tourist destination in Costa Rica.