The Rio Celeste is one of Costa Rica’s most magical destinations, where bright blue waters cut through the mountains to create a magnificent counterpoint to the lush green vegetation of the cloud forest. However, the trails can get muddy and the forest is not easily accessed unless you have a car. So, if you’re planning a trip to this enchanting part of the country, it’s a good idea to go prepared.
Here then, we give you all the information you need on how to get there and what to do at Rio Celeste once you’ve arrived. Read on to discover everything you need to know about the Rio Celeste and the surrounding national park.
Where is the Rio Celeste in Costa Rica?
Rio Celeste is located in the Tenorio Volcano National Park in the Arenal Tilaran Conservation Area— between Liberia and La Fortuna in North Central Costa Rica.
It takes a little less than three hours from Tamarindo by car, or if you are travelling from San Jose, about three and a half hours. Unfortunately, there are no direct buses to the river so you can either hire a cab when you arrive in Bijagua or sign up for a dedicated tour.
What Time Should I Arrive at Rio Celeste Costa Rica?
It’s important to arrive early when planning your trip to Rio Celeste. The national park limits the number of visitors who can enter at any one time, and once 500 people are on the trail, any later-comers will have to wait until others have left. It’s a strictly one out, one in kind of affair, and getting there early is you best chance to grab a spot without waiting.
What to Do in Rio Celeste Costa Rica?
There’s plenty to do along the river or in the surrounding national park, and you can access the trails at most times of the year. While it is prohibited to swim in the Rio Celeste while in the park, there is a swimming hole near the bridge of the Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel which is located outside of the park. Additionally, you can head to the Piruri Cabinas and enter the river there.
Most people go for the hiking however, and the many miles of trail that loop around the park and the river itself will give you access to the lush jungle, spectacular waterfalls, and of course, the confluence of the two rivers where the waters meet and the colors of the Rio Celeste emerge. There are also plenty of picnic spots along the way, so make sure you take your favorite Costa Rican cuisine to refuel.
How Long Does it Take to Hike Rio Celeste Costa Rica?
The trail to the river is not particularly difficult, although it can be muddy, so a decent pair of hiking boots and other outdoor equipment is advised. The entire hike is a round trip of 3.7 miles, and takes about five hours when there’s no mud, while in the worst conditions, it can take upwards of five hours.
Rio Celeste Costa Rica – Why Is It So Blue?
Locals say that the Rio Celeste was given its magnificent color as god cleaned his brush in the water while he was painting the sky. The truth, however, is probably even more amazing than that, and the color is produced by a phenomenon called Mie scattering
The river’s color is created as two separate clear water rivers meet. Buena Vista River contains high concentrations of aluminosilicate particles of a small diameter. When this river meets the high acidity of Sour Creek, a dramatic drop in the PH of the water causes the aluminosilicate particles to expand in size and reflect sunlight to produce the distinctive turquoise coloring.
For more information on the Rio Celeste, Tamarindo, and the rest of Costa Rica, stay tuned to the Horizon Pacific Vacations blog. Alternatively, to discuss your dream vacation in a luxury villa, or to book a unique tour during your stay, contact us today.
