It seems silly to ban swimming there when people have been doing it for so many years. Also check out our Bijagua guide if you want to stay overnight in the area. The trail continues to parallel the river before reaching los Teideros. Try checking the Facebook page in advance for trail closures. Alternatively, you may use. July is also another busy month. Maybe because there is no designated swimming area in the park; in the upper part of the river, where it is celeste blue, the approach is difficult, and if people will go in and out f the river frequently, this would surely caused unwanted erosions. Rio Celeste Waterfall is a bit over 1.5 hours from Liberia or 2 hours from Liberia Airport. Laguna Azul looked like something out of a fairy tale. You probably wander. Barrio La California, If you have a pair of boots that you are bringing anyway, that you are willing to get dirty, you should be ok. The first one can be found at a distinct entrance that is just behind the main building that houses a popular restaurant in Katira. Guest houses like this are valuable mostly because of their convenience, which is key when traveling in this part of Costa Rica. I will be going to rio celeste in 1.5 weeks from now, and have been avidly warned that a serious SUV is needed to get to where we are staying, which is pasado rio celeste. The Rio Celeste hike is relatively easy. Once you pass the turn off for the waterfall the trail starts to descend and becomes muddy. The brilliant blue water, which seems altered at first blush, gets its show-stopping hue from a chemical reaction between volcanic minerals. Plan your trip accordingly Tenorio Volcano National Park is one of the five most visited parks in Costa Rica. Bijagua is the main town by the national park, only a 30 minute drive away. Best Waterfalls in Costa Rica - Two Weeks in Costa Rica On previous trips was stayed somewhat close by in the La Fortuna area at the Hotel Arenal Volcano Inn and Baldi Hot Springs Resort Hotel and Spa. Further down is perhaps the most distinguishing portion of the trail and several lowbridgeslead across the jewel-tones of the river. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Join 19k+ in receiving Expert travel advice, news & promotions! It tends to get busier on weekends so its preferable to visit the park during the week. The full trail takes about 3 hours when the trail is in good (dry) condition, but if youre visiting during rainy season, Id give yourself an additional hour to account for traipsing through the mud. Great spot for a honeymoon! Note that once you exit the main highway, the road gets a bit rough, so factor that into your driving time. Entry prices to Tenorio Volcano National Park are USD $12 for non-residents, $5 for children ages 2-12, and 800 for citizens and residents (~$1.30). Otherwise, its a relatively short hike from to the falls from the parking area with moderate elevation gain. It was a long way from the capital; however, it was totally worth it! fly in tomorrow morning to liberia. The name "Ro Celeste" actually means "sky blue river" and it's no surprise once you see the bright blue water. 4 Other FAQ About Visiting Rio Celeste. There is no bus service directly to Rio Celeste so you either have to have your own car ($5 parking), take a bus to Bijagua and taxi to the entrance ($30-40), or book a tour (~$115 including admission, guide, and lunch). The jungle trail was a bit of a disappointment. Dont get fooled; there is nothing there that has to do with winter. I hope you find this guide to Rio Celeste Costa Rica helpful in planning your travels! How far from Tamarindo would you say Rio Celeste is? In fact, go ahead and plan for 5 hours and be pleased if you get out a little early. Its on your right hand side next to a restaurant and lodge. Make sure you bring a reusable water bottle! Rio Celeste Costa Rica - 17 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting The trail to Tapir Lake is perhaps one of the most exciting trails, but it can get slippery depending on the weather, so visitors should wear proper hiking gear. Are there other things to do near? And I will defiantly be renting a SUV! The beautiful Rio Celeste waterfall is 90 meters (295 ft) tall and you can visit Rio Celeste waterfall in Tenorio Volcano National Park. Thank you so much for all of your details. Mytanfeet is full of local tips, detailed guides, photos, videos and maps to help you plan the perfect trip to Costa Rica. Do you think we shoul go there or is too much for the child? Whats more, this hike is relatively flat and even paved in sections. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. However, there is a blue pool just outside the park that visitors are allowed to swim in. Over the years, Costa Rica has increased in popularity and formerly "secret" spots quickly became well-known thanks to forums just like this one where travelers share their experiences. This day trip to Rio Celeste Costa Rica provides round-trip transportation from La Fortuna, entrance fees to the park, a bilingual nature guide, parking, and lunch. Fun story: my then boyfriend (Jake) had an engagement ring in the backpack and the attendant felt the ring box, thought it was a pack of cigarettes, and very nearly pulled it out. The key is that you shouldnt put your head underwater, as certain minerals in the water may irritate your mouth, nose, ears or eyes. I hope you had fun! Join 19k+ subscribers in receiving FREE travel advice, news & promotions! We are traveling with our 4 and a half years old son in the middle of November. While you are on the river tubing tour, our knowledgeable local guides will point out secluded areas along the river where you can go swimming. It should take you around an hour each way, although if you stop often for photos it may require a little bit more time. How to Visit Rio Celeste on Your Trip to Costa Rica Did you do it with a tour guide or by yourself? more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. ChatGPT Reveals the Must-Visit Romantic Hotspots in North America! Follow along for practical tips and inspiring advice. 16147. Hi Ana I hope you have a great hike! There are no facilities within the park, so make sure youre prepared! Where to Swim in Rio Celeste: FREE River Access! - MytanFeet Once youve followed your GPS (or your tour guide) to the entrance, the question of how to visit Rio Celeste is a simple one: You hike! Rio Celeste Waterfall: From the ranger station to the waterfall turnoff, the trail is relatively flat and paved (about 30 minutes). However, you should avoid dunking your head into the water, or getting water into your eyes. Do you offer shuttle service from the hotel? Headed there tomorrow! Come early because only 1,200 people are allowed in the park on any day and only 400 people at any time. Can you swim in Rio Celeste? | Costa Rica Experts Peggy. There is a swimming hole by the bridge near Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel or you can pay $6 per person at Piruri Cabinas to swim in the river. It was the most amazing day of my life. These include, but are not limited to, Aluminum, silicon and oxygen. Its a very nice add-on experience and 100% worth it! When entering the park, there are a few key things to know: Rio Celeste is definitely doable on your own, but if youre traveling solo or are not a big fan of driving, try joining a tour! I am tearing up just looking at all your beautiful pictures! A type of mineral composed of aluminum, silicon and oxygen, while suspended in the water, reflectslight from the sun, making the water look blue. If you are traveling fromSan Jose the drive is about four hours, but can be up to six if you hit San Jose traffic at the wrong time and it takes you two hours to leave the city. This is important to know because the water will not be completely celeste. Also, wear some boots and bring a jacket in case you need it! " Rio Celeste is a right blue river named after the color of its water caused by dissolved minerals at the confluence of two small rivers. I would plan for mud and be pleasantly surprised if you found anything else. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. If you think seeing is believing, wait until, Pidurangala Rock Sri Lanka Why You Have to Hike It, Chez Muffy Restaurant Quebec Farm to Fork Done Right. I want to get the best expoerence. This is the spot where the two tributaries Quebrada Agria and Rio Buena Vista converge to form the Rio Celeste. Rio Celeste is administered by the Tenorio Volcan Nation Park. You can buy your entry tickets at the Tenorio Volcano National Park Visitor Center. Anyway, the rules are there to be respected, whatever is our feeling about them. Fair warning: this is when the mud appears and the hiking gets a bit more difficult. Cost: $12 USD for adults or $5 USD for children under 12 Where is Rio Celeste located: Thank you so much for all the great tips! They are just trying to protect the vegetation from being trampled and prevent erosion. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Rio Celeste is a river located in the Tenorio Volcano National Park in Costa Rica with attractions that include a famous waterfall, hiking trails, and geothermal pools. If your lodge has hiking sticks, you might bring one for the road, but I wouldnt worry about bringing them to Costa Rica just for this hike. The water is cool and refreshing so it feels amazing in the hot and humid tropical rainforest climate. With a fresh water pool at the base where you can swim and a nice sandy area to just hang out and relax, Llanos de Cortes waterfall is a great . I visted Costa Rica many years ago and was lucky enough to swim by the waterfall. The Enchanting Rio Celeste - Two Weeks in Costa Rica Again, I recommend saving this stop on the trail for last as it is a great reward for having almost completed the difficult hike. Then turn around and hike back tothe waterfallthe sight of which will re-energize you after such a long hike. They have made a decision for good reason and you should respect that. If you are wearing water proof hiking boots youll be fine and can just wash them off at the fountain at the end of the hike. I am looking forward to going to explore Costa Rica for about 8 days. An adventurer's paradise: Rio Celeste Waterfall Costa Rica If you visit between December and April during dry season, make sure you arrive early since the park does get pretty busy. Youll also learn an important secret about swimming in them I wish I had know when I visited the first time! If you arrive at 1 p.m. that should be sufficient time to do the hike. Stock Photos provided by our partner Deposit Photos. You cant actually swim in Rio Celeste its a protected area and no swimming is allowed. For Google Maps directions, type Parqueo del Parque Nacional Tenorio (Parking for the National Park), and it will take you to your destination. However, you can swim outside the park entrance. Diego and I desperately ran down the avenue, which is home to several car rental companies, in search of a last-minute rental. Should I be ok with a gps to get to each location? It is only $5 to rent boots, well worth not having to worry about footwear. There is no bus service directly to Rio Celeste so you either have to have your own car ($5 parking), take a bus to Bijagua and taxi to the entrance ($30-40), or book a tour (~$115 including admission, guide, and lunch). I stayed at Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel and would definitely recommend this property to other travelers. Swimming: Swimming in the Celeste River is a unique . Like most things about traveling in Costa Rica, getting to the countrys beautiful, blue waterfall requires just the right combination of knowledge and patience, both of which pay off in spades once you finally get there. The name Rio Celeste means 'light blue river' in Spanish, and it is aptly named. Rio Celeste is pretty hyped online and in social media, not gonna lie. To get to Rio Celeste waterfall you need to hike for about 20 minutes from the entrance of Tenorio National Park. Hope that helps! Can you swim in Rio Celeste? Filed Under: Activities and tours Costa Rica. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Rio Celeste is formed by two rivers that mix together. Despite Rio Celeste's unparalleled beauty and a variety of options for accommodation in the area, including one upscale resort, this destination welcomes few visitors. We ended up taking this approach, but I think we would have been absolutely fine either way. For example, if you stay at the Rio Celeste Hideaway Hotel, they have their own private trail to the river which you can swim in. Does anyone know what element turns it blue? click here to go to the Google Map location. Swimming in Tenorio Volcano National Park (where Rio Celeste Waterfall is located) is not permitted to do environmental concerns. They were about done for after the hike, so I left them behind in the parking lot after I finished in case anyone wanted to salvage them. The reason for this is probably that the closest town to the park, Bijagua, is 40 minutes away on a very poor road. We had people in our group hike past, and others stayed behind. This was my first place that I visited since I arrived in Costa Rica! Its a few miles of a hike and can be muddy but if you go at your own pace I dont see why you wouldnt be able to do this with a child. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. When deciding what time of year to visit Rio Celeste Costa Rica, your main decision is choosing between rainy season and dry season. 2.4 Complete the (easy) hike. The trails in the Rio Celeste (Volcan Tenorio) National Park have been repaired so they dont get muddied when it rains and thus the hike is much easier. 7 Epic Things to do in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, All the weather information for Rio Celeste, What to Expect Weather-wise If Youre Traveling to Costa Rica in January, Get all the Info of the Weather in Costa Rica by Month, A Colorful Day in Costa Rica Starts With a Night in a Tree House Lodge, Costa Ricas Treehouses A Place for Relaxation and Adventure. I went in my Chaco sandals, and it was kind of annoying. Coming in at number 4 of our list of Natural Wonders in Costa Rica is the magnificent Rio Celeste Waterfalls. Rio Celeste Waterfall Costa Rica: 11 Things to Know Before You Go By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Activities in Ro Celeste and Tenorio National Park. Diego and I received a great piece of advice from a local before the hike that we greatly appreciated first save the waterfall for the end and hike to the furthest point first. But I digress. The free Rio Celeste pool is right underneath the bridge and you cant miss it. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 3 Is Rio Celeste Worth Visiting? It is an arduous hike and the path can be very muddy. This mineral gives the river its magical hue and is found in high concentrations in some spots, such as the Blue Lagoon under the waterfall, which is why swimming is prohibited in some areas. Then theres the fact that you only reach the waterfall at the end of the trail: Its a massive pay-off at precisely the right moment. 15 Things To Know Before Visiting Rio Celeste (Rio Celeste Waterfall) In a word mudderific. If you look closely, you can see where the blue color begins, right at the start of the . While the waterfall was previously a hidden gem, it has quickly risen to prominence as one of the provinces top attractions. There are several routes through the park, but only one main trail that follows the river. On the other hand, if youre planning to get around the country by bus, you can visit Rio Celeste on a tour from La Fortuna on an organized tour. Let me know in the comments below! After the Rio Celeste Waterfall, many folks opt to turn around, but there are some really cool sights if you continue hiking. My recommendation is that you should go during a day that there is no raining. Ive seen some articles that aim to portray it as otherworldly and even alien-like. About Rio Celeste Costa Rica A spectacular waterfall, hiking paths, and geothermal springs are among the attractions of the Celeste river in Tenorio Volcano National Park of Costa Rica! Here are 7 things that make this country special! Continue down the trail and cross a rickety, wooden bridge that feels like it belongs inIndiana Jones. Alternatively, you may use, Tenorio Volcano National Park Hotels and Places to Stay, Tenorio Volcano National Park, Costa Rica, Tenorio Volcano National Park Travel Forum, Tenorio Volcano National Park Vacation Rentals, Tenorio Volcano National Park Restaurants, Things to Do in Tenorio Volcano National Park, Tenorio Volcano National Park Travel Guide. Then no one would want to visit. Its worth checking a day or two ahead of time to make sure Rio Celeste is, in fact, blue. Join 19k+ in receiving Expert travel advice, news & promotions! The best place to swim in Rio Celeste is the free pool, just a 1 minute drive outside the Tenorio Volcano National Park. visit Rio Celeste on a tour from La Fortuna. Any recommendations? You can NOT swim in the Rio Celeste in the Tenorio National Park since 2005, when a series of fatal accidents prompted the park service to discontinue allowing people to swim in the river's pools and waterfall areas. Words, images and design 2009-2023 Robert Schrader, All rights reserved. What advice do you wish you knew before visiting? La Laguna Azul . You can get there by beginning your journey at this restaurant or by participating in an exciting tubing excursion which departs from our facilities; once youve had your fill of adrenaline, you can go for a deep dive. I am curious how long your hike took in total and is it possible to do it on a Sunday? Rio Celeste - Swimming In The Sky | Travel Blog Is the hike free since its a national park? Costa Rica Rainy Season Guide: Why & When To Visit, How To Get Around Costa Rica: Cars, Flights, Boat & More, 11 Top Costa Rica Honeymoon Bungalows & Suites, 11 Best Costa Rica Honeymoon Resorts & Hotels, Costa Rica Currency: Money, Tipping, & Exchanging on Vacation, Costa Rica Experts Wins 2022 Tripadvisor Travelers Choice Award, Where to Find Black Sand Beaches in Costa Rica, Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: What to Expect Month by Month, 11 Travel Mistakes To Avoid Before Your Trip, 8 Costa Rica Natural Mysteries You Have to See to Believe, 5 Common Misconceptions About Travel in Costa Rica. Teideros: The last stop is Los Teideros, which is where the minerals of two rivers meet, thereby turning Rio Celeste its famous shade of blue. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. The Spanish name Rio Celeste, which translates to "bright blue river," is quite a fitting one- and soon you'll understand why! Its a little out of the way, but you can tack it onto a trip between La Fortuna and Monteverde or Liberia. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. However, if you want to take a refreshing dip in the blue river, you can visit the Rio Celeste Free Pool. From there, it will be approximately 20 kilometers (35 minutes) until you reach Rio Celeste. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Zoey! Barrio La California, If you try to do it by yourself, you could put yourself in harms way because there are several rapids, rocks, and deep water that you should stay away from. It is super easy to find, just enter in Google Maps Rio Celeste Free Pool ( click here to go to the Google Map location ). Rio Celeste Costa Rica: Plan Your Perfect Visit - Maps & Merlot To this end, you really need a car to visit Rio Celeste and one that is four-wheel drive. Im 65 and have a bad knee. just be prepared for rain. Now many more people visit small areas that can no longer handle the increased traffic. Thanks Rio Celeste is formed by the converging of two clear water rivers, Quebrada Agria (Sour Creek) and Rio Buena Vista (Good View River). With its abundant sunshine, surf, and star-power, it's no wonder Cali is a dream, Why read a book on Ireland when there are over 190 destinations that fly non-stop to Dublin, including most major US hubs? Id suggest taking a photo of the map at the entrance for your reference (or you can use the photo I snapped below). The Rio Celeste Free Pool is the most easily accessible place to swim in Rio Celeste and it is free. And besides Rio Celeste waterfall there is much more to explore in the National Park. Do people commonly swim by the waterfall. Visitors often come from either La Fortuna or Libera, and the area surrounding Tenorio Volcano National Park is relatively quiet (read: fewer tourists than other areas). Before you go, please check outthe latest CDC recommendations for travelers. Swimming at the Rio Celeste Waterfall can be a wonderful experience, as long as you use caution and swim only in areas where it is permitted. Hiking: The area has numerous trails, ranging from easy to challenging. The sun will set around 5/5:30, but 4 hours is enough time to explore. I was disappointed myself but it is still worth the trip. Where Can You Swim in Rio Celeste? They do not let you in the water anywhere. If this is your first time visiting Rio Celeste, this marvelous nature is too long and you will face a lot of difficulties swimming, but tubing. Its a wonderful spot to swim in Rio Celeste because it is 100% natural and untouched. Its well worth the $20 or so per person you will spend. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Probably cant hike more than a mile. How long is the hike to Rio Celeste Waterfall? Tubing on Rio Celeste - Review of Rio Celeste, Tenorio Volcano National Hi there! There is a small cost to enter the National Park to hike (I believe its around $10). Rio Celeste means light blue river. In a nutshell, we are a Huntsville-based Gen X couple sharing our stories of amazing adventures through activity-driven transformational and experiential travel. We went to Rio Celeste as part of our Costa Rica adventure trip. This is awesome and I am planning to follow your tips! Warning: the river does have high levels ofCopper Sulfate which are known to irritate skin, but this doesnt stop ticos (or me) from swimming. Most of the roads youll take are paved but the last eight kilometers or so to the park entrance are unpaved and rocky. We went in April 2016. Mytanfeet LLC Copyright 2013 - 2023 - Thank you for supporting our Travel Blog! San Jose, Costa Rica 10104. If you are traveling from Liberia the drive is about two hours. The sulfuric gases from the volcano are actually bubbling up through the water, which is what causes the boiling (and super heavy sulphur smell!). Rio Celeste is located about halfway between Liberia and La Fortuna in North Central Costa Rica. Some of the spots are marked with danger signs. You could make Rio Celeste a day trip from Liberia or La Fortuna, but to maximize the experience I recommend staying nearby. Admission: $12. Science says its because of a high concentration of aluminosilicate particles with a small diameter in Buenavista River that aggregate when they reach the low pH of Sour Creek. Visiting Rio Celeste, Costa Rica & Tenorio Volcano National Park more. want to start your trip right now, but also what you need to know before visiting. From La Fortuna, the drive to Rio Celeste Costa Rica is about 1.5 hours. And by muddy I mean you will spend 30 minutes lifting your feet up and out of thick mud. 1. We were so happy that we pushed on to the end of the trial. The free Rio Celeste swimming spot is located just under the bridge, find it by clicking here. Required fields are marked *. You have a few options for navigating around Costa Rica and reaching Rio Celeste. document.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Rio Secreto- An Expedition Caver's Review of Riviera Maya's Premiere Underwater Cave Tour, The Mountains Are Calling and I Must Prepare - How to Plan for a Hike. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. In short, after my initial research and visiting the park myself, it has everything you need to know before visiting Rio Celeste Costa Rica! If you are doing ok with the mud, and feel ok after climbing up from the falls, definitely push on. The closest towns to the park are Guatuso (southeast) and Bijagua (northwest). Can visit on your own. The combination of the traces of this mineral in both rivers is what causes the color from elTeidero onwards. However, the blue waters of Rio Celeste continue for 14-kilometers, so that means there are sections just as stunning located out of the park. Swimming is no longer permitted so don't worry about packing a suit.
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