Magical spot you cannot miss in your trip to Costa Rica! This is one from the activities that you must do on your stay at Villa Jade – its stunning color and unique waterfall will leave you breathless.
Located inside National Park Tenorio Volcano, the river is formed by the convergence of two others, the Buena Vista and the Quebrada Agria, both of which run through the slopes of the volcano itself. Its waters were studied to discover why the river has this peculiar color.
The mysterious blue colour is produced by the river’s own water composition. When colloidal silica is suspended in water particles, it reflects the light that shines onto it and reflects back an image of the blue river in Costa Rica, tricking the human eye. It is an incredible optical effect!
What to consider before going to Río Celeste?
- There is only one registered entrance at Estación El Pilon Parque Nacional Volcán Tenorio.
- The rate for non-residents is US$ 12 and for nationals is ¢800. There is only one payment method accepted, through credit or debit card.
- Park opens from 8am until 2pm, you can stay in place until 4pm.
- Bring water, mosquito repellent, sunblock, snacks, camera and good energy for hiking inside the park.
- No plastic containers is allowed inside the national park.
What’s inside the National Park Tenorio Volcano?
Rio Celeste Waterfall: This waterfall, which has a height of 30 meters, has become the main attraction for its bluish color.
La Laguna Azul: Small pool of intense color. You are not allowed to enter the water as they have a high concentration of natural chemicals. The hotbeds or “borbollones”: They are fissures and cracks that leak, high temperature, volcanic gases / fumes own of the volcanic activity of the place.
El Teñidero: Point where the blue color water phenomenon begins. For many other sectors we can see the turquoise water, but this is the only place where the color change can be seen.
Hot Springs: They are the product of volcanic activity and are located in the bed of the Celeste River.
Mysteries of Tenorio: A nature trail with a distance of 3.2 km. Through it the main attractions of the park are crossed, such as waterfall, pozo azul, the borbollones and the Teñidero.
How to get there?
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 drive only takes up to 15minutes from the house to get there, for those staying at Villa Jade! The road is kind of curvy and narrow, but it’s in good conditions for any type of car.
PRO TIP:
Check out Parque Nacional Volcán Tenorio Facebook page for daily updates of Río Celeste! Weather is a bit tricky around here and may influence the color of the river on rainy season.
