Catarata Río Celeste: A Celestial Waterfall
Discover the magical turquoise waters of Catarata Río Celeste in Costa Rica's Tenorio Volcano National Park. A natural wonder awaits!
Catarata Río Celeste, Spanish for 'Light Blue River Waterfall', is the star attraction of Tenorio Volcano National Park in Costa Rica. The waterfall plunges into a pool of striking turquoise water, a result of light refraction from mineral particles. Visitors can hike through the lush rainforest to witness this natural wonder, though swimming in the immediate waterfall area is prohibited.
A brief summary to Catarata Río Celeste
- P235+CMG, Guatuso, Alajuela Province, CR
- +50622065369
- Visit website
Local tips
- Purchase tickets online in advance through the SINAC website to guarantee entry, as the park limits the number of visitors.
- Arrive early, especially during the dry season (December to April), to avoid crowds and have the best chance of seeing the vibrant blue color.
- Wear appropriate footwear for hiking, as the trails can be muddy and slippery, especially after rain.
- Bring rain gear, as the area is a rainforest and rain is common.
- Be aware that swimming is prohibited in the Río Celeste within the national park, but there is a free swimming spot outside the park.
Getting There
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Driving
From the town of Bijagua, drive approximately 9 km towards the Tenorio Volcano National Park. The road is paved, but can be narrow and winding. Follow signs for 'Parque Nacional Volcán Tenorio' or 'Catarata Río Celeste'. Upon arrival, you'll find several parking lots near the park entrance. Parking costs approximately 2,000-3,000 colones (USD $4-6). Pay the parking attendant and display the receipt on your dashboard. From the parking area, it's a short walk to the park entrance where you'll need to show your pre-purchased tickets.
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Public Transport
From La Fortuna, take a bus to San Rafael de Guatuso, then transfer to a local bus towards Río Celeste. The bus will drop you off near the entrance of Tenorio Volcano National Park. From San José, take a bus to Bijagua. From Bijagua, you may need to take a taxi to reach the park entrance, which is about 9km away. Bus fare from San José to Bijagua is approximately $8-13 USD. A taxi from Bijagua to the park can cost around $10-15 USD. Remember to book your park tickets online in advance.
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