Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike and Swimming at the River 9 people max
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike and Swimming at the River 9 people max worth booking?
Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike and Swimming at the River 9 people max is a 5-hour experience in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, from $199 per person. It scores 50 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 4 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 50 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (4)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $199 per person
• The dazzling centrepiece of the Tenorio Volcano National Park, the Rio Celeste is most famous for its shockingly bright blue color, the result of a natural reaction of volcanic sulfur and calcium carbonate, which turns the clear waters a powder-blue shade. Reached by hiking through the surrounding rainforest, there are a number of sights of interest located along the Rio Celeste, most notably the Rio Celeste Waterfall, a favorite photo spot where the river tumbles into a striking blue lagoon; the Tenideros, where two rivers merge in the Celeste; and the Poza Azul, the most renowned "dye pool," where the reaction is most noticeable. The river’s startling color change is best viewed during the dry season (December to April), as excess rainfall can dilute the reactive chemicals leaving the waters with a less-appealing muddy hue.Four-in-one adventure in Costa Rica •
What you get
About this experience
• The dazzling centrepiece of the Tenorio Volcano National Park, the Rio Celeste is most famous for its shockingly bright blue color, the result of a natural reaction of volcanic sulfur and calcium carbonate, which turns the clear waters a powder-blue shade. Reached by hiking through the surrounding rainforest, there are a number of sights of interest located along the Rio Celeste, most notably the Rio Celeste Waterfall, a favorite photo spot where the river tumbles into a striking blue lagoon; the Tenideros, where two rivers merge in the Celeste; and the Poza Azul, the most renowned "dye pool," where the reaction is most noticeable. The river’s startling color change is best viewed during the dry season (December to April), as excess rainfall can dilute the reactive chemicals leaving the waters with a less-appealing muddy hue.Four-in-one adventure in Costa Rica •
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off only from La Fortuna/
- Local guide
- Inclusions
- Bottled water
Not included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off outside La Fortuna/ Arenal
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Costa Rica Nature Guides-Tours and Transfers
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Knowledge and storytelling
1 mentionReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
1 mentionThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
4 verified traveler reviews for Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike and Swimming at the River 9 people max. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Go With A Guide!
Beyond a doubt our trip with Costa Rica Expeditions was the highlight of our travel experience. This review is for our naturalist guide, Gustavo Camacho: There are no words to adequately convey what a wonderful person Gustavo is. Ultimately, he was the “gem” of our family vacation. He was considerate, always pleasant and flexible, and earnestly devoted to making our trip the best it could be. With his extensive knowledge, (of simply everything), he satisfied our curiosities and chatted with us as often as we desired about our interests and activities. We felt completely safe for our family in his care on outings, and relied on him to help us make decisions from what to order at restaurants to what to wear each day to coordinate with the weather. We feel incredibly fortunate that he was our guide. I am certain that all eleven of our family members would agree he was an indispensable part of our adventure and became an honorary part of our family. This man knows his stuff, and truly loves his job!!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your special comment, more than happy to hear you have liked our activities .
via Tripadvisor
Private tour at a group price!
I had an outstanding experience with Costa Rica Nature Guides! This was a private tour at a group rate - it really was just my sister and me on the trip and our guide Angelo customized the entire tour for us. In addition to accompanying us on the hike (which was stunning - don't miss the waterfall!), he spotted and pointed out wildlife for us, stopped whenever we asked, took us a to a Maleku art gallery, drove us to lunch, and stopped at a 400 year old tree. Strongly recommend!
Response from the operator: Hola! Thank you so much for reviewing us!. I´m glad you had a good time in our Rio Celeste Waterfall hike. Thanks for supporting the local business.
via Tripadvisor
A must See!
A wonderful hike with an unbelievable amount of things to see and enjoy! Be sure to bring your bathing suit for a refreshing dip in the pool fed by a waterfall!!!! ♥♥♥♥
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for reviewing us!. Pura vida!!.
via Tripadvisor
This is an authentic undeveloped park comparatively.
You need to be moderately fit to make this Tenario Park trek into the waterfall and river, but it is definitely worth it. It was very muddy in February but we could rent mud boots from a private concession at the entrance to the park for $4. Do it! There is much to see, monkeys, birds, gorgeous foliage and few tourists along the way. The color of the water is a big draw but when were there, due to rain, it was not especially colorful. You do need a guide here. The lunch of the tour was delicious and the bird life at their feeder was eye popping including 6 toucans!
Response from the operator: Thanks for your review!.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 50
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike and Swimming at the River 9 people max: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for La Fortuna.
How much does Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike and Swimming at the River 9 people max cost?
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Prices start at $199 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in La Fortuna usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike and Swimming at the River 9 people max take?
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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in La Fortuna is not rushed.
Is Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike and Swimming at the River 9 people max worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 50 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 4 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in La Fortuna, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike and Swimming at the River 9 people max?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike and Swimming at the River 9 people max suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike and Swimming at the River 9 people max?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in La Fortuna can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in La Fortuna and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike and Swimming at the River 9 people max start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central La Fortuna within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in La Fortuna?
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On Outty we rank every La Fortuna experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Upper Balsa River White Water Rafting Class 3/4 in Costa Rica, White Water Rafting Class II and III, Authentic Coffee and Chocolate Tour at North Fields. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit La Fortuna?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in La Fortuna?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike and Swimming at the River 9 people max?
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Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off only from La Fortuna/; Local guide; Inclusions; and Bottled water. Not included: Gratuities; and Hotel pickup and drop-off outside La Fortuna/ Arenal. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike and Swimming at the River 9 people max include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 66 listed pickup locations in and around La Fortuna. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike and Swimming at the River 9 people max?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike and Swimming at the River 9 people max wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike and Swimming at the River 9 people max if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in La Fortuna. Standard cancellation terms apply.
What do travelers say about Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike and Swimming at the River 9 people max?
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Across 4 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, small groups. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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