Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike from Arenal in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike from Arenal

Outty Ranking 67 4.7 · 35 traveler reviews6 hoursFrom $141
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Outty Ranking

67/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.7/5

Based on 35 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike from Arenal worth booking?

Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike from Arenal is a 6-hour experience in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, from $141 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 35 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
67 / 100
Rating
4.7/5 (35)
Duration
6 hours
From
$141 per person

Discover the celestial blue waters of Tenorio Volcano National Park on this day trip from La Fortuna. Trek through a jungle, learn from an expert guide about the rainforest’s plant and animal life, and come upon Río Celeste waterfall and its glowing azure lagoon. Find more magic at Los Teñideros, where two rivers merge — and watch the water turn turquoise before your very eyes. Uncover the secret behind this transformation and after the hike, tuck into a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Air-conditioned hotel transport is included.

What you get

    About this experience

    Discover the celestial blue waters of Tenorio Volcano National Park on this day trip from La Fortuna. Trek through a jungle, learn from an expert guide about the rainforest’s plant and animal life, and come upon Río Celeste waterfall and its glowing azure lagoon. Find more magic at Los Teñideros, where two rivers merge — and watch the water turn turquoise before your very eyes. Uncover the secret behind this transformation and after the hike, tuck into a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Air-conditioned hotel transport is included.

    What's included

    Included

    • Local guide
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Lunch

    Not included

    • Gratuities

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    La Fortuna

    We are located behind the Central Church in Downtown La Fortuna.

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    We are located behind the Central Church in Downtown La Fortuna.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 9 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Desafio Adventure Company

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • A moderate amount of walking is required
    • It is recommended that you wear comfortable walking shoes
    • Please bring a change of clothes, sunglasses, insect repellent and water
    • Tour departs from La Fortuna
    • A minimum of 4 people per booking is required

    Photos

    The blue water is simply amazing at the Rio Celeste hike with Desafio Adventure Company., Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike from Arenal in La FortunaRio Celeste Waterfall Hike from Arenal in La Fortuna, photo 3Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike from Arenal in La Fortuna, photo 4Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike from Arenal in La Fortuna, photo 5Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike from Arenal in La Fortuna, photo 6

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 35 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    5 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Physical effort

    4 mentions

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Food and drink

    3 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    35 verified traveler reviews for Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike from Arenal. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    30
    4 star
    3
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    2
    Sort
    644barrieg · January 2026

    Misleading advertising by Desafio

    I went on the La Fortuna Waterfall Hike, Swim + Lunch (there is no separate item for that tour on the dropdown list). I booked that tour because it included those 3 activities in that order. At the beginning of the tour, we descended about 600, mainly steel and smooth steps and reached the base of the waterfall. The descent, according to Desafio, constituted the hike. it wasn't a hike on any reasonable understanding. I sent them definitions of a hike (which this was not) and they have just ignored those. They will not refund the amount I paid. I was totally prepared for a hike and had worn my hiking boots. If the journey to the waterfall only consisted of those steps, thier advertising should have stated that.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your feedback. We are sorry to hear that the experience did not meet your expectations. Guest feedback is very important to us, and we will review the wording of this experience internally to help ensure expectations are communicated more accurately in the future. We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and thank you for choosing Desafio Adventure Company.

    via Tripadvisor

    K_K · January 2026

    Amazing experience! The...

    Amazing experience! The hike was moderate with some slippery parts. Carlos and Stephen did an AMAZING job! Easy to talk to and very helpful and mindful. We felt safe with them!

    Response from the operator: Hi, Thank you for your wonderful review! 😊 We're delighted to hear you had an amazing experience at Río Celeste. We'll be sure to share your kind words with Carlos and Stephen—they'll be thrilled to know they helped make your adventure safe, enjoyable, and memorable. Thank you for joining us, and we hope to welcome you back for more incredible experiences in Costa Rica! Thanks for choosing Desafío Adventure Company, La Fortuna, Costa Rica.

    via Viator

    Ive_C · January 2026

    Awesome day out!

    My husband and I had a great day. Santos was knowledgeable, patient and just great company overall. The views are amazing, and the hikes quite acceptable. It’s a lot more waiting than walking, though the stairs can get pretty steep. We couldn’t swim which was a bummer, but the view is still worth it

    Response from the operator: Hi, Thank you for your review! 😊 We're so happy to hear you and your husband enjoyed your visit to Río Celeste. We'll be sure to share your kind words with Santos—he'll be delighted to know his knowledge and friendly company made the day even more memorable. We're glad the stunning views made the trip worthwhile, and we appreciate your feedback. Thank you for joining us, and we hope to welcome you back for more adventures in Costa Rica! Thanks for choosing Desafío Adventure Company, La Fortuna, Costa Rica.

    via Viator

    jnealbeach · December 2025

    Rio Celeste, Nature Lovers

    The tour isn't for everyone. People who wish to see nature and enjoy the beauty that surrounds it. My guide Erika was funny, energetic, and knowledgeable. Unfortunately couldn't go all the way down to the Waterfall area due to a landslide, but it still was amazing. WEAR the proper shoes, it rained hard, and we hiked through the mud, just hilarious to see those people wearing flip flops. It isn't the beach folks. Be careful and listen to people, there are dangerous creatures. We saw a viper, and people were getting to close. Good tour and good company.

    Response from the operator: Hi, Thank you for your review! 😊 We're delighted to hear you enjoyed your experience and that Erika helped make the tour both fun and informative. We'll be sure to share your kind words with her! We're glad you were able to appreciate the beauty of the area despite the trail conditions and the temporary access restrictions caused by the landslide. Thank you as well for sharing your helpful advice with future visitors—proper footwear and following guide instructions are key to enjoying the rainforest safely. Thanks for choosing Desafío Adventure Company, La Fortuna, Costa Rica.

    via Viator

    William_S · July 2025

    Turquoise Dream

    Tour was awesome with water so blue- we got very lucky even after the rain! Tour guide, Mr. Santos was great and very friendly! We saw a few cool looking insects and small snake but no sloths or monkeys but that’s ok we saw many other wildlife at other stops in Costa Rica. The lunch was very tasty as well.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words! 💙🐍 We're thrilled to hear you had an awesome tour and got to enjoy the beautiful blue waters — such a lucky treat, especially after the rain! 🌧️☀️ We're glad you enjoyed exploring with Mr. Santos 🧑‍🏫, he's truly passionate about nature and making every tour memorable. Even without monkeys or sloths this time, it sounds like you still had a fantastic wildlife experience 🐞🦋. And we're happy to hear you loved the lunch too! 🍽️😋 Thanks again for joining us — we hope to welcome you back on another adventure soon! 🌿🇨🇷 Pura vida! 🌺 — The Desafío Team 💪😄

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    6 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    12
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Desafio Adventure Company, who run 9 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 68.9.

    See everything Desafio Adventure Company runs

    Why this scores 67

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)82
    Review evidence (18% weight)50
    Booking momentum (14% weight)42
    Value for money (12% weight)71
    Listing quality (10% weight)76
    Local standing (8% weight)40
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike from Arenal: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for La Fortuna.

    How much does Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike from Arenal cost?

    +

    Prices start at $141 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 from Arenal take?

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    Plan for about 6 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 from Arenal worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 35 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in La Fortuna, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike from Arenal?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike from Arenal suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike from Arenal?

    +

    Around 12 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?

    +

    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 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike from Arenal 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 from Arenal?

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    Included: Local guide; Hotel pickup and drop-off; and Lunch. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike from Arenal include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 49 listed pickup locations in and around La Fortuna. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike from Arenal offered in?

    +

    It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike from Arenal?

    +

    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 from Arenal wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    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 from Arenal if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in La Fortuna. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike from Arenal?

    +

    Across 35 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. 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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