
Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike from Arenal
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 65 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
- 65 / 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 Cele
What you get
- Local guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Lunch
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





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 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Physical effort
4 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe 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.
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
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
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
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
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
- 10+
- 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 runsWhy this scores 65
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
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?
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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 65 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?
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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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The operator sets a minimum age of 10. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 6-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike from Arenal?
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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?
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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 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, North Fields Cafe: Craft Specialty Coffee and Chocolate Tour, Canyoning Adventure Rappelling Waterfalls in Arenal Volcano. 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.
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