Luxury Travel to
Rio Celeste made for you
Waterfall hikes
Marvel at the spellbinding colour of the Rio Celeste waterfall
Scenic jungle hikes
Navigate the numerous beautiful trails in the surrounding jungle
Birdwatching
Spot the many species of birds which inhabit the forest
Discover the mesmerising beauty of Rio Celeste
The north of Costa Rica remains largely off the beaten path, but if you’d like to get under the country’s skin and explore further afield, then Rio Celeste tours make an excellent starting point. One of the best things to do here is a Rio Celeste waterfall hike to admire its famous turquoise hued water, but you can also enjoy hiking in Tenorio Volcano National Park.
Rio Celeste is located 100 miles northwest of San Jose, with Arenal to the south, Tenorio Volcano National Park to the west and the Caño Negro Forest to the east. The area enjoys proximity to a variety of the country’s different habitats, but still manages to hold its own against them.
It’s renowned for its light blue river and waterfalls, tinged a mesmerising turquoise colour by particles from volcanic activity. There are a variety of trails in Rio Celeste that can be explored on foot, whether you’re just looking for a leisurely stroll or a more strenuous hike. The lush forest is bursting with wonderful wildlife spotting opportunities and bird-enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice with hundreds of species to be spotted amongst the greenery. Go for a dip in the hot springs of Tenorio National Park, or try horse riding, river rafting, canopy tours and bike riding.
If you want to get a feel for the region’s culture, take time to visit the Maleku indigenous tribal village where you can learn about the people who call Rio Celeste home.
Highlights
Marvel at the vividly blue hues of the waterfall and river, learning about the region’s fascinating volcanic activity which causes it
Enjoy scenic guided hikes through Tenorio Volcano National Park and to the stunning Rio Celeste waterfall
Go wildlife watching – keep an eye out for birds such as toucans, trogons, bear-necked umbrella birds and many other vibrant species
I really recommend Rio Celeste and the Tenorio Volcano National Park for anyone who loves to immerse themselves in nature. Costa Rica is known for its biodiversity and incredible wildlife, but the remarkable colour of the river here really stands out and is definitely worth a visit.
Delfina Russo
Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in Rio Celeste
Why book with Jacada?
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Trip Inspiration
Discover more of Costa Rica
Arenal
The omnipresent Arenal Volcano towers over the region, contrasting against sheer blue skies or framed by verdant jungle foliage as you glance up from your activities. Enjoy hikes, zip lines, hot springs and much more.
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Corcovado and Osa Peninsula
Osa enjoys an exceptional wealth of biodiversity, from primary rainforests to sandy coastline. Remote and exciting, this is one of the best places for wildlife encounters in Costa Rica.
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Dominical
A sleepy surf village with great access to the national park and various stunning beaches. Learn to ride the big waves or sit back and relax in nature watching fiery sunsets.
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Manuel Antonio
One of Costa Rica’s most popular destinations, and for good reason. A marine reserve protecting an idyllic coastline and important, verdant rainforests. Spot dolphins, whales, howler monkeys and kingfishers.
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Nicoya Peninsula
Tangled stone cliffs and winding mangroves greet the rugged, beautiful coastline of the Nicoya Peninsula. A natural paradise with a focus on sustainability and respecting the precious environment.
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Pacuare Reserve
Exhilarating and remote, get off the beaten track here with white water rafting, vast areas of primary, virgin rainforest and masses of wildlife. Stay at sustainable, luxury lodges in this stunning riverside location.
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Puerto Viejo
Located on the southern Caribbean coastline there’s plenty to do here. Visit Gandoca-Manzanillo Refuge for wildlife, surf the big waves on Salsa Brava beach or find the calmer waters and beach bars at Limon.
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San Jose
A cosmopolitan city with some worthwhile highlights to explore. The colonial quarters of the city are vibrant and filled with smells of food stalls and ground coffee.
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The Central Cloud Forests
Elevated, tropical evergreen forests, misty and humid, transport you to a magical paradise. Hike to waterfalls among almost luminous green lichen and moss punctuated, with pink tropical orchids.
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The Coffee Valley
Fertile volcanic soil and a tropical climate make Costa Rica one of the best places in the world for growing delicious coffee beans. Learn about the culture connected with the land and enjoy hiking, horseback riding and more.
Discover moreMeet your Latin America team
When to visit
Costa Rica has two distinct seasons: the dry season, which runs from December to April, and the green season, which runs from May to November. We recommend avoiding travelling from September to October as many regions experience heavy rainfall during this time.
No matter when you go, Costa Rica offers the chance to discover some amazing ecosystems and see fascinating wildlife all year round.
Dry season
December – April
Green season
May – November
Costa Rica travel guides
Plan your trip to Rio Celeste
Whatever you want from your adventure in Rio Celeste, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Plan with peace of mind
When you book a trip in today’s world there’s a lot to think about. But with the right advice and expert planning, you can do it with confidence.
If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.
