Monteverde Cloud Forest might get all of the glory for being the place to expertise life up within the clouds in Costa Rica, however on a current journey, we found one other different – Tenorio Nationwide Park.
Tenorio Nationwide Park is among the youngest parks in Costa Rica. It was created solely in 1995–and we determine that’s a part of why it’s not as well-known but. Initially, the park was established to assist shield the Tenorio Volcano.
The Tenorio Volcano sits 1,916 metres above sea degree and has 4 energetic volcanic cones, although it hasn’t erupted since colonial instances. As we speak, the nationwide park attracts guests from throughout due to its pure sizzling springs, waterfalls, mountain climbing trails, colourful wildlife, and, of notably, the magical Rio Celeste.
Taking the highway much less travelled, we made our technique to Tenorio Volcano Nationwide Park, which is positioned roughly 2 hours away from Arenal Volcano or about 2 hours away from Liberia, Costa Rica.
We drove down sluggish gravel roads in the direction of Bijagua, a small village on the base of the park, and in the direction of Posada Rio Celeste Lodge & Spa, a small family-run lodge tucked away simply 1km from the park entrance.
Essential highway in Bijagua, Costa Rica
Rio Celeste, Costa Rica’s Hidden Gem
We arrived late at evening, unable to completely respect the world. It wasn’t till the following morning that we awoke within the magical lush rainforest backyard, sitting among the many clouds, and realized the true fantastic thing about this Rio Celeste hideaway.
The rain was pounding on the tin roofs of our cabins all evening, however we have been adamant about making the very best of this wet day within the Tenorio Nationwide Park. We dug out our greatest rain gear from our backpacks and headed for the park.
We anticipated it to be abandoned (why would anybody need to hike across the muddy path to Rio Celeste on such a crappy day, proper?) however have been stunned to seek out busloads of locals ready on the entrance as we pulled into the car parking zone.
Oksana and Max at Tenorio Volcano Nationwide Park
About Tenorio Volcano Nationwide Park
Inside Tenorio Volcano Nationwide Park
Regardless of the shortage of clear views and the truth that we spent three hours being utterly drenched, we actually loved our go to. Tenorio Volcano Nationwide Park is an actual pure gem, and the Rio Celeste is certainly one of Costa Rica’s hidden treasures, with magical lush rainforest and some very nice viewpoints. Among the many pure panoramic views, you may see so far as the plains of the Pacific and the Caribbean, the plains of Guanacaste, the Arenal reservoir, the wind towers, the cattle ranches, and the Miravelles and Tenorio massifs.
With various rivers, streams, and comes, the nationwide park provides water to greater than twenty communities round it.
The park has a number of habitat zones and, together with it, a formidable choice of wildlife. Some notable plant species yow will discover are palms, ferns, bromeliads, and orchids. Go searching, and you’ll count on white-faced and howler monkeys on the timber, whereas anteaters, pumas, tapirs, and peccaries are identified to roam within the jungle. If you happen to’re fortunate, you may spot a couple of trogon birds and bellbirds, too!
It’s not as wealthy in wildlife as, say, Manuel Antonio or Monteverde Nationwide Parks (or maybe that was simply our expertise on a wet day), but it surely gives an amazing expertise for these trying to join with nature. We did go to in the midst of the inexperienced season, which can have had one thing to do with our damp day!
Oksana at Tenorio Volcano Nationwide Park
Park Entrance Charges
As of August 2023, the Tenorio Volcano Nationwide Park has up to date their entrance charge and ticket buying course of. Guests will now not have the ability to buy tickets on the park entrance. As a substitute, you may select between six totally different time slots and guide your tickets upfront by way of the Nationwide System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) web site right here. By buying on-line tickets beforehand, guests are assured entry to the park and may count on a seamless, hassle-free go to.
Tickets are actually priced at USD $13.56 for adults and USD $5.65 for kids. Every particular person is allowed to buy a most of 10 tickets, whereas journey companies have the choice to buy 20 tickets directly. Earlier than making a purchase order, customers should create an account on the SINAC web site.
If you happen to’re driving, you’ll additionally must pay a small entrance charge of round USD $4 for parking. You’ll discover the car parking zone proper by the doorway.
Hours of Operation
The park is open every day from 8am, with the final entry at 2PM. Nevertheless, friends are free to remain on the park till 4PM, which provides you adequate time to hike and see the Rio Celeste waterfall even if you happen to are available on the final entry.
We suggest reserving the earliest window at 8AM because the path to Rio Celeste can get fairly busy all through the day. Don’t overlook to indicate up on time on your reserving appointment!
Mountain climbing Trails
There may be simply one fundamental out-and-back path within the park known as the Misterios del Tenorio, or Mysteries of Tenorio. It’s 3.2 km every approach, making all the Rio Celeste hike about 6.4 km or 4 miles. It’s a comparatively straightforward hike that takes about 3-4 hours and hits all the park’s spectacular landmarks.
Río Celeste Waterfall
The primary a part of the path is a paved path by way of the rainforest towards the Rio Celeste waterfall —known as Catarata Rio Celeste on a map. The Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike then branches off from the principle path to a set of steep stairs. Take the steps down for spectacular views of the waterfall and a heart-pumping journey again up!
“Rio Celeste” actually interprets to “mild blue river” in Spanish and is certainly one of Central America’s most gorgeous waterfalls. Its shiny turquoise water makes it stand out, and it seems to be straight out of a forest dream, particularly towards all the plush greenery.
It solely takes about half-hour to achieve the highest of the steps from the doorway. Some guests finish their journey right here, however persevering with on is a good hike if you happen to don’t thoughts slightly mud.
Visiting Rio Celeste in Costa Rica
La Laguna Azul
Known as the Blue Lagoon, this small pool has an intense blue color within the water. Many individuals say La Laguna Azul seems to be lots just like the mermaid lagoon in Peter Pan. Sadly, in contrast to the mermaids, you may’t swim in La Laguna Azul, however you’ll have an amazing view of it from the path.
Rio Celeste Waterfall
Los Borbollones
These sizzling springs are fashioned from volcanic gasses effervescent within the water. You’ll have to withstand swimming in them because the scent of sulphur fills the air.
El Teñidero
After the new springs, you’ll cross two bridges earlier than reaching El Teñidero. That is the place the 2 rivers meet to kind the Rio Celeste River. First, you’ll cross a dangling bridge, then arrive at El Teñidero after the second bridge. Seeing the 2 rivers combine into shiny blue water is a really distinctive expertise!
Our Expertise Mountain climbing In Tenorio Volcano Nationwide Park
This park was much more standard than we anticipated. Drawn by the park’s fundamental attraction, Rio Celeste Waterfall, the crowds made their approach alongside the 1km nice, straightforward, and paved path, stopping to admire the plush vegetation of the rainforest round them.
We adopted, sure that our gumboots rental was a whole waste of cash. (Our lodge proprietor was very adamant that they have been a necessity for Rio Celeste mountain climbing.)
The rain picked up much more simply as we stopped to admire the attractive blue color of the Rio Celeste. We have been soaking moist regardless of our rain gear, however we weren’t giving up. We carried on with the hike, making our approach in the direction of the mirador (lookout level).
Rio Celeste Waterfall, Tenorio Volcano Nationwide Park
Wet day in Tenorio Volcano Nationwide Park
Getting To The Rio Celeste Waterfall
The paved mountain climbing path disappeared and was changed by muddy tracks with a couple of luggage of gravel thrown in to assist with traction. Ah, in order that’s what the boots have been for!
It was one other 1.5 km to get to the mirador, which, on a transparent day, would have supplied lovely views of the park. On a foggy, wet day, it was…effectively, cloudy.
The lookout (mirador) on the Tenorio Volcano Nationwide Park. Greatest considered in clear climate
Mountain climbing path instructions
Suggestions For Visiting Rio Celeste, Costa Rica
Verify climate circumstances typically – Even through the dry season, Tenorio Volcano Park is not any stranger to rain. Be sure you gown accordingly for damp, humid days with clothes that dries shortly. Additionally, notice that the park closes within the occasion of utmost climate so examine the Fb web page for updates earlier than you go.
You may’t swim anyplace inside Tenorio Volcano Park – The gorgeous waterfall and effervescent sizzling springs are alluring however completely off-limits. Exterior of the park, you may go swimming on the “Rio Celeste Free Pool” close to the Rio Celeste Hideaway Lodge.
The paths may be very muddy – With all of the mud, you’ll positively need rainboots or good, waterproof mountain climbing boots. You may lease rubber boots for USD $5 a pair earlier than you enter the park if you happen to don’t have your individual.
You will have 4×4 through the wet season – For the reason that park will get very busy in the summertime, visiting from Might to November is a good selection. That stated, be ready for plenty of rain, inflicting the roads to get simply as slick and muddy as the paths.
Convey a reusable water bottle – Single-use plastics usually are not allowed within the park, so you’ll want to pack a water bottle. We have been grateful to have our self-cleaning LARQ water bottles once we visited Rio Celeste.
FAQs:
Why is Rio Celeste so Blue?
The identify “Río Celeste” really means “sky blue river,” and it’s no shock when you see the brilliant blue water. So, what creates this lovely blue color?
Native legends say that the turquoise river was created after God completed portray the sky and washed his paintbrushes in Rio Celeste, giving it its good blue color. Whereas that feels like one thing out of a fairy story, the science behind it’s a little much less magical.
At El Teñidero, two clear rivers, the Buenavista River and Bitter Creek, meet. The blue water right here is wealthy in aluminum blended with silicon and oxygen, and when the daylight hits it, the suspended particles seem shiny blue. So the water is definitely clear in spite of everything, however the aluminosilicate particles create an optical phantasm—and a wonderful one at that!
Rio Celeste Waterfall
Is Rio Celeste value it?
Many take into account Rio Celeste to be the very best a part of the hike in addition to the most important attraction in Tenorio Volcano Nationwide Park, so it’s positively a good suggestion to go to Rio Celeste!
Our greatest recommendation for a worthwhile go to? Study from our mistake and plan your hike through the dry season in Costa Rica (December to April). That approach, you may expertise Rio Celeste with out worrying about muddy trails and heavy rain. The dry season offers you the very best visibility, and it’s when the river is alleged to be at its most lovely!
Is Rio Celeste a tough hike?
The Rio Celeste path is rated as a “reasonable hike.” It’s 3.2km every approach, making all the hike 6.4km or 4 miles lengthy. The Rio Celeste hike will take about 3-4 hours to finish each methods. It’s positively more difficult if you happen to go to through the rain season, because the muddy trails are tough to navigate. However aside from that, the path itself is easy, with a number of signage all through to direct you.
The hike isn’t significantly lengthy, however inexperienced hikers might discover some elements a bit difficult. Sadly, it’s not handicap-accessible, both. We suggest the hike for intermediate to skilled hikers, although any wholesome particular person can enterprise on the Rio Celeste path so long as they go at their very own tempo and take relaxation stops when wanted.
Is it secure to swim within the Rio Celeste?
The quick reply is not any.
Swimming is prohibited within the nationwide park. That is to assist protect the park’s delicate ecosystem and stop any accidents attributable to the robust currents and deep swimming pools. Other than that, the mud from the vacationers’ boots would trigger the water to lose its blue color and harm the Rio Celeste waterfalls and the river’s pure state.
The excellent news is, if you happen to actually need to take a dip, there’s a swimming gap close by that you may head to after your hike. If you happen to’re driving, use this “Rio Celeste Free Pool” pin on Google Maps. It’ll take you to a spot close to the Rio Celeste Hideaway Lodge. Entrance is free, and there’s additionally a chosen parking spot on the aspect of the highway.
Full Customer’s Information For Tenorio Volcano Nationwide Park
How To Get To Rio Celeste and Tenorio Volcano Nationwide Park
The best technique to get to Tenorio Volcano Nationwide Park is by automobile. Make your approach in the direction of the city of Bijagua, passing by both Cañas or Upala, relying on the place your journey originates. From Bijagua, search for the indicators for the park and take the unpaved highway to the doorway. Or, be a part of a day tour from La Fortuna for a full day of trails and waterfalls.
Getting Across the Space
There isn’t any public transportation in Bijagua, and taxis are additionally unusual, so if you happen to don’t lease a automobile to get to Tenorio, you’ll have to barter with some locals to drive you to the park or rent a information to take you in.
If in case you have a automobile, you may drive proper to the doorway, park, pay the parking charge and enter the park. When you enter, you’ll have a hike forward of you to get to the Rio Celeste waterfall, so be ready! No information is required to discover.
Mealy Amazon Parrot in Tenorio Nationwide Park
Rio Celeste Excursions
If you happen to don’t have your individual automobile, probably the greatest methods to go to the park is to go on a Rio Celeste tour. Listed below are the guided excursions we suggest if you happen to’re visiting from Alajuela or Guanacaste.
Rio Celeste Full-Day Tour from La Fortuna: This Rio Celeste, Costa Rica, tour begins from La Fortuna and is an superior technique to see all of the marvels of the park. You’ll spend the day mountain climbing and studying about native wildlife earlier than ending the day with a Costa Rican lunch.
Celeste River and Llanos de Cortez Waterfall from Tamarindo: This guided tour begins out mountain climbing the Mysteries of Tenorio Path to the Rio Celeste Waterfall. You’ll then search for sloths, toucans, and frogs stress-free in nature. After refuelling with some lunch, you’ll head to the Llanos de Cortez Waterfalls for a refreshing swim.
Rio Celeste Hike and Don Alexis Farm from La Fortuna: If you happen to’re itching to go swimming within the glowing blue river of Rio Celeste, that is your likelihood! Comply with your information alongside the Mysteries of Tenorio Path earlier than lunch and a swim at a neighborhood farm.
The place To Keep When Visiting Rio Celeste Waterfall, Costa Rica
For the reason that Rio Celeste space isn’t a tourism sizzling spot, the vast majority of the inns in Bijagua, in addition to across the Tenorio Volcano Nationwide Park, are native, family-run companies good for travellers trying to help native communities throughout their go to.
Posada Rio Celeste Lodge & Spa
To go to Rio Celeste on a price range, we suggest staying at Posada Rio Celeste Lodge & Spa. This small, family-run Costa Rican lodge is ideal because it’s very close to Rio Celeste. It’s tucked away contained in the jungle simply 1 km exterior the park entrance and is a wonderful base location for exploring the Rio Celeste Waterfall. The lodge additionally has a restaurant on-site and may supply recommendation about actions within the space. Rooms begin at USD $50 per evening.
Heliconias Rainforest Lodge
Heliconias Rainforest Lodge is a novel lodge positioned between 70 hectares of virgin rainforest. It’s simply 10 minutes exterior of Bijagua and a few 40-minute drive to the Rio Celeste waterfalls.
The forest retreat options an ordinary, superior bungalow and household rooms with interiors handcrafted from native wooden. All rooms are outfitted with a personal lavatory with a bathe, and a few embody views of the mountain or the lake.
There’s free parking on-site, in addition to free wifi and an on-site restaurant. Secluded within the rainforest, the property has a handful of actions, akin to a tour of the lodge’s 2.5km trails (with 3 hanging bridges!), horseback driving, evening excursions, a chocolate tour, and sizzling springs.
Rio Celeste Hideaway Lodge
If you happen to’re eager to splash out in luxurious, you’ll positively need to guide a casita on the Rio Celeste Hideaway Lodge. It’s the one luxurious lodging alongside the Rio Celeste River and boasts spectacular jungle views.
The luxurious bungalows are embellished elegantly and include a plasma TV, free wifi, and a personal yard with an outside bathe. Lodge amenities embody an outside pool, a restaurant that serves native and worldwide dishes made with conventional Costa Rican substances, a swim-up bar, a spa, and a lounge that serves contemporary tropical cocktails.
They even have unique entry to the Rio Celeste River, making it probably the greatest inns close to Rio Celeste, Costa Rica. What’s extra, the lodge collaborates with native communities and carries out sustainable practices like water conservation and chemical-free gardens.