If you are planning to visit the enchanting Rio Celeste, Costa Rica, here is everything you need to know to plan the perfect visit, so you can see the sky blue river within the Tenorio Volcano National Park.

The story told by the locals is that Rio Celeste got the amazing color from it when God dipped his brush in the river while he was painting the sky. Scientifically, the color appears when two separate rivers of clear water meet and a certain type of mineral coated with silicon, oxygen, and aluminum remains suspended in the river. The size, suspension and reflection of sunlight create this deep blue color in the water.

Weather and what to wear for Rio Celeste

The climate of Rio Celeste is generally hot and humid being the tropical jungle. Average daytime temperatures are around 80 F (28 C).

Please note that this area does not strictly follow the tropical dry and rainy seasons, and it can rain during the dry season (December to April).

• Shoes: No flip-flops, high heels, open sandals. Since the trails are dirt and full of tree roots and rocks, good shoes are a must. I personally love closed toe hiking shoes for Rio Celeste, specifically my hiking sandals.
• Clothing: You don't need long pants to walk, shorts will be fine, but be sure to apply mosquito repellant. Personally, we recommend clothing that dries quickly and wicks away moisture because it's so humid.
• Gear: Bring waterproof rain gear, especially if you're bringing camera gear. We brought a sturdy poncho, our North Face waterproof jackets, Aqua Quest waterproof backpacks, and a waterproof backpack cover.
• Hiking poles: If you are older with knee/ankle problems, hiking poles are recommended for going down steps and uneven paths.
• Mosquito repellant: a must!

Need a guide to Rio Celeste?

A guide is not required or necessary for Rio Celeste, you can visit Rio Celeste perfectly on your own. It's a simple linear trail with lots of signage. You walk all the way to the end, turn around and walk back the same trail. You cannot miss in the national park.

The paths

The first section of the trail from the entrance to the waterfall is a very nice, flat trail. It's mostly dirt, but it goes from concrete to dirt a few times and across a suspension bridge. The walk from the entrance to the Rio Celeste Waterfall takes about 30 minutes.

Once you reach the entrance to the waterfall there is a set of steep stairs with handrails to go down into the waterfall. It's not impossible, but take your time getting back up.

Unfortunately, the Rio Celeste trail is not handicap-friendly or stroller-friendly. The trail is a nature trail with tree roots, loose rocks, and large rocks.