Río Celeste Waterfall

Before you go

Tickets

Online only, book ahead

Swimming

No swimming

Checked

2026-10

Tip

Book a timed ticket online and start early. After heavy rain the water turns milky, so check the forecast first.

Be careful

Swimming is not allowed anywhere in the park. The stairs down to the falls are steep and slick and may be partly closed after storms.

Getting there

Tenorio Volcano National Park (El Pilón entrance), about 2 hours' drive from La Fortuna; online tickets, last entry around 2 p.m.

Places nearby

• Tapirus Paradise RestaurantFood & CoffeePopular restaurant 300 m east of the Tenorio Volcano NP entrance, a handy lunch stop right after the Río Celeste hike.
• Kantala Restaurant (Río Celeste Hideaway)Food & CoffeeThe fusion restaurant of the Río Celeste Hideaway hotel, open to the public for lunch or dinner with a reservation — the area's fine-dining option.
• Laberinto Río CelesteParks & WildlifeA 4,600 m² hibiscus hedge maze 150 m from the Tenorio Volcano NP entrance — find your way to the lookout platform in the middle.
• Tilapiera Los Laguitos y Restaurante Río CelesteFood & CoffeeLunch spot 1.4 km from the Tenorio Volcano park entrance where the tilapia comes from its own ponds, with a pretty pond garden and canoe; a handy meal stop after the Río Celeste hike.
• Restaurante La Amistad (Río Celeste)Sodas & Local FoodFamily soda by the Posada La Amistad, east of the Tenorio entrance, serving casados — including a colorful vegetarian one — before or after the hike.
• Soda y Rancho Doña IrmaSodas & Local FoodRustic roadside rancho near the Tenorio park road serving typical Costa Rican food.