Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Activities
A well-signed trail begins at the ranger-station parking lot and winds 1.5km through the
rainforest until you reach an intersection. Turn left and climb down a very steep but sturdy
staircase to the Catarata de Río Celeste, a milky blue waterfall that cascades 30m down the
rocks into a fantastically aquamarine pool.
It's 400m further to the Mirador, where you'll have gorgeous views of Tenorio from the
double-decker wooden platform. Further on is the Technicolor Pozo Azul (Blue Lagoon).
The trail loops around the lagoon 400m until you arrive at the confluence of rivers known
as Los Teñidores (The Stainers). Here, two small rivers - one whitish blue and one brown-
ish yellow - mix together to create the blueberry milk of Río Celeste.
Note that swimming is strictly prohibited everywhere along this trail. The nearby hot
springs have also been closed, after some tourists were burned in 2011. Hiking to the vol-
cano crater is also strictly prohibited.
Plans for a circuit trail are afoot, but for now the trail ends at Los Teñidores. Retrace
your steps to return to the ranger station.
Allow three to four hours to complete the entire hike. It's about a 7km roundtrip, but
parts of the trail are steep and rocky. And because this is a rainforest, the trail can be wet
and muddy almost year-round. Good hiking shoes or boots are a must. After your hike,
you'll find an area to wash your footwear near the trailhead.
Sleeping & Eating
Posada Río Celeste
CABINAS
(
8356-0285, for English 8978-2676;
www.posadarioceleste.com
; r incl meals per person US$40;
)
Formerly called Posada La Amistad, this homey property offers clean, rustic rooms and
hearty, home-cooked meals, all on a family farm in a rural ranching community 1km
northeast of the park entrance. Two talkative parrots inhabit the blooming gardens. Staff
can organize hiking and swimming in and out of the park.
