We are located behind the Central Church in Downtown La Fortuna.
Description
Discover the celestial blue waters of Tenorio Volcano National Park on this day trip from La Fortuna. Trek through a jungle, learn from an expert guide about the rainforest’s plant and animal life, and come upon Río Celeste waterfall and its glowing azure lagoon. Find more magic at Los Teñideros, where two rivers merge — and watch the water turn turquoise before your very eyes. Uncover the secret behind this transformation and after the hike, tuck into a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Air-conditioned hotel transport is included.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
7:30 AM
Next available
Thu, Oct 8
Adult (ages 10+)
$141
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 7.
Tour Options
Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike from Arenal
Pickup included
What's included
Included
Local guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Lunch
Not included
Gratuities
Pickup Locations & Times
We have an extra transport charge for hotels outside of our normal pick-up zone.
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.7
35 reviews
5
30
4
3
3
0
2
0
1
2
How it compares in La Fortuna
Starting price $141 is 46% above the typical $97 for tours of similar length in La Fortuna
Excurgo comparison of 892 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Specialized infant seats are available
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
A moderate amount of walking is required
It is recommended that you wear comfortable walking shoes
Please bring a change of clothes, sunglasses, insect repellent and water
Tour departs from La Fortuna
A minimum of 4 people per booking is required
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike from Arenal take?
Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike from Arenal lasts about 6 hours.
How much does Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike from Arenal cost?
Prices start at $141 per person for this La Fortuna experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike from Arenal run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 7:30 AM.
Can I cancel Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike from Arenal for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. We have an extra transport charge for hotels outside of our normal pick-up zone. Pickup points include Poshtel Arenal.
What languages is Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike from Arenal offered in?
The experience is available in EN, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 8 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Specialized infant seats are available
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike from Arenal worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.7 out of 5 across 35 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Desafio Adventure Company.
Reviews(35)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
6
644barrieg
January 30, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Misleading advertising by Desafio
I went on the La Fortuna Waterfall Hike, Swim + Lunch (there is no separate item for that tour on the dropdown list). I booked that tour because it included those 3 activities in that order. At the beginning of the tour, we descended about 600, mainly steel and smooth steps and reached the base of the waterfall. The descent, according to Desafio, constituted the hike. it wasn't a hike on any reasonable understanding. I sent them definitions of a hike (which this was not) and they have just ignored those. They will not refund the amount I paid. I was totally prepared for a hike and had worn my hiking boots. If the journey to the waterfall only consisted of those steps, thier advertising should have stated that.
Operator response
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We are sorry to hear that the experience did not meet your expectations.
Guest feedback is very important to us, and we will review the wording of this experience internally to help ensure expectations are communicated more accurately in the future.
We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and thank you for choosing Desafio Adventure Company.
K
K_K
January 6, 2026 · via Viator
Amazing experience! The...
Amazing experience! The hike was moderate with some slippery parts. Carlos and Stephen did an AMAZING job! Easy to talk to and very helpful and mindful. We felt safe with them!
Operator response
Hi,
Thank you for your wonderful review! 😊 We're delighted to hear you had an amazing experience at Río Celeste. We'll be sure to share your kind words with Carlos and Stephen—they'll be thrilled to know they helped make your adventure safe, enjoyable, and memorable.
Thank you for joining us, and we hope to welcome you back for more incredible experiences in Costa Rica!
Thanks for choosing Desafío Adventure Company, La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
I
Ive_C
January 3, 2026 · via Viator
Awesome day out!
My husband and I had a great day. Santos was knowledgeable, patient and just great company overall. The views are amazing, and the hikes quite acceptable. It’s a lot more waiting than walking, though the stairs can get pretty steep. We couldn’t swim which was a bummer, but the view is still worth it
Operator response
Hi,
Thank you for your review! 😊 We're so happy to hear you and your husband enjoyed your visit to Río Celeste. We'll be sure to share your kind words with Santos—he'll be delighted to know his knowledge and friendly company made the day even more memorable.
We're glad the stunning views made the trip worthwhile, and we appreciate your feedback. Thank you for joining us, and we hope to welcome you back for more adventures in Costa Rica!
Thanks for choosing Desafío Adventure Company, La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
J
jnealbeach
December 28, 2025 · via Viator
Rio Celeste, Nature Lovers
The tour isn't for everyone. People who wish to see nature and enjoy the beauty that surrounds it. My guide Erika was funny, energetic, and knowledgeable. Unfortunately couldn't go all the way down to the Waterfall area due to a landslide, but it still was amazing. WEAR the proper shoes, it rained hard, and we hiked through the mud, just hilarious to see those people wearing flip flops. It isn't the beach folks. Be careful and listen to people, there are dangerous creatures. We saw a viper, and people were getting to close. Good tour and good company.
Operator response
Hi,
Thank you for your review! 😊 We're delighted to hear you enjoyed your experience and that Erika helped make the tour both fun and informative. We'll be sure to share your kind words with her!
We're glad you were able to appreciate the beauty of the area despite the trail conditions and the temporary access restrictions caused by the landslide. Thank you as well for sharing your helpful advice with future visitors—proper footwear and following guide instructions are key to enjoying the rainforest safely.
Thanks for choosing Desafío Adventure Company, La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
W
William_S
July 8, 2025 · via Viator
Turquoise Dream
Tour was awesome with water so blue- we got very lucky even after the rain! Tour guide, Mr. Santos was great and very friendly! We saw a few cool looking insects and small snake but no sloths or monkeys but that’s ok we saw many other wildlife at other stops in Costa Rica. The lunch was very tasty as well.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your kind words! 💙🐍 We're thrilled to hear you had an awesome tour and got to enjoy the beautiful blue waters — such a lucky treat, especially after the rain! 🌧️☀️
We're glad you enjoyed exploring with Mr. Santos 🧑🏫, he's truly passionate about nature and making every tour memorable. Even without monkeys or sloths this time, it sounds like you still had a fantastic wildlife experience 🐞🦋. And we're happy to hear you loved the lunch too! 🍽️😋
Thanks again for joining us — we hope to welcome you back on another adventure soon! 🌿🇨🇷 Pura vida! 🌺
— The Desafío Team 💪😄
L
Lorenzo_V
March 20, 2025 · via Viator
The guide was super...
The guide was super knowledgeable and fun. We really enjoyed the tour. She went above and beyond to make the trip a great experience.
L
laura1234580
February 1, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Beautiful national park hike
A beautiful hike in Tenorio National Park. Our guide Harvin was enthusiastic and very knowledgeable. We even saw two tapir! The waterfall itself was beautiful. The hike was quite steep in places, with challenging footing. We enjoyed a relaxing lunch afterwards at a quiet place.
Operator response
We’re delighted you enjoyed your hike in Tenorio National Park! Seeing two tapirs is truly a rare and special experience, and we’re glad Harvin’s enthusiasm and knowledge made the journey even more rewarding. The mix of adventure on the trail and a peaceful lunch afterwards sounds perfect. Thank you for choosing Desafío Aventure Company.
L
Linda_W
November 23, 2024 · via Viator
Excellent day trip in La Fortuna
Eco Terra, recovered our day. Unfortunately, while on route to Rio Celeste, our guide was notified that the park was closed for the safety of guests due to the flooding and fallen trees. Our guide Harvin, provided us with options, and we decided to instead explore the Arenal Volcano and the La Fortuna waterfall. We appreciated all the information Harvin provided us about nature in Costa Rica. He was also on the watch for sloths, and found us 3. Such a highlight to see them in their natural environment. We were amazed that they could be spotted.
Operator response
Hola!
Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We're truly sorry that your original plan to visit Rio Celeste was affected by the unexpected park closure, but we’re so glad to hear that Harvin was able to turn the day into an amazing adventure. Exploring the Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna Waterfall is always a great alternative, and spotting three sloths in the wild? That’s definitely a highlight! 🦥🌿
Harvin’s passion for sharing Costa Rica’s nature and wildlife truly shines through, and we’re thrilled he made your experience so memorable. We hope you'll return to see Rio Celeste when the conditions are just right.
Thank you again for your understanding, and for choosing us for your adventure. Pura Vida! 😊🌴
The Desafío Adventure Team
V
V9289GJceciliap
July 28, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
The best tour
Samantha was the most amazing guide! The tour is very worthwhile, it has a professional telescope with which you can enjoy it in a more enriching way.
Operator response
¡Muchas gracias por tu comentario! Estamos encantados de saber que tu experiencia con Samantha fue increíble. Nos alegra que hayas disfrutado del tour y que el telescopio profesional haya enriquecido tu visita. Apreciamos mucho tus palabras y esperamos tener la oportunidad de ofrecerte más aventuras memorables en el futuro. ¡Gracias por recomendarnos!
K
kerrim848
July 9, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
No need for a tour guide
So beautiful! We didn't hire a tour guide and were glad we didn't. It definitely wasn't necessary here. Some of our group saw howler monkeys.
Operator response
We are thrilled you enjoyed the natural beauty of our area on your own! It makes us so happy that you were able to connect with the surroundings and see special wildlife like howler monkeys. It was a pleasure to host you! Thanks for choosing Desafío Adventure Company. We look forward to seeing you on your next adventure!
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