The Río Celeste is a glowing light blue river in the Tenorio Volcano National Park in Guanacaste, near the town of Bijagua de Upala in the north of the country.
The Río Celeste is a glowing light blue river in the Tenorio Volcano National Park in Guanacaste, near the town of Bijagua de Upala in the north of the country. You come here for its turquoise waterfall and the spot where two clear rivers mix and the water suddenly turns blue.The color appears when the volcanically influenced Río Buenavista meets the acidic Quebrada Agria: Tiny aluminum silicate particles clump together and scatter sunlight. After heavy rains, the water is murkier and less blue.The Misterios del Tenorio hiking trail starts at El Pilón Station and leads to a viewpoint, Laguna Azul, the Borbollones where gas bubbles from the riverbed, and the Teñideros where the rivers meet. The stairs to the waterfall were only partially open from mid-2025 after damage; check before visiting which sections are open.Swimming is prohibited in the National Park. Tickets are booked online through the protected area authority SINAC, and entry is granted in time slots; in case of bad weather, the park may close at short notice.
Sights in Río Celeste
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Natural Feature
1Río Celeste Falls
The waterfall plunges into a turquoise-blue basin and is the National Park's most iconic sight. A long staircase leads to its base; after damage from heavy rain, it was only partially reopened in June 2025, and in heavy rain, the section must be evacuated immediately. Check before your visit how far down the descent is currently possible.
At the end of the hiking trail, two clear rivers meet, and from here the water is light blue. Two bridges lead to the spot: The first crosses the still colourless river, the second the already blue one. A sign explains the origin of the colour.
The Blue Lagoon is about 200 meters past the viewpoint on the hiking trail, reachable via steep steps and large rocks. Fifty meters beyond are the Borbollones, where hot, sulfur-smelling water bubbles from the riverbed. The area is cordoned off; do not touch the water.
Why the River is BlueBefore the confluence, both tributaries are clear. At the Teñideros, where the Río Buenavista meets the acidic Quebrada Agria, tiny aluminosilicate particles combine into larger ones. These scatter sunlight, making the water appear blue. A plaque at the site explains the phenomenon.A Local LegendA local legend claims God washed his brush in Río Celeste after painting the sky. The Tenorio Volcano National Park, home to the river, was established in 1976 and spans about 129 square kilometers.
Arrival and On the Go
ArrivalThe park entrance at El Pilón station is near Bijagua de Upala. For GPS, enter "Parque Nacional Volcán Tenorio", as "Río Celeste" isn't reliably found. Most visitors arrive by rental car or tour.In the ParkThe Teñideros trail is a round trip; viewpoint after ~0.5 km, Teñideros at the end. Parts are steep and muddy after rain; sturdy shoes are advised. Show ticket and ID at entrance, arrive on time for booked slot. Outside the park, private and public bathing spots are available along the river.
