Did you know? The blue waters of Rio Celeste, Costa Rica are an optical illusion

If you are planning a trip to Costa Rica, Rio Celeste in Tenorio Volcano National Park is absolutely worth seeing and is easy to get to by car. It is a beautiful park with an amazing waterfall and a 6KM out and back hiking trail that leads to an “Azul” (blue) lagoon, the “Teñidero” (where two rivers converge making the turquoise waters see more below), to the “Borbollones” (where volcanic gas makes the water bubble) and a “Mirador” (a vista point to see the volcanic peaks of Tenorio Volcano).

The Teñidero is the junction point of two clear rivers that create the turquoise colour illusion of Río Celeste. This mixing of rivers creates an acidic change in aluminosilicate minerals causing the majority of them to remain suspended (versus settling to the bottom). These minerals act as prisms scattering sunlight — but only in bluish tones creating the visual sensation of turquoise waters.

Getting to Rio Celeste is easy. If you fly in or out of Liberia Airport (LIR) it is a quick 1.5 hour drive. If you are visiting the Arenal Volcano/La Fortuna area it also an 1.5 hours drive from there.Tickets in 2025 were $12 US and can only be purchased online, and for a fixed entry time (see the www.sinac.go.cr website). Parking is an additional cash only ~ ₡ 3000 colones per car.

Note

• there is no swimming allowed in the park, however there is a road side stop 1 KM south of the entry where you can park on the road and access the river for a swim.

• Also, closed toed shoes are a smart option as we did see a small snake! These sandals were perfect for the day.

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