When we traveled to Costa Rica in March 2024, one spot I was especially excited to check off my list was Tenorio Volcano National Park, home to the famous Rio Celeste Waterfall. This stunning cascade is known for its otherworldly, bright blue water—a total bucket-list stop. But as any traveler knows, no matter how much you plan, you can’t control the weather.
The day we visited? It poured. And I don’t mean a light drizzle—it rained a lot. So while we didn’t get to see Rio Celeste in all its brilliant blue glory, the muddy trails, misty rainforest, and soggy adventure still made for one of the most memorable parts of our trip. Sometimes, that’s what travel is all about.
What to Know About Visiting Tenorio National Park
Buy Tickets in Advance: You can’t purchase tickets at the park entrance, and cell service is spotty—so be sure to book online ahead of time.
Parking Fee: In addition to your park ticket, there’s a separate charge for parking.
Timed Entry: Entry is regulated, and you’ll have a 40-minute window to enter from your scheduled time—plan accordingly.
Hike Difficulty: The trail to the waterfall is a moderate hike and generally manageable for all ages and skill levels. However, the rest of the trail beyond the falls includes steep and often slippery stairs. In wet weather, it’s definitely more challenging—especially for non-hikers or anyone in less-than-ideal footwear.
Helpful Resource: I recommend checking out this blog post from Mytanfeet.com for up-to-date details and tips before your visit.
Our Experience
Tenorio National Park is one of the most visited parks in Costa Rica, and it makes for an easy day trip from places like La Fortuna or even parts of Guanacaste. The park itself is lush, full of wildlife, and home to the dormant Tenorio Volcano.
Even in the rain, the hike to the waterfall was beautiful. Normally, the Celeste Waterfall glows with an electric turquoise color, caused by minerals in the water—but due to the rain, the river was more of a cloudy blue-gray. Still worth it!
If you continue past the falls, the trail leads to Laguna Azul, a serene blue pool, and eventually to El Teñidero, the magical spot where two mineral-rich rivers meet to form the iconic blue hue of Rio Celeste. The full hike is about 3.5 miles round trip, but keep in mind that the second half includes lots of stairs—some quite steep and very slippery in the rain.
We opted to visit the park on our own rather than with a tour, and honestly, we were glad. With the weather, it was nice to go at our own pace. That said, a guide can be really helpful for spotting wildlife and sharing cool facts about the flora and fauna. One group near us actually spotted a deadly viper just off the trail (yikes!)—a good reminder to always keep an eye on your surroundings!
Final Thoughts
Travel doesn’t always go as planned. I’ll admit—I was bummed not to see the glowing blue waterfall I had dreamed of. But in the end, the rainy, muddy trek through the forest made for a funny, messy, unforgettable experience—and now we just have one more reason to return to Costa Rica in the future!
