Rio Celeste, Tenorio Volcano National Park

Definitely a must-do experience. No guide necessary. It’s a long steep climb back up from the waterfall, but not a problem if you are in good shape. Highly recommend hiking to the end of the trail (past the waterfall) and seeing where the blue starts (two rivers come together and the water turns blue where they meet.)

Rio Celeste was a really enjoyable hike with some rewarding experiences at the end. The waterfall itself was not blue at the time we went, maybe this changes from season to season but we were disappointed. We kept going on to the lagoon and enjoyed it much more. Much fewer people and if you can catch it in the rain, the cloud forest looks beautiful. Each time you go on one of these legs, there is an uphill, than a steep downhill. We kept going for a mile or so from the waterfall and we came across the blue lagoon that was actually blue! Really beautiful but a long way down and back up. Certainly recommend it if your up for a four or more mile walk.

This is a really great hike. It’s pretty tough, but our toddlers were able to do it. They even went on the trail past the waterfall to the hot springs but only went maybe half way. They then hiked all the way back. It was a bit rainy and pretty muddy but we did it. The final part is the hike was a long set of stairs. It’s worth it, beautiful waterfall and color.

Worth the entrance fee, with a 5km hike (2.5km out and back) taking you to see the beautiful waterfall, bubbling pools and view point of the volcanoes. If you're very lucky you'll be able to spot some wildlife, but with the national park being so large, they tend to steer clear of the tourist trail. Trail is in a good condition, but there are a lot of steps to get up and down from the waterfall. These can be busy with people bunching up to take photos etc.

This was a great hike through the rainforest. There’s only one path in and the same path out so I would suggest skipping the waterfalls first, going to the end of the trail with our sites to see, and stopping at the waterfall on you’re way back since the side trail to and from the waterfalls is a very steep and long stone staircase. The water is an amazing turquoise blue due to its mineral content. Simply stunning. Don’t expect to see any wildlife on this hike - although we did spot a small snake by the trail thanks to our tour guide’s keen eyes. Definitely recommend stopping here if you like a good hike. It only drizzled when I was there so no need for a rain jacket (but I was told it can get pretty rainy at times). Shorts, T-shirt, sneakers, and bug spray and you should be fine.