Group enjoying the scenic view of Rio Celeste waterfall during a full day hiking tour.
Man smiling while tubing down the vibrant waters of Rio Celeste on an adventure tour.
Mother and child bonding while tubing in Rio Celeste's clear waters, wearing safety gear.
Group of smiling adventurers ready for a hiking and tubing tour in Rio Celeste with helmets and life jackets.
Excited man tubing down the rapids in Rio Celeste, showcasing adventure and thrill with safety gear.
Group relaxing in tubes on the serene turquoise waters of Rio Celeste, surrounded by lush greenery.
Group enjoying tubing adventure on Rio Celeste's turquoise waters during a full-day hiking tour in Costa Rica.
Person relaxing on a tube in Rio Celeste, surrounded by lush greenery on a full-day hiking and tubing tour.
Happy family tubing on Rio Celeste, experiencing Costa Rica's natural beauty on a full-day hiking and tubing tour.
Smiling child enjoys fresh tropical fruits amidst lush Rio Celeste scenery on full day hiking and tubing tour.
Two adventurers in helmets and life jackets tubing down the vibrant blue waters of Rio Celeste rainforest.
Woman peacefully floats on a tube in the clear, blue waters of Rio Celeste surrounded by lush greenery.
Listing ID : 62647

Activity

Duration6 hours 30 minutes
Group SizeSmall Group
Starts AtTenorio Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish, French
Full Day Adventure in Costa Rica

Full Day Hiking and Tubing Tour in Rio Celeste

Where jungle trails and turquoise currents meet for a day unlike any other.


A single day at Rio Celeste packs in rainforest hiking, a dramatic waterfall, river tubing through natural pools, and a traditional Costa Rican lunch, all at an easy difficulty level accessible to most adventurers.

Tenorio Volcano National Park shelters one of Central America's most visually striking rivers, fed by volcanic minerals that turn its waters a vivid celestial blue. Trails wind beneath a dense tropical canopy alive with birds, insects, and flowering plants found nowhere else on Earth.

After the hike, guides lead the group to a separate tubing stretch where the river widens into calm corridors and hidden pools, offering a relaxed way to experience the jungle from water level. The rhythm of the river, the sound of the canopy, and the surrounding volcanic landscape combine into an experience that stays with visitors long after the day ends.

The excursion closes with a satisfying lunch featuring classic Costa Rican dishes, giving travelers a genuine taste of the local food culture before the return journey.

Tour Highlights

Witness the iconic Rio Celeste waterfall, whose mineral-rich blue waters are one of Costa Rica's most photographed natural landmarks.

Hike through the primary rainforest of Tenorio Volcano National Park, home to diverse tropical flora and resident wildlife.

Float through the river on a tubing adventure that reveals natural pools and jungle scenery inaccessible by foot.

Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch that reflects the honest, hearty flavors of the local agricultural tradition.

Spot wildlife along the trail, including tropical birds, reptiles, and plant species native to the Guanacaste Conservation Area.

Travel with experienced local guides who know the terrain, the wildlife patterns, and the safest river conditions at all times.

How the Day Unfolds

1
Arrival at Tenorio Volcano National Park

The group gathers at the park entrance, where guides provide a brief orientation on the trail, the river, and the day's sequence of activities.

2
Rainforest Hike to Rio Celeste Waterfall

The trail passes through old-growth tropical forest, crossing wooden bridges and following the riverbank to the base of the turquoise waterfall. This section covers a moderate walking distance at a relaxed, scenic pace.

3
Exploration of the River and Blue Pool

Near the waterfall, a natural pool formed by the river's mineral-rich currents offers one of the most photographed views in all of Costa Rica.

4
Traditional Costa Rican Lunch

The group stops for a locally prepared meal featuring the staple flavors of Costa Rican home cooking, giving travelers energy before the second activity.

5
Rio Celeste Tubing Adventure

Equipped with tubes and life jackets, guests float along the river's gentle currents, drifting past jungle walls and pausing at natural swimming pools along the route.

6
Return and Departure

After the tubing section concludes, the group returns to the starting point, completing a full loop of the day's two main adventures.

What Is Included

Included

  • Professional local guide throughout the tour
  • Hiking through Tenorio Volcano National Park
  • Guided visit to Rio Celeste Waterfall
  • Tubing equipment including tube and life jacket
  • Traditional Costa Rican lunch
  • Safety briefing before water activities

Not Included

  • National park entrance fee (payable on-site)
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Gratuities for guides
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • Alcoholic or additional beverages

Important Information

This tour operates in a protected national park. Visitors must follow park regulations, stay on marked trails, and respect wildlife at all times.
Duration
The full tour lasts approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, combining both the hiking and tubing segments along with lunch.
Meeting Point
The tour begins at the entrance of Tenorio Volcano National Park. Specific coordinates and access instructions are provided upon booking confirmation.
What to Bring
Wear light, quick-dry clothing and sturdy closed-toe shoes suitable for wet trails. Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, a change of clothes, a towel, and a reusable water bottle.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies vary by booking platform. Review the specific terms provided at the time of reservation before confirming your booking.
Accessibility
The trail involves uneven terrain and river access points. The tour is rated easy but may not be suitable for guests with significant mobility limitations.
Age Range
The tour is suitable for participants of most ages. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult, and minimum age requirements for tubing may apply.

Reserve Your Spot on Rio Celeste

Availability on this route is limited by park regulations and group size caps. Secure your place in advance to avoid missing out on one of Costa Rica's most celebrated natural experiences.

Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is prior hiking experience required for this tour?
No prior experience is required. The hike is rated easy and follows well-marked trails through the national park at a comfortable pace suitable for most fitness levels.
Do I need to know how to swim to participate in the tubing section?
Basic water comfort is recommended, but strong swimming skills are not required. All participants are provided with a life jacket for the duration of the tubing activity.
What is the Rio Celeste waterfall known for?
Rio Celeste is known for its unusually vivid turquoise color, caused by a chemical reaction between volcanic minerals from two converging streams inside Tenorio Volcano National Park.
Is the park entrance fee included in the tour price?
The national park entrance fee is not included and must be paid directly at the park gate on the day of the tour.
What type of food is served during lunch?
Lunch consists of traditional Costa Rican dishes, typically including rice, black beans, protein, and local sides that reflect the flavors of regional home cooking.
What should I wear for the tubing portion of the tour?
Wear quick-dry clothing and secure footwear that can get wet. Bringing a change of dry clothes for after the river section is strongly recommended.
Rio CelesteCosta Rica ToursTubing AdventureRainforest HikingTenorio VolcanoWaterfall TourEcotourismNature TourFull Day TourJungle ExperienceOutdoor AdventureGuanacaste
Last updated: 2025-07-14 | Product ID: txp-rio-celeste-hike-tubing-001

Activity

Availability

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Additional Information

Physical: Wheelchair Not accessible

Duration

6 hours and 30 minutes

Languages

English - Speaking Guide

Spanish - Speaking Guide

French - Speaking Guide

Additional Information

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Cancellation Policy

Select Date

Meeting Point

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

End Point

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

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