La cascade du Rio Celeste au Costa Rica

The blueest waterfall in the world near Tenorio volcano

The waterfall of the Rio Celeste, a river flowing in Tenorio National Volcano Park at Costa Rica , is really blue than blue. The origin of this dazzling blue color is due to volcanic minerals (in particular it suffers) present under the surface. The photos, though you think the opposite, are not retouched to the computer.

Flickr – Matthew Karsten

A legend says that "When God finished painting the sky in blue, he washed his brushes in the Celestial Rio."

Flickr – vasse nicolas,antoine

Throughout the trek, you can admire the Tenorio volcano and observe the local fauna, namely white-faced monkeys, poisonous frogs, and blue butterflies. You can also dip in hot thermal springs, or dip in boiling mud pots. But the final reserves the best: plunge into this "milk blue" pool is a reward .

Flickr – Mike Baird

In addition, there is a great chance that you have the pool for yourself!

Flickr – Mike Baird

How to get to Rio Celeste? - Information

It’s quite complicated to reach the cascade but it’s really worth it. Here are the details to go:

To get to the Tenorio Volcano National Park, it is first quite long: 5 bus hours are required from San José to get to the city Guatuso located east of the reserve, or Bijagua North.

From Bijagua, where you can stay, take a taxi or a 4×4 from the lodge to the entrance of the national park (see with your hotel on site ). From the entrance of the park, the trek to the waterfall lasts about 3 to 4 hours.

Other solution : From Guatuso, you must take another local bus for 45 minutes. The bus runs at 11am and costs $2. Indicate to the driver « por favor, cerca de parque nacional » . You will then arrive at the tiny village of Rio Celeste. Take a taxi to go to the Rio Celeste Lodge . Contact this hotel and get something to eat and drink. From here, the waterfall is only 45 minutes’ walk.

The entrance to the park is possible every day from 8am to 2pm. Entry costs $10. Also check the weather because if it rains too much, the color so blue of the water will not form.

Good luck!