When you set foot on the trail toward Rio Celeste Waterfall, you step into a forest alive with movement and whispers. The path cuts through dense, humid rainforest where the colors shift from deep greens to sudden bursts of bright foliage. The volcano’s waters, racing and foaming, dare you to keep pace as they twist and turn upstream. After about 3.7 miles (6 kilometers) with an elevation gain of roughly 650 feet (200 meters), the trail crescendos at the waterfall—a cascading wall of water painted electric blue by a natural chemical reaction that defies ordinary river colors.

This exceptional hue comes from the meeting of sulfur and calcium carbonate, stirred by volcanic activity. The sight of the Rio Celeste’s water tumbling down a sheer cliff, set against the backdrop of cloud-draped peaks, is unforgettable but earned through a moderately challenging hike. The trail, largely dirt but well-maintained, includes some steep sections with roots and slippery stones requiring steady footing. Waterproof hiking boots with traction are your best allies here.

Plan your visit early in the day to avoid crowds and catch the misty morning light glowing off the blue. Bring ample water, as humidity can sneak up and tire even prepared hikers. The air carries the rich smells of damp earth and tropical blooms—a reminder that this park breathes and shifts constantly. The forest here is fiercely alive, with toucans calling overhead and leaf-cutter ants industriously carving paths at your feet.

At the overlook, the river pulls you in with a force that feels almost intentional, an invitation to pause and marvel rather than rush. The spray cools your skin; the roar of falling water fills your ears; and as you watch the water churning bright blue below, it’s clear this place resists being tamed. Respect the environment by staying on designated paths and limiting noise to preserve the experience for all.

If your schedule allows, continue hiking further to other park attractions like the Tenorio Volcano viewpoint or volcanic hot springs to extend this day of discovery. But for many, the Rio Celeste Waterfall alone offers a perfect balance of adventure, beauty, and nature’s raw expression—powerful yet approachable, vivid yet real. This trail challenges you physically and invites you to connect with an ecosystem that’s unapologetically itself. Gear up, stay alert, and relish every moment of this brilliant journey.