San José , Costa Rica

Day trip to Rio Celeste from San José

Active

(9 reviews)

13h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover the only day tour to Río Celeste from San Jose, an experience that only we offer. We will travel along the northern road, enjoying incredible scenery until we reach this spectacular national park.

You’ll walk along the park’s main trails and wonders, including the Rio Celeste Waterfall, the Blue Lagoon, the bubbling volcanic boils and the Tinyard, where the river takes on its iconic celestial hue. In addition, you can see monkeys, toucans and sloths in their natural habitat.

After the walk, we will have lunch in a typical restaurant.

We are the only company from San Jose that offers exclusive access to private property where the Celeste River flows freely. Here you can bathe in its celestial waters and enjoy its rejuvenating and therapeutic properties.

To close the day, we’ll stop at Caldera Beach, where you’ll enjoy artisan ice cream while watching an unforgettable sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

Available options

Day trip to Rio Celeste from San José

Pickup included

What's included

Lunch

Snacks

Air-conditioned vehicle

Breakfast

Coffee and/or Tea

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Discover Rio Celeste, where the water takes on an amazing turquoise color thanks to a unique chemical phenomenon.

We start with the imposing 30-meter high Waterfall of Río Celeste, whose vibrant blue makes it the biggest attraction of the tour. From a strategic viewpoint, you can capture spectacular photos.

We will visit the Blue Lagoon, a hypnotic lagoon that, according to indigenous legends, was the “Lagoon of the Gods”. Up to 5 meters deep, it is one of the most iconic postcards in the park.

On the way, we will see the boils, fissures in the earth where volcanic gases emerge, reflecting the geothermal energy of the place.

The tour culminates in the Tinyard, where the river acquires its distinctive turquoise hue in a unique natural phenomenon.

An ideal experience to explore one of Costa Rica’s most stunning destinations, surrounded by lush nature and unforgettable scenery.

After exploring the National Park, we head to a family restaurant to enjoy authentic typical food, handmade with fresh ingredients from the area.

After lunch, we will take a short walk to a private property, where we will have the opportunity to swim in the crystal clear waters of Rio Celeste. This stretch of the river, outside the limits of the park, allows you to immerse yourself in its amazing turquoise color and enjoy a unique experience in contact with nature.

The water is safe for swimming and contains minerals with rejuvenating properties and skin benefits, as well as being especially recommended for asthmatic people. Relax in this spectacular natural setting and live an unforgettable moment.

Back to the hotel, we will stop at Caldera beach, where we will enjoy delicious artisan ice cream while watching the spectacular sunset over the Pacific. Sea breezes, the sound of waves and golden tones in the sky will create the perfect closure for an adventure-filled day.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.5

8 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About San José

San José, the capital of Costa Rica, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, bustling markets, and colonial architecture. Nestled in the heart of the Central Valley, it offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty, with nearby volcanoes and coffee plantations adding to its allure.

Top Attractions

Museo del Jade

This museum houses an extensive collection of pre-Columbian jade artifacts, showcasing the rich history of Costa Rica.

Museum 1-2 hours ¢5,000 (CRC)

Mercado Central

A bustling market offering a variety of local foods, souvenirs, and crafts. It's a great place to experience the local culture.

Market 1-2 hours Free entry

Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica

A stunning example of neoclassical architecture, this theater hosts various cultural performances and events.

Historical 1 hour ¢6,000 (CRC) for tours

Parque La Sabana

A large urban park with walking paths, sports facilities, and a lake. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Gallo Pinto

A traditional breakfast dish made with rice, beans, onions, and peppers, often served with eggs, tortillas, and natilla (sour cream).

Breakfast Vegetarian

Casado

A typical lunch dish consisting of rice, beans, salad, plantains, and a choice of meat or fish.

Lunch Can be vegetarian or vegan with modifications

Olla de Carne

A hearty beef and vegetable soup, often served with rice, tortillas, and salad.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian

Chifrijo

A popular bar snack made with fried pork, beans, rice, and avocado.

Snack Can be made vegetarian with modifications

Popular Activities

Hiking in national parks Zip-lining in nearby areas Coffee tasting tours Spa treatments Museum visits Historical tours White-water rafting in nearby rivers Coffee plantation tours

Best Time to Visit

December to April

The dry season offers pleasant weather with minimal rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

22-28°C 72-82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Costa Rican Colón (CRC)

Time Zone

CST (UTC-6)

Electricity

110VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

San José is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas. Exercise caution and keep valuables secure.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Avoid walking alone at night
• Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps

Getting there

By air

Juan Santamaría International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) from city center

By bus

Cariari Bus Terminal, San José Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around San José. They cover most of the city and its suburbs.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Barrio Escalante Barrio Amón San Pedro

Day trips

Poás Volcano National Park

50 km (31 miles) • Half day

A stunning national park featuring the active Poás Volcano and beautiful crater lakes.

Irazú Volcano National Park

55 km (34 miles) • Half day

A national park featuring the Irazú Volcano, one of the highest peaks in Costa Rica, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Alajuela

20 km (12 miles) • Half day

A charming city known for its colonial architecture, museums, and the Juan Santamaría Museum, dedicated to Costa Rica's national hero.

Festivals

Fiesta de las Luces • December Festival de las Artes • March

Pro tips

Visit the Mercado Central early in the morning for the freshest produce and to avoid crowds.
Try local street food for an authentic and delicious culinary experience.
Explore the city's museums and cultural attractions to gain a deeper understanding of Costa Rica's rich history.
Take a day trip to nearby natural attractions, such as Poás Volcano National Park, for stunning views and outdoor activities.
Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your interactions with locals and show respect for the culture.