How to Visit Río Celeste from La Fortuna: 3 Tour Options for Every Budget (2025)
- Visit La Fortuna
- Jul 4
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 5
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If you’re visiting Costa Rica, the Río Celeste Waterfall in Tenorio Volcano National Park is one of the most magical, must-see places you can experience. With its surreal blue water, lush rainforest trail, and natural hot springs, it’s no wonder this is a top day trip from La Fortuna.
But if you’re wondering how to visit Río Celeste from La Fortuna — or which type of tour is best for your group — you’re not alone. As locals, we know the options can be confusing at first, which is why we put together this honest breakdown of the three best ways to visit Río Celeste in 2025.
We offer and support all three options, so there's no bias here—just helpful info so you can decide what fits your trip.
1️⃣ Full Guided Tour to Río Celeste (Most Popular Option)
💰 Around $85–$95 per person
🕐 Includes: Transportation, entrance ticket, lunch, bilingual guide
This option is perfect if you want everything taken care of. These tours are run by experienced, established tour operators that go to Río Celeste every day. They include:
✅ Round-trip transportation from La Fortuna
✅ A bilingual naturalist guide
✅ A fresh, local lunch
✅ Entrance to Tenorio Volcano National Park
This option is especially great for solo travelers or couples, since it runs like clockwork and includes a guide who can help you spot wildlife and explain the unique blue water phenomenon.
📍 Want to book a guided Río Celeste tour? [Click here to reserve through our platform]
💰 $60–$70 per person (minimum 4 people)
🕐 Includes: Transport, park entrance, snacks + optional lunch and guide
This is a local-only deal you won’t find on TripAdvisor, Viator, or GetYourGuide. These tours are run by trusted small operators who offer affordable rates because they don’t pay platform commissions.
You’ve got two versions:
* Transport from La Fortuna
* Park entrance ticket
* Snacks + water bottle
* No guide or lunch
📍 Meet-up location provided after booking
👉 Great for groups who want to explore independently.
* Includes a guide + lunch on top of everything above
👉 Ideal for small groups wanting a more supported experience.
⚠️ *Note: Minimum 4 people required for either option.
3️⃣ Do-It-Yourself Trip to Río Celeste (Flexible + Adventurous)
💰 $200–$220 estimate total for 2 people
🕐 Includes: Entrance, car rental or private driver, meals
Prefer to travel at your own pace? You can rent a car or hire a private driver and purchase tickets on your own through the SINAC website( https://serviciosenlinea.sinac.go.cr/) (Costa Rica’s official park platform).
🚨 Things to know:
* Website is not very intuitive, and requires your passport number
* The park may ask to see your *physical passport at the entrance
* Use Waze, not Google Maps*—Costa Rica doesn’t use traditional addresses, and Waze is more accurate
* There are limited good restaurant nearby—we recommend planning ahead for food!
✅ Best for: groups of 3 or more people
✅ Offers maximum flexibility on departure and return times
🧑✈️ Want help finding a trusted driver? [Click here to request one]
Final Tips for Visiting Río Celeste
* The hike is about 3 hours round-trip on moderate terrain
* The waterfall trail is well maintained, but bring proper shoes
* Pack bug repellent, sunscreen, a poncho, and water
* And don’t forget your passport!
📸 Pro Tip: The waterfall looks brightest when the sun is out—aim for a morning or early afternoon hike for the best photos!
Ready to Book Your Río Celeste Tour?
Whether you want a fully guided experience or a self-guided adventure, Río Celeste is one of the most unforgettable places in Costa Rica. We’ve helped hundreds of travelers get there easily—now it's your turn.
➡️ [Book the Full Guided Tour (best for solo/couples)
➡️ [Book the Discounted Group Tour (best for groups of 4+)
🚗 [Explore Car Rentals or hire a private driver for DIY Trips]
Still have questions? Feel free to reach out—we’re here to help!
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