A surreal and colorful natural wonder sparkles within Costa Rica’s Tenorio Volcano National Park. North of the country’s capital city San José, the park hosts an amazing array of ecological treasures. Geysers, waterfalls, and the eponymous Tenorio Volcano treat guests to unique and dazzling views. However, out of all these stunning sights, countless visitors worldwide know the park for one rare treasure in particular — Río Celeste.
The Celeste River, or Río Celeste, is home to other-worldly bright blue waters. Flowing along Tenorio Volcano National Park’s lush green forest trails, the river gets its incredible color from a mineral substance that creates an “optical illusion.” While the park forbids swimming in the river, tourists can hike close enough to get clear pictures of the area. Guests craving a dip in the water can visit the Río Celeste Free Pool, a free public swimming area just past the park’s entrance.
Additional water features in the park include rushing waterfalls and thermal springs. Hiking tours through the area highlight these natural gems as adventurers trek through the wilderness. On a hike, visitors can also expect to cross canopy-level hanging bridges that overlook the thriving forest. Some lucky guests may even spot a tapir or puma slinking through the wilderness.
Before embarking on a hike through the park, make sure you’re prepared for a strenuous workout. As Alejandro Zúñiga of The Tico Times wrote, “Tenorio Volcano National Park is beautiful, but you have to be willing to work for it.” Nearly four miles of trail will take hikers up steep inclines and a grueling set of stairs. Tourists who complete this journey through nature will have their effort rewarded with scenic views of waterfalls, lagoons, and rivers that bubble from the warmth of the nearby Tenorio Volcano. These sights will surely stick with visitors, but don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the moment, too.