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Looking for the best tours of Rio Celeste from La Fortuna? We’ve lived in Costa Rica for a while and taken many tours there ourselves to get the answer to the very question you have.
Full of wildlife and incredible nature Rio Celeste is not to be missed. But it’s far from La Fortuna so getting there is difficult to organize and expensive if you take a taxi. And once you get there it’s so easy to miss all of the animals hiding just out of sight!
This is why tours are easily the best way to experience all it has to offer. So keep reading because below are our tour recommendations for a carefree and adventure-filled day to Rio Celeste.
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Tour
Don’t have time to read the full article?
Our personal FAVORITE tour is this full-day experience including hiking, lots of chances to see wildlife, swimming in geothermal pools, and of course a front-row seat to the incredible Rio Celeste waterfall! You can check out the hundreds of 5-star reviews and book this tour here.
Tip: Reserve this tour early to guarantee your spot and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
Best Rio Celeste Tours from La Fortuna
1. Small Group, Full-Day Rio Celeste Hiking Tour with lunch and transport
- Price: $89 USD
- Duration: 8 hours
- Highlights: Full-day hike through Tenorio Volcano National Park, spot local wildlife, swim in geothermal pools, see the Rio Celeste River, Waterfall and its famous blue pools
- Inclusions: English-speaking guide, round-trip transportation from La Fortuna, lunch, entrance fees
- Rating: 5 Stars (Read the 350+ reviews here)
- Free cancelation: Yes
This all-inclusive tour of the Rio Celeste is our top pick because it has a little bit of everything and is ridiculously cheap. From spotting wildlife like sloths, monkeys, and snakes, to swimming in geothermal pools, and even some moderately challenging hiking to a tropical waterfall – it’s non-stop fun! If you’re in the market for a carefree day of Costa Rican adventure, this is the tour for you.
Our day started at 8 am when we were picked up and began the 1.5-hour drive to Rio Celeste with our group. Even the drive is stunning and a great opportunity to spot families of cute coatis looking for food on the side of the road. Once we arrived, we hit the trail and started our out-and-back trek which is roughly 7.5 kilometers (4.7 miles) in total. You have to work for the views, but they’re worth it!
Along the way, we spotted tons of wildlife, swam in the enchanting turquoise-blue thermal pools, and had plenty of stops to take in the scenery. My favorite was the Rio Celeste Waterfall which is the same incredible blue of the river! Our guide was fantastic and constantly pointed out wildlife as well as told us all about the area’s unique biodiversity. If you love the outdoors, you need to experience the Rio Clelese with a guide!
I can’t recommend this tour enough and it perfectly captures everything we love about Costa Rica. So don’t hesitate to book your spot today!
Book our FAVORITE tour to Rio Celeste easily here!
2. Easy Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike and Animal Spotting Tour with Expert Guide
- Price: $108 USD
- Duration: 6 hours
- Highlights: Half-day hike through Tenorio Volcano National Park, spot local wildlife, see the Rio Celeste River, Waterfall and its famous blue pools
- Inclusions: English-speaking guide, round-trip transportation from La Fortuna, lunch, entrance fees
- Rating: 5 Stars (Read reviews here)
- Free cancelation: Yes
This small group tour is perfect for people who want to do less hiking at Rio Celeste and instead spend more time taking in the scenery. Even though you don’t hike all of the Rio Celeste, you still get to experience all of its magic. If you enjoy quality over quantity and want a more laid-back day at Rio Celeste, you can book this tour with confidence!
The day kicks off with hotel pickup from La Fortuna and follows up with a gorgeous 1.5-hour drive to Rio Celeste. The highlight of this drive for me is all of the cute coatis that come out of the jungle to eat on the side of the road!
Once at Rio Celeste, you’re in for an easy 1-hour, 1.6-kilometer (1-mile) hike through the jungle to the nearby waterfall as you make frequent stops to admire all of the various wildlife and plants that surround you. Sloths, monkeys, tapirs, massive trees, and lush jungle plants are just a few of the incredible things you will learn about with your guide.
The cherry on top is the enchantingly blue waters of the waterfall you’ll see before you make the walk back and have a well-deserved Costa Rican lunch. Make sure you read our guide to Rio Celeste Waterfall before you go so you know what to expect!
If everything I talked about above sounds like the perfect day, it’s because it is! So don’t hesitate to book your spot for this tour and experience the magic of Rio Celeste.
Book this tour here now and pay later!
Related Read: Another experience we loved was taking one of these Costa Rican cooking classes in La Fortuna!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
3. Full-Day Río Celeste Adventure Hike and Swimming Experience
- Price: $80 USD
- Duration: 8 hours
- Highlights: Full-day hike through Tenorio Volcano National Park, spot local wildlife, swimming, see the Rio Celeste River, Waterfall and its famous blue pools
- Inclusions: English-speaking guide, round-trip transportation from La Fortuna, lunch, entrance fees
- Rating: 5 Stars (Read the 150+ reviews here)
- Free cancelation: Yes
I can comfortably include this small group Rio Celeste hiking experience on this list because even though moderately challenging, the payout at the end is worth it. If you want to go off the beaten path (literally), this tour will be the highlight of your Costa Rica trip!
After pickup in La Fortuna, the 1.5-hour drive to Rio Celeste is filled with natural beauty and even a little animal spotting. The air-conditioned van is comfortable so if you’re still a little tired, it’s the perfect time to catch up on sleep.
After arriving at Rio Celeste, your group and guide will begin the 2-hour, 7.5-kilometer (4.7-mile) trek into the jungle as you spot sloths, coati, snakes, and a whole host of other amazing Costa Rican wildlife. Bring some good hiking boots because you’ll be playing Indiana Jones all day! If you love adventure, this experience is one you won’t want to miss.
As you take in the multi-colored waters of the river, pass massive trees, marvel at the waterfall, and cross footbridges, you’ll eventually reach your destination. A locally owned farm with private access to the river (and hammocks!) is where you’ll kick off your boots and relax, swim, and eat a delicious fresh lunch before making the journey back.
If you’re an adventure seeker who wants to experience a part of Rio Celeste few people get the chance to, take my word for it, and don’t miss out on this tour!
Book this adventure tour right here before it sells out!
Related Read: If you need help figuring out how to get to this area, read our full guide on going from San Jose to La Fortuna here!
Other Things to do While You’re in La Fortuna
This is just one of the many fun activities to fill your itinerary with and there are so many other things to do in La Fortuna you won’t want to miss! These are just a few of our top picks:
- Hot springs – Be sure to get plenty of relaxation time during your stay in La Fortuna. The Free Natural Hot Spring River is a public river running through the Tabacon Hot Springs Resort. It’s only 15 minutes outside La Fortuna and feels amazing after a day of hiking! If you don’t mind paying for a soak, there are tons of other amazing hot springs in La Fortuna to choose from too.
- Go on a night walk – After a day of adventure, going on this night walk and dinner tour makes for a fun evening experience. Guides lead you on an easy hike through the rainforest, spotting all the critters that come out after dark. To finish it off, you’ll enjoy a traditional Costa Rican dinner prepared on a wood-burning stove.
- Visit a rope swing – El Salto, or “the rope swing,” is a hidden paradise with a swimming hole, waterfalls, and a local vibe. This is one of the best free things to do in La Fortuna! You can easily walk to El Salto and swing into the refreshing waters – or ask the locals where it’s safe to jump!
- Drink great coffee – It’s no secret some of the best coffee in the world comes from Costa Rica! You can grab a cup of coffee at one of the restaurants in La Fortuna or take it a step further with a coffee tour. We had the freshest cup of coffee and tasted amazing homemade chocolate on this Costa Rican coffee and chocolate experience that takes place on a small family-owned plantation.
- Arenal Volcano – Arenal Volcano is the centerpiece of La Fortuna! You can wander the trails at Arenal Volcano National Park on your own or as part of a hiking tour. For more unique volcano views, take to the sky aboard the Sky Tram, fly by on an ATV ride, or take a leisurely sunset cruise on Lake Arenal.
Where to Stay in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Because La Fortuna is such a big tourist town, there are a ton of amazing places to stay. We even wrote an entire blog about the best hotels in La Fortuna. However, to make it super easy, we’ve narrowed it down to our top places for each price point. So keep reading to find one that suits your needs (and budget!).
Luxury – $$$
Those with a luxury budget can wake up to views of Arenal Volcano! The Volcano Lodge is set at the foot of Arenal Volcano. It has hot springs and a lush, tropical garden on the property where you can see lots of the beautiful birds of Costa Rica, including hummingbirds! Rooms here typically start at $200 USD per night. For a luxurious stay in a natural setting, book The Volcano Lodge online here.
For arguably the most luxurious hotel in La Fortuna, check out The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal. While the rooms don’t come cheap ($600 USD+), it’s a bucket list place to stay that’s perfect for visiting Costa Rica on a honeymoon! There’s also a resort-style pool, a fitness center, a swim-up bar, hot tubs, and a spa and wellness center. If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury, reserve your stay at The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal!
Mid-range – $$
Those with a medium budget should check out Casa Luna Hotel & Spa. I stayed here on my first visit to La Fortuna and loved it. The property is beautiful, with a large pool and four hot tubs surrounded by nature. They also include a delicious breakfast at the $170 USD room rate. Casa Luna is located a short drive from town and can be booked online here.
Budget – $
One of the go-to budget options is Selina La Fortuna. I’ve stayed in Selina hostels around the world, and this is a great one. It has a fun party atmosphere and a great co-working space where we spent a lot of time. You can also book on Booking.com or Hostelworld.com for the best rate.
La Fortuna Natural Green is another budget option suited to those who prefer to avoid hostels. They offer small chalets a short walk or drive from town. Rooms start at $75 USD and include free breakfast. To grab this great deal, check prices and availability on Booking.com.
Getting Around Costa Rica
How you choose to get around Costa Rica is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your holiday here! How you do it depends on your budget, travel style, and comfort level.
Renting a Car
Without a doubt, the number one way to explore Costa Rica is in a rental car. We book rental cars on the Discover Cars website as we have had good experiences with them in the past.
One of the things you need to watch for when renting a car in Costa Rica is the mandatory insurance that the government requires you to have. There are a lot of very cheap rentals that don’t include this mandatory insurance (TPL) in the original booking price, but there are also ones that do. To avoid additional surprise charges when you pick up your rental car, be sure to rent a car that includes the mandatory insurance when you book.
Thankfully, on Discover Cars it’s easy to tell apart the companies that include the mandatory insurance and those that don’t. The trick is you can’t pick any car on their website. In the picture below, you can see this rental car, with pick up in Jaco, includes the TPL. That means the mandatory insurance is included in the price. Any cover you get above that is extra.
Of course, I still suggest getting the full coverage offered by Discover Cars, which covers you even more.
You can browse cars on Discover Cars here.
Book Shuttles
If renting a car isn’t in your budget, you don’t feel comfortable driving in Costa Rica, or you just don’t like driving, shuttles are the next best option. There are hundreds of shuttle routes available all over the country, and they are very affordable.
Shuttles in Costa Rica are specifically for tourists and often include pick up and drop off at your selected hotels and airports. The drivers also speak some English, and the vehicles have air conditioning. You’ll also be guaranteed a seat when you book a shuttle (which isn’t the case with the public bus system.)
To get the best price, use the website Bookaway. They compare all the offers and prices of shuttle companies in Costa Rica so you get the best price! Honestly, we have saved so much money using Bookaway!
You can search for shuttles online on Bookaway here.
Public Bus
Lastly, you can use the public bus system. On short journeys, such as from San Jose to La Fortuna or Uvita to Manuel Antonio, this system is great. However, the longer the journey the more hassle and time spent on a bus. It’s undoubtedly best to save the public bus in Costa Rica for short and straightforward trips!
The public buses are definitely the cheapest way to get around Costa Rica, but they are not always very reliable and schedules often change without notice and delays are to be expected. The buses can also be very crowded and hot – so just be prepared!
It’s also good to speak some Spanish if you plan on riding the public bus since most drivers and ticket booth operators don’t speak English.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind.
Pura Vida!
Seeing Rio Celeste is one of our favorite memories in Costa Rica and beautiful places like this are what made us want to move here for good! The Rio Celeste tours we’ve talked about are all stress-free ways to see this natural wonder and they include fun extras too. Hopefully, you found one you like!
For more travel inspiration and tips, check out our entire blog about Costa Rica. We love sharing our experiences with fellow travelers. Here are a few related blogs that I think you might find helpful:
12 BEST Tours in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
The BEST Hanging Bridges in La Fortuna: Mistico vs. The Skywalk