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The Rio Celeste Waterfall is a natural cascade located within the Tenorio Volcano National Park in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. It is characterized by the distinct turquoise coloration of its water.

Visual Characteristics

The waterfall drops approximately 90 meters (300 feet) from a cliff face composed of volcanic rock. The water exhibits a striking sky-blue to turquoise hue, a result of light refraction from suspended mineral particles. The surrounding vegetation is dense tropical rainforest, with a variety of broadleaf trees and epiphytes.

Location & Access Logistics

The waterfall is situated within Tenorio Volcano National Park. Access is via a well-maintained trail from the park entrance. The park entrance is approximately 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) from the town of Bijagua, accessible via unpaved roads (Ruta 142). Parking is available at the national park's main entrance. Public transport options to Bijagua are limited; bus services operate from San Jose and Liberia, requiring transfers. From Bijagua, a taxi or pre-arranged transport is necessary to reach the park entrance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The unique coloration of the Rio Celeste is an ecological phenomenon. It is caused by the chemical reaction between two rivers, the Quebrada Agria and the Rio Buena Vista. The Quebrada Agria contains high concentrations of aluminum and silicon. When these waters mix with the Rio Buena Vista, which has a higher pH, the minerals precipitate, creating a colloidal suspension that reflects light in the blue spectrum. The waterfall itself is a geological feature formed by erosion of volcanic rock over time.

Key Highlights & Activities

Hiking the designated trail to the waterfall viewpoint is the primary activity. The trail is approximately 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) round trip from the park entrance to the waterfall. Swimming is prohibited at the waterfall itself due to safety concerns and park regulations. Observation platforms are positioned for viewing the cascade.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the national park entrance. Limited shade is provided by the rainforest canopy along the trail. Cell phone signal is generally unreliable within the park boundaries. Food vendors are not present within the park; visitors should bring their own provisions. Basic amenities are available at the park entrance, including a small gift shop.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is typically mid-morning to early afternoon when sunlight is most direct, enhancing the water's color. The dry season, from December to April, offers more stable weather conditions. The wet season (May to November) can result in higher water levels and potentially obscured views due to rain. The water's color is most pronounced when there has been no recent heavy rainfall, as sediment can temporarily affect the hue.

Facts & Legends

Local folklore suggests that the vibrant blue color of the river is due to God painting the sky onto the water. A verified geological fact is that the mineral composition responsible for the color is primarily silica and aluminum compounds.

Nearby Landmarks

• Tenorio Volcano National Park (0km North)
• Laguna Azul (2km West)
• Mirador Rio Celeste (3km South)
• Catarata Del Toro (40km Southeast)