Rio Celeste
Rio Celeste was one of our favorite stops on our waterfall trip around Costa Rica. We loved doing trips like this — getting out and exploring other parts of the country while we lived there. We stayed at La Carolina Lodge, which is mostly self-sustainable: almost all the food is organic and comes straight off the farm — eggs, fruit, veggies, and meat.
We had a cozy little cabin, explored the farm, went horseback riding, milked cows, and made the trip out to the waterfall itself. The walk in to Rio Celeste is a medium uphill hike on a fairly well-groomed trail, and at the top you're rewarded with a view of the river. Walk down all the stairs and you'll get a good look — and a good photo — of the waterfall.
Watch Rio Celeste
What we'd tell a friend
- Stay at La Carolina Lodge — it's a one-of-a-kind, mostly self-sustainable farm stay.
- If you stay there, buy snacks and drinks beforehand to keep in your cabin.
- Don't make it only about the waterfall — work the other sights in the area into your trip.
Who should come here?
- You love nature and animals
- You want adventure
- You want to see one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica
- You're scared of bugs and lizards
- You don't like humidity
- You're short on time and would rather be at the beach
The Dufresnes Verdict
Questions we actually get
Is Rio Celeste worth visiting?
Yes. It was one of our favorite stops on our Costa Rica waterfall trip — a moderate hike in, and a payoff at the top that's one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country. We'd go back.
How many days do you need at Rio Celeste?
About three. We stayed three nights, which gave us time for the waterfall plus the farm, horseback riding, and the other sights nearby without rushing.
Do you need a car to get to Rio Celeste?
We'd recommend one. We drove our own car, and renting is the easiest way to reach the area and get to the other sites around it.
Where should you stay near Rio Celeste?
We stayed at La Carolina Lodge — a mostly self-sustainable farm with organic food from the land, cozy cabins, horseback riding, and farm life. Bring your own snacks and drinks for the cabin.