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Wings1047
It was raining on this hike, but not a bothersome rain just a mist. The bad thing was that the trail was slick because of the rain. We did get to see the blue river and the clear to blue water divide was very evident despite the rainy morning. Three of us went down to the waterfall, it was amazing despite the number of steps required to get down to the base. It was interesting to see the volcanic gases bubbling up through the river. The lunch afterwards was awesome, the owner even played for us and enlisted my sisters help. We had a mostly enjoyable day, that being said our guide was very young and didn't seem to comprehend that 60 ish people do not trot along like her twenty something fitness. Although I asked her 3 times to slow down, it wasn't until my brother in law fell the second time and injured his ankle and knee that she finally got it. The trail was very slick and she was prone to talking ahead while we were behind her so to hear you had to keep up and his feet went out from under him. Even after the first fall and another request to slow down she kept up a quick pace. I need to mention that there were just the 4 of us on this tour. His ankle was injured to the point that he was unable to go to see the waterfall. Also after lunch she told us to take a nap, sat next to the driver and didn't respond to questions about what we were passing on the road. It was like her job was over. The driver did a great job of spotting wildlife and pulled over for us to see sloth and birds along the way. She knew about certain things but lacked knowledge on a lot of things we asked her, I'm sure that she will continue to learn this but at this point she was not a great guide. This was our least favorite tour of the three we took while at La Fortuna. This one required the longest transport time of the three, and it seemed longer when she just sat and conversed with the driver on the way back.
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Devoneguy
We did this hike and driver with a guide since we heard the road was a bit rough. In retrospect we probably would have been fine with a 4x4 vehicle. We were staying outside of La Fortuna, in Santa Clara, so the drive was about 2 hrs each way, making it a long day. The hike is beautiful and well-marked and takes 2-3 hours depending on how often you stop to look at wildlife and scenery. It was at the end of the rainy season so parts were a bit muddy but not too bad. Beautiful jungle views and waterfalls. We weren't aware that you couldn't swim in the falls because a recent injury and lawsuit. It would have been refreshing to jump in, but still a great day.
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ToroChingo
The waterfall and river are both spectacular, but, the new wave of "safe/Disney" tourist has affected this attraction. Sterile, synthetic railings, ergonomic path, and waterfall lookout platform, take away from what it used to be...which was a rustic, hike through the jungle, plus a swim in the pool of celestial water below the falls. I gave it 4 stars bc it's still nice for photos, but the sense of adventure is waning...which perhaps is an issue with Costa Rica as a whole, not just Rio Celeste
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nenadaconte
What a jewel in the middle of the rain forest. A beautiful design in perfect harmony with the beautiful natural environment, and caring for every detail, create a very pleasant and romantic ambiance. It is luxurious but warm, wild but comfortable. Perfect for a honeymoon!!
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nomadsunny
A 3-hr hike, not too strenuous. Great views along the way. We hired a guide who was waiting at the trail entrance ($25 total for two people) and he had good knowledge about the flora and fauna. This hike is well-marked and can certainly be done on your own. I highly recommend to do the waterfall at the end on your way back (save the best for last and it consumes energy). Keep and eye out for wildlife and enjoy the blue river !! Highly recommended
