Day tripsCountriesCosta RicaLa FortunaLa Fortuna to Ecocentro Danaus and Rio Celeste: Day trip

La Fortuna to Ecocentro Danaus and Rio Celeste: Day trip

Scenic view of La Fortuna - private day trip from La Fortuna - photo 1
Scenic view of La Fortuna - private day trip from La Fortuna - photo 2
Scenic view of La Fortuna - private day trip from La Fortuna - photo 3
Scenic view of La Fortuna - private day trip from La Fortuna - photo 4
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Private ride with a local driver

8h
Round trip
Private driver
Trusted by 1+ million happy travelers across 120 countries
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About your trip

Journey from La Fortuna into lush rainforest shaped by wildlife, mist, and striking color. Begin at Ecocentro Danaus among tropical habitats and quiet forest paths, then continue to Rio Celeste y Los Tenideros, where turquoise waters and jungle surroundings create a surreal, deeply immersive experience.
Exclusively yours: private vehicle and professional driver
Discover local insights you won't find in guidebooks
Experience the freedom to explore at your own speed
Perfectly planned for families, friends, or solo travelers
From €58
Private group ride
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotal€182

What to expect

Your day trip begins wherever you are

Meet our professional driver right where you prefer in La Fortuna whenever suits you best. No time wasted getting to the pickup point, grab your bag and start your trip right away.

Discover more with local expertise

Your driver’s local insights will set the tone for your day trip. A hidden cafĆ© here, a must-try restaurant there; insider tips you’ll love sharing later. This isn’t a guided tour but your ride will be rich with stories and discoveries along the way. And throughout the day, your driver will be available for you as needed, ready to assist, happy to help, making your trip stress-free.

Explore at your own pace

Your Daytrip driver handles all transfers, stays close while you enjoy each location independently, and makes sure you return comfortably to La Fortuna after a full day of exploration.

Perfect for any private group

Whether you're traveling solo, as a family with kids, or as a large group, this service is tailored for your comfort and flexibility. It's the ideal option especially if you have limited time or a busy schedule.

Good to know

  • Two-way private car transfer
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Personalized pickup and drop-off
  • Professional English-speaking driver
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
  • Entry/Admission tickets to paid attractions Rio Celeste y Los Tenideros and Ecocentro Danaus should be purchased separately unless specified otherwise
  • Meals, snacks, and gratuity are not included
From €58
Private group ride
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotal€182

Your trip at a glance

Your trip at a glance

Start in La Fortuna
You choose the pickup spot.
1
Rio Celeste y Los Tenideros
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 3 h 30 min - admission not included
Monday8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sunday8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Itinerary stop at Rio Celeste y Los Tenideros on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Rio Celeste y Los Tenideros on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Rio Celeste y Los Tenideros on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Rio Celeste y Los Tenideros on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Rio Celeste y Los Tenideros on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Rio Celeste y Los Tenideros on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Rio Celeste y Los Tenideros on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Rio Celeste y Los Tenideros on private day trip from La Fortuna

A serene rainforest refuge where wildlife and nature thrive. Step onto winding rainforest trails and discover a vibrant sanctuary of Costa Rican wildlife. Observe sloths lounging in the treetops, red-eyed tree frogs clinging to leaves, and iguanas basking in the sun. Stroll through the butterfly garden to see brilliant morphos and heliconias in flight, explore medicinal plants, and pause by tranquil wetlands where caimans and turtles quietly inhabit serene waters. Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, pointing out hidden creatures and explaining the ecology behind the lush surroundings. Trails are gentle and accessible, making it an ideal stop for photography, learning, and slow-paced exploration. Check current opening hours and ticket information online to ensure a smooth visit: https://www.ecocentrodanaus.com/en/es-tourlist

2
Ecocentro Danaus
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 1 h 30 min - admission not included
Monday7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Itinerary stop at Ecocentro Danaus on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Ecocentro Danaus on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Ecocentro Danaus on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Ecocentro Danaus on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Ecocentro Danaus on private day trip from La Fortuna
Itinerary stop at Ecocentro Danaus on private day trip from La Fortuna

Marvel at the mystical turquoise waters where rivers meet, set within lush rainforest and volcanic landscapes. Follow rainforest trails to the magical point where two clear rivers converge, instantly turning bright turquoise. Continue along paths lined with volcanic vegetation and tropical wildlife, hearing the calls of birds and the rustle of monkeys overhead. Stand before Rio Celeste Waterfall, a powerful cascade plunging into a vivid blue pool, and pause at the serene Blue Lagoon, where the water glows almost unreal. Bubbling thermal spots along the riverbank hint at the volcanic forces beneath the forest. Mist, color, and sound combine to create an enchanting, immersive experience. Plan ahead by confirming opening hours and ticket details online: https://www.sinac.go.cr/EN-US/ac/acat/pnvt/Pages/default.aspx

Back to La Fortuna
We’ll take you back to your starting point.
Duration of the stops can be changed upon request after booking
Have questions or need help?Contact our Customer Support. We are available 24/7

Daytrip is loved all around the world. Here's why.

5.0
5176 reviewson Tripadvisor
or
4.9
991 reviewson Trustpilot

Know more about your day trip

Rio Celeste is located within Tenorio Volcano National Park, roughly 50 miles (80 km) northwest of La Fortuna, about a 1.5-hour drive through rural roads. The route passes through cattle farms and small towns in the Guanacaste and Alajuela lowlands. A private driver makes the journey much more comfortable and ensures you can focus on the scenery rather than navigation.
Absolutely. Rio Celeste is consistently ranked among the most beautiful natural attractions in Costa Rica and stands out even in a country full of remarkable scenery. The vivid blue river, the jungle waterfall, and the relatively uncrowded trail make it a memorable experience. Visiting as part of a day trip that also includes Ecocentro Danaus makes excellent use of the distance traveled.
Ecocentro Danaus is a privately owned ecological reserve located just a few miles from downtown La Fortuna. It is dedicated to conservation, environmental education, and sustainable ecotourism. Visitors walk a looped trail through secondary rainforest and wetlands, encountering a botanical garden with over 600 tropical plant species, a butterfly garden, frog and reptile exhibits, and the chance to spot caimans, monkeys, river otters, and a wide range of birds.
The main Rio Celeste trail is approximately 3.4 miles (5.5 km) round trip and takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete at a relaxed pace. The trail is moderately challenging with some muddy sections, uneven terrain, and a few steep descents near the waterfall. Along the way, visitors pass the waterfall, a blue lagoon, the "teteneras" bubbling hot springs, and the river confluence where the color change occurs.
Mornings are the best time to visit Rio Celeste for lighter crowds and calmer weather. The dry season (December to April) brings the most reliable skies and drier trail conditions, though the park is accessible year-round. During the rainy season, the river can run higher and the trails can be very muddy, so rubber boots or waterproof hiking footwear are particularly useful.
Rio Celeste gets its extraordinary sky-blue color from a chemical reaction that occurs where two rivers with different mineral compositions converge within Tenorio Volcano National Park. When silica particles from the volcanic water scatter sunlight, the river takes on its vivid turquoise hue. The effect is most intense near the confluence point and at the Rio Celeste waterfall, which is a highlight of the park's hiking trail.
Both stops involve walking on outdoor trails in a humid rainforest environment. Wear moisture-wicking clothing, a hat, and comfortable hiking shoes or waterproof boots with good grip. Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, and enough water for several hours of walking. A light rain jacket is advisable as afternoon showers are common year-round. At Rio Celeste, swimming is not permitted in order to protect the ecosystem.
Ecocentro Danaus is particularly well known for its caiman population, which can often be spotted in the reserve's ponds. Visitors also commonly encounter howler and white-faced capuchin monkeys, agoutis, poison dart frogs, iguanas, river otters, and over 300 bird species. The butterfly garden houses iconic species like the Blue Morpho, making this a rewarding stop for nature lovers of all ages.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Day tripsCountriesCosta RicaLa FortunaLa Fortuna to Ecocentro Danaus and Rio Celeste: Day trip