Liberia Airport (LIR) → Río Celeste (Bijagua) transfer

From LIR the car crosses Liberia and heads south on the Interamericana. Before reaching Cañas it turns north onto Route 6, the road to Upala, which climbs through farmland into the gap between Miravalles and Tenorio volcanoes. Bijagua lies on this road, in a green, often misty valley.

Lodges near the park are reached by a side road from Bijagua that is paved but steep in places, with one-lane bridges.

There is no need to drive into Cañas itself. The turn-off comes before the town, and Route 6 is a well-maintained road with light traffic.

The Río Celeste gets its striking light-blue colour where two streams meet and minerals in the water react. A trail in Tenorio Volcano National Park leads to the waterfall, the blue lagoon and the point where the colour appears.

The colour is clearest after dry spells. After heavy rain the river can turn murky, and the trail becomes muddy. Rubber boots are often rented near the entrance.

Swimming in the blue river inside the park is not allowed. Some lodges outside the park offer their own river access and hot springs.