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The famous blue river, the waterfall and the rainforest trail — and how to pair a morning in the national park with an afternoon at the house.
The water in the Rio Celeste really is that colour: a pale, milky blue. The river flows out of Tenorio Volcano National Park in northern Costa Rica, and the park's Rio Celeste entrance is less than ten minutes from Villas Twilight.
In the national park
Tenorio Volcano National Park is a public park, separate from the house. Its best-known trail follows the river upstream through rainforest, and its most famous sight is the Rio Celeste waterfall, reached by a long flight of steps down to a bright blue pool. Allow most of a morning for the walk.
Practical notes
Entry to the national park is managed by SINAC, Costa Rica's national system of conservation areas. Ticketing, opening hours and rules can change, so check the latest information before you go.
You can't go in the river inside the park, but you can take a dip at the house.
The trail can be muddy at any time of year; wear shoes with good grip and bring a light rain layer. The river is at its most vivid after a run of dry days, and heavy rain can turn it cloudy for a while.
Go early. The forest is cooler, the light is softer, and you'll often have the trail almost to yourself.
Back at the house
After a morning in the park, the afternoon belongs to Villas Twilight: a dip in the river, a walk on the property's own trails, an eye out for howler monkeys and toucans in the trees, and having it all to yourselves.
