Rio Celeste Horseback Riding: Swim in Natural Pools Unavailable in National Parks
4.8
129 Ratings
Calle Asentamiento el Pilón
Experience a personalized horseback riding tour in Rio Celeste, where you can swim in natural pools not found in national parks. Avoid waiting lines and crowded tourist destinations.
Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Rio Celeste - Tour starts in the local town El Pilon with panoramic views of the Arenal Volcano and Caño Negro then we will take the horse trail through farm land and primary forest where we will stop in the Tarzan swing and the hanging bridge before we get to beautiful natural swimming pool in the river Celeste
What's Included
  • Expert local guide
Additional Information

Visitors are offered the unique opportunity to swim in the beautiful natural pools of the Celeste River, an activity that is not allowed and unavailable in the national park. Without the hassle of waiting lines or overcrowded tourist spots, this isn’t a standard commercial tour. Tourists will enjoy a personally-crafted tour led by a local guide and proprietor.

Location
Calle Asentamiento el Pilón
1/2 Mile Northwest from Station El Pilon Tenorio National Park (waterfall entrance) in the Guatuso direction, then turn left in the grave road continue 1/2 mile turn left in front of the local School and continue 1/2 mile on left side before the La Posada Rest and Hotel
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(129 Ratings)
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Ashley_d
Apr 5, 2024
Magical Experience - David showed us a great time. His horses were so sweet and well behaved. We took a tour with three adults and two children and he was able to manage us all so effortlessly. You could tell the horses were well taken care of. The ride to Rio Celeste was the perfect length of time. David let us swim and take our time in the water, which was phenomenal. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to experience Rio Celeste by horse bike. Thank you for showing us a wonderful time, David!
Review provided by Viator
Anna_b
Apr 2, 2024
It was amazing! - We are a family of 5: 2 adults and 3 boys (7, 9, and 11 y/o). For me and my 7 y/o son, it was our first time doing horseback riding and it went great for everyone! David was very caring to make sure everyone was safe and receiving the most from this experience. We rode horses for some time, then made a stop at the giant swing that was a lot of fun for everyone. After that, we continued our ride to Rio Celeste. We had enough time to swim there. There is a place to change. Also, there is a tire connected by rope to the tree - my youngest one used it. David brought a delicious pineapple to snack and then we fed horses with peel. PS. We had lunch at the Tilapia restaurant (not 100% sure about the name), near the place we started our tour. They have fresh tilapia, delicious beef nachos, and fresh juices. Kids did a boat ride while we waited for food.
Review provided by Viator
Stanbrl1
Mar 31, 2024
The best trip in Costa Rica by far!! - We are a family of 2 adults and 4 children aged between 12-16. We stopped at Rio Celeste after our stay in La Fortuna. We did the usual adrenaline things in Fortuna and then booked horse riding with David in Rio Celeste. This was the best decision of our whole trip. This is where we discovered the true beauty of Costa Rica. David’s place is a little piece of Heaven, absolutely stunning. David took us on a horse ride down to the beautiful river where we swam in the blue waters, it’s actually as blue as all the pictures, just stunning. We then had fresh fruit before riding back. We then had a delicious lunch which was very reasonably priced in the gorgeous surroundings. If there’s one thing you do in Costa Rica… do this trip. David was so friendly, professional and went out of his way to make sure everyone had the best experience. It’s a day I will remember forever.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jacquelyn_w
Mar 20, 2024
Best Experience of our Vacation - When we arrived at the property I was delighted to find birds everywhere - they were beautiful - tanagers, toucans, and an ibis . . . I could have walked the grounds all day! The horses were extremely well-behaved and trained. They matched my 7 and 9 year old up with the perfect size horses. We loved the horse ride, the stop at the massive, super-fun swing, the dip in the gorgeous blue river. It was paradise. David and his brother were amazing hosts - if I ever go back to Costa Rica I am renting a cabin on this property and doing the tour again. My entire family agrees this was our favorite experience during our entire vacation!
Review provided by Viator
Talanal2024
Mar 6, 2024
Best experience and food in Costa Rica! - One of our favorite excursions! David was so great and accommodating. Beautiful swimming hole, fun Tarzan swing, and fresh watermelon. We spent like 45 minutes at the swimming hole and did not feel rushed at all. The guide truly enjoyed being there and wanted us to all enjoy the tour. The restaurant had probably the best food we ate the entire trip! Seriously, the best excursion, best food, and best experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cheyenne_m
Mar 3, 2024
Great way to experience Rio Celeste - The horseback riding was a great reprieve from hiking and getting to swim in Rio Celeste was a wonderful experience. David was a perfect guide. My partner said this was his favorite tour we did in our 2 weeks in Costa Rica!
Review provided by Viator
Mariana_c
Feb 29, 2024
Amazing experience - David & Elías were extremely nice and the experience was unique. The horse ride was super cool and the horses were so well behaved .
Review provided by Viator
Sophie_n
Feb 26, 2024
David was a brilliant... - David was a brilliant tour guide. An unforgettable experience that I would definitely recommend and do again!
Review provided by Viator
Denesem2024
Feb 2, 2024
Amazing Horseback Tour to River Celeste - This was by far one of my favorite activities in Costa Rica. David is very pleasant, funny and easy going. We had so much fun with the horses plus we saw a mama sloth and her baby, toucans, parrots and even tapir footprints. The tour took us off the beaten path to a swim hole in the beautiful River Celeste. After a swain, David treated us to some delicious pineapple, which was an unexpected and very welcomed treat. The cost is also very reasonable and it's always a pleasure to support locally owned family businesses.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Claudia_c
Jan 23, 2024
Sweet spot - David was fun and interactive! I would do it again and recommend him to anyone wanting to visit the rio Celeste
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 12 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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