Breathtaking Blue

Blue rivers, found at Blue River Resort & Hot Springs and elsewhere in Costa Rica are one of the country’s premier attractions. Many rivers are called or claim to to be “blue”. Only Costa Rica’s blue rivers boast a truly breathtaking vibrant blue. Our pictures here don’t do them justice. Amazing wilderness Eco-adventures, include incredible waterfalls and swimming opportunities along the blue rivers that include horseback riding, zip lining and tubing.
Rio Azul
Here, on the north side of the volcano, Rincon de la Vieja, are two wondrous blue rivers. Many of our tours take place along, Rio Azul. It also flows past the resort on the other side of road from Blue River Resort & Hot Springs, where guests can take a short walk into the rainforest for a swim.
1 Day Tours
(including transportation)
Drop-in & Hotel Guest Tours
Rio Penjamo
Our signature waterfall (see picture) is along the blue river, Penjamo, located within our private park . Many tours take guests to spectacular locations along this blue river, for hiking, horseback riding, swimming, and waterfalls.
Both rivers are formed inside the national park, Rincon de la Vieja, along the north side. The volcano also creates other colored rivers too – clear and black. As they flow past the resort, they soon merge to form larger rivers.


Tours & Getting Here
To get to this pristine wilderness jungle is an hour drive from Liberia, Costa Rica’s travel hub for tourism. If unable to stay at Blue River Resort & Hot Springs, drop-in or get picked up and take a 1-day tour. Guests at at another hotel on one of Guanacaste’s beaches, can choose from several tours in a package with transportation, meals and time at Blue River Resort & Hot Springs, to soak in the hot springs, take a mud bath, walk botanical gardens, butterfly gardens and more. Blue river experiences include the Grand Waterfall and Blue River Adventure, Cathedral Waterfalls, Tubing Adventure and Dino Park.
Costa Rica’s Waterfalls
Costa Rica is famous for its blue rivers and nothing can compare to the unique celeste color of the water here. In addition, only the Caribbean (north) side of Costa Rica offers a lush rainforest, natural hot springs and views of the smoking volcano crater. The waters of a blue river are infused with magical minerals from the volcanic activity deep under the Rincon de la Vieja turning the river, a special effervescent blue that must be seen in person to believe.

Admiring the Beauty of Costa Rica Blue River
Several spectacular locations along our blue rivers have been discovered by our guides for tours at Blue River All Inclusive Resort & Hot Springs.
Rio Pénjamo

Our original discovery is along the bluer river, Pénjamo where the waterfalls andcolor of the waterwere so mesmerizing, we purchased the property and created a private park for our tours. A tributary of it includes our Grand Waterfalls.
Across from the resort flows the Rio Azul, which literally translates blue river for taking dips in the mineral-rich waters. For many, it is their favorite amenity at Blue River All Inclusive Resort & Hot Springs.
Two more spectacular adventure tours take place along this blue river. Float in a blue river on the Tubing Adventure Tours. Imagine the sound of rushing water mingling with howler monkeys, floating on a water tube through calm water, then white water and adrenaline pumping chutes!
Creating a Costa Rica Blue River

For many years, scientists sought to discover how blue rivers in Costa Rica are created. Plus, experiencing the stunning beauty of these unique rivers is a very personal experience; which has led to, tourists, the world-over, seeking a visit.
The celeste, Costa Rica blue river is, actually, an optical illusion created by suspended particles leaking into the river. The source is described as particulate matter emitted from underground by volcanic activity.
In tributaries one can view particulate seeping into the water. Some say its calcium carbonate, some describe it as sulfur and other sources say its aluminum silicates. Its source is always, the volcanic activity below. No fish can live in the water; nor, is the water potable. The mineral sediment floats in the water and coats the river rocks, turning them white.

When day-light enters the river, the rocks reflect the blue light spectrum into our eyes, creating that spectacular turquoise appearance, which is a Costa Rica blue river.