In the middle of dense tropical forest lies a hidden jewel of Costa Rica. It starts with a walk through the jungle at Tenorio Volcano National Park, in the northwestern Guanacaste province. Every step in this forest is more inviting than the last. During the rainy season, the smell of wet earth permeates the air, droplets of rain fall constantly, and the sounds of exotic birds accompany hikers. After about 15 minutes of walking in the jungle, a new sound becomes audible: Water is flowing and falling somewhere nearby, hinting at one of the park’s treasures. The main trail splits, and a path leads leftward to a steep descent down muddy steps made of sections of tree trunks. After an unexpected turn, the river finally makes an appearance with a surprising turquoise color. Local legend says that when God painted the sky, he washed his blue brushes in this river, and that is how its waters obtained their magnificent blue color. The scientific theory is chemical reactions of calcium carbonate and sulfur from the Volcano.

[pinterest-pro type=”pinit” pin_url=”http://papekphotography.com/celeste-river” pin_image_url=”http://www.papekphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/land.jpg” pin_counter=”horizontal” pin_desc=”Celeste river in Tenorio Volcano National Park in Costa Rica photograph from Scott Papek.”]