Costa Rica 2019 Day 7 - La Fortuna: Tenorio National Park, Ecotermales Hot Springs

I saw the beautiful Rio Celeste today!  My day started off at 7:15am.  I'm surprised that I even ended up finding the parking lot and entrance.  The drive was smooth on highway 4, but as I got closer, Google Maps was navigating me towards the centroid of the park instead of the entrance.  I saw official signs pointing the way, so I eventually relied on those instead.  I just kept going up and up a windy hill, and eventually got to the parking lots.  Definitely thankful that I didn't ultimately get lost and turned around much.  It took me an hour and 25 minutes to get there.

Even though it was only open for 40 minutes by that point, the lots looked half full.  I was directed to the lot to the right of the main road, for 2000 colones.

I noticed many locals here! That was nice to see. Some folks also didn't seem to be wearing proper footwear...

The first stretch of the hike to the waterfall had some incline, but the trail was not too muddy, and was overall in good shape.

Once at the entrance to Rio Celeste, you can choose the trek down the hundreds of steps, or you can continue the hike to see the other landmarks instead.  While it is recommended to go backwards in order, I did not want to go to the waterfall late when it would be bombarded by people. So, Rio Celeste was the first priority.

Let it burn, let it burn, let it burn...

Wow.  It was so incredible to see that color!  The "blue hues" were stunning.  Even before you reach the official viewpoint, you could see it coming down the stairs.  And the stairs really were no joke.  Much more steep than the La Fortuna Waterfall stairs.  My calves were already hurting from that, so this additional trekking did some more damage..

Beautiful turquoise hues that are reflected at Rio Celeste

Small tourist world -- I saw the same couple here who was previously at La Fortuna waterfall.  An Instagram boyfriend.

It was getting hot as I went up the stairs, and I didn't drink enough water...bad of me.

For the rest of the landmarks, the trail was muddy.  Not super wet, but enough to be slippery.  The sulfur pool was interesting, and I could actually smell it.  And, the additional views of the river and confluence of the two types of water was really amazing.  Its really too bad there's no good area to relax and enjoy the view. Its very much a go-and-see-then-leave destination.

Bridge along the way

Meeting of the two rivers.  So interesting!

I felt pretty dehydrated and was off. The drive back wasn't fun, I felt like I was in a daze. Bad headache hit me.

Got back to the hotel a little after 1:15pm.  I had a little over three hours to just rest, Excredin-up, and try to nap before my 5pm Ecotermales reservation, which I was really excited for!

Very nice that Ecotermales is only a 10 minute drive away.  It was helpful driving there when it was still daylight. Its weird though, I've found that while the duration is not long, the distances are actually far.

I got there right at 5pm, and so did everyone else.  A couple buses of people arrived at the same time.  I got mixed up with a tour group again.  Sandwiched in the middle and they gave me a bracelet that was my tab for the night. Haha.  It really is easy for me to just accidentally slip into groups.  Upon registering with my own name and bracelet, I opted for the 6:45pm dinner slot.  Apparently 7pm was really popular and this would help beat the crowds a bit.

After putting my things in the locker, I finally got a look at the grounds. Very nicely landscaped! Pathways were well lit and clean.  When I saw the actual pools area, I was so excited! It all looked great.

I started with the highest tier pools, the waterfalls.  These are the hottest.  It felt so nice for my back and sore calves!  Although, too hot for an extended time.  I moved to the 2nd tier pool next to the waterfall and LOVED the temperature here.  It was so comfortable.

Hottest tier of the hot springs.  Beautiful.

Pool that is used to 'cool off'.  Not very cold though.

Looking around, it was full.  Many reviewers say they don't feel like its ever crowded...but it seemed that way to me. I noticed no one seemed to be a local. All were tourists. And also, no solo travelers like me!

Buffet dinnertime came, and they require you to change into clothes first.  I'm not the best judge of what is good Costa Rican food or not, but it seemed decent.  Fish (too dry though), chicken, beef, pasta, soup, plantain, salad.  Dessert of rice pudding and a fruit pie.

I knew I wanted to get back in the pools after dinner and make the most of my relaxation time I had until 10pm!  After waiting 25 minutes for food to settle, I was back in the 2nd tier pool again.  This time on a lounger they made out of concrete.  I loved it so much.  Half of your body is exposed to air as you lay there, and the temperature really was so comfortable.  I could have laid there the entire night.  The pools definitely cleared out after dinner though.  Even by 7:45pm, there were significantly fewer people there.

I left at 8:30pm, and only because I was starting to feel sleepy and wanted to get good quality rest and wake up early the next day.  Sigh.

The drive back was extremely dark.  While the road is mainly straight, I still felt extra nervous.  It helps when there is another car ahead of you that you can follow.

What a lovely, relaxing, and soothing time in the hot springs water. Perfect way to finish the day.