I am interested in hiking this area--and thought I would recommend this hike to the rest of our group. It looks like an amazing area to hike. I just received my complimentary Costa Rica guide (many thanks to Katie and Fodors), Rio Celeste is not even mentioned.

This is our first visit. Would you recommend Cano Negro over this hike? I don't think we will have time for both. We will only be in Arenal for 3 nts. I have found a guide that is highly recommended and will transport the 4 of us--along with his fees and the entrance fees, it will be $58pp. It's a 4-5 hour hike and also includes a visit to a community of the Malekus. A full day.

We will be headed to the Osa after Arenal. I am trying to eliminate as much driving as possible since we do have the 3 hour drive from San Jose to Arenal and then back again for our flight to the Osa--no flights out of La Fortuna to the Osa.

I think those are those two totally different animals. If you want a great day on the water viewing animals, I'd go with Cano Negro, but if you're up for a hike then go Rio Celeste. I think it's just personal preference. We do the Cano Negro tour every time we go because we really enjoy it.

Cano Negro would probably top Rio Celeste if you have to choose. That said, we loved hiking Rio Celeste. The river is beautiful. But Cano Negro is quite an outing for wildlife.
Rio Celeste comes under the "off the beaten path" heading. Cano Negro is a big tourist draw, for obvious reasons.

I have not gone to Cano Negro, but recently went to Rio Celeste. It is a hike to the waterfal but it is one of the most beautiful falls I have ever seen. It is not a huge waterfall compared to some Ive seen, but the color of the water is beyond amazing! I know you want to cut out so much driving, but you can probably get to Rio Celeste in about an hour and a half from Arenal, so If you can squeeze it in, do it! And it has not been 'discovered' as so many other places, but that is part of the charm. We stayed at the Tenario Lodge. Beautiful place, wonderful owners and fantastic food.

Even though Cano Negro is popular, we usually don't see anyone else on the river when we do it. I don't want you to get the impression that it's overrun with people. I've seen photos of the Rio Celeste, and it does look gorgeous. I'm a wildlife lover, so the choice is easy for me. You don't usually see all that much wildlife in the Arenal area. Cano Negro is about 2 hours away so you'll still be spending time in the car if you make that choice.