Rio Celeste Hike, Sloth Sanctuary & Llanos de Cortes Waterfall Tour
About Rio Celeste Hike, Sloth Sanctuary & Llanos de Cortes Waterfall Tour
This long nature day takes you from the Guanacaste coast inland to three very different stops: the wide Llanos de Cortes waterfall near Bagaces, the bright blue Rio Celeste inside Tenorio Volcano National Park, and an organic farm that works as a sloth and frog sanctuary. It has more than 1,100 reviews.
The tour lasts about 12 hours. Hotel pickup is included from Tamarindo, Conchal, Flamingo, Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa, Papagayo, Liberia and other listed areas, and you can also meet the guide at Llanos de Cortes at 9:00 am or at the Rio Celeste park entrance late morning.
Itinerary
- Cataratas Llanos de Cortes (1 hours)
- Rio Celeste (2 hours)
- (1 hours)
- Bijagua de Upala (1 hours)
- Tamarindo Beach
- Native's Way
- Playa Langosta
- Playa Conchal
- Playa Matapalo
- Tamarindo
- Playas del Coco
- Playa Panama
- Playa Flamingo
- Playa Hermosa
What’s included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Driver/guide
- Lunch
- National park fees
- Professional bilingual guide
Meeting point
7:30 AM ($70 extra per booking, not per customer) | Meet Guide at 9:00 am at Llanos Del Cortes or at Tenorio Volcano Park Rio Celeste at 11:30 am. | Tamarindo Hotels/Houses & Condos – 6:30 AM | Meet Guide at 9:00 am at Llanos Del Cortes or at Tenorio Volcano Park Rio Celeste at 11:15 am. | Hilton Garden Inn, Liberia – 8:30 AM Liberia Peri Supermarket – 8:40 AM | Andaz, Four Seasons, Planet Hollywood – 7:00 am ($70 transport fee per booking, not per person) – billed separately | Secrets Papagayo Main Gate (not lobby), Mangroove and other Hotels – 7:30 am | Villas Sol Main Gate, Condovac Main Gate, Occidental Papagayo Main Gateand other Hotels, Condos, and Private Houses in Hermosa – 7:30 am | 7:20 AM | MAIN SECURITY GATE 6:45 AM | 6:30 AM | 6:15 AM – ($70 extra per booking, not per customer) | 6:30 AM | 6:45 AM | 6:30 AM | Pinilla/JW Marriott: 6:00 AM ($50 extra fee per booking, not person – paid separately) Please let security know we are coming
What to expect on the day
The first stop is Llanos de Cortes, where you can swim at the base of the falls or walk around the area. You then continue to Tenorio Volcano National Park for a moderately difficult hike of about 2 hours through rainforest and along the Rio Celeste, known for its unusual sky blue color.
After lunch, a guided walk on a rural organic farm in the Bijagua area shows you tropical plants, flowers and birds, along with sloths, frogs, snakes and insects that live on the property.
Prices and extra costs
- Included: hotel pickup and drop-off from the listed areas, driver and professional bilingual guide, lunch and national park fees.
- Not included: gratuities; round-trip transport from Andaz, Planet Hollywood, Four Seasons, Waldorf Astoria and Las Catalinas ($70 per booking, billed separately); the JW Marriott and Hacienda Pinilla pickup fee ($50 per booking).
What to bring
- A photo of your passport, which you must carry on the tour.
- Hiking shoes with good grip and a light rain jacket.
- Swimsuit and towel for the waterfall stop.
Tips for a better day
- Send passport details early: Costa Rica’s park system requires each guest’s full passport name, number and issuing country before the tour.
- Expect an early start: pickups from the beach areas begin between about 6:00 and 7:30 am.
- Pace yourself: the Rio Celeste trail is rated moderate, so keep some energy for the farm walk after lunch.
Who it’s best for
- Best for: fit nature lovers who want to see Rio Celeste, a waterfall and sloths in one day.
- Consider another option if: you want a gentler day with easy walks, such as the sloth, coffee and chocolate tour.
Restrictions
This tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health or spinal injuries, and travelers should have at least a moderate level of fitness. If your hotel is not on the pickup list, contact the operator for a quote.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
FAQ about Rio Celeste Hike, Sloth Sanctuary & Llanos de Cortes Waterfall Tour
How long is the Rio Celeste hike?
The hike inside Tenorio Volcano National Park lasts about 2 hours and is rated moderately difficult.
How long is the Rio Celeste tour from Guanacaste?
The full day lasts about 12 hours including transport from the beach areas.
Can you swim at Rio Celeste?
Swimming is not part of the Rio Celeste hike, but you can swim at Llanos de Cortes waterfall at the start of the day.
Will I see sloths on the Rio Celeste tour?
The afternoon farm walk visits a sloth and frog sanctuary where sloths, frogs, birds and other animals live, though wild animals are never guaranteed.
Are national park fees included?
Yes, national park fees are included, along with lunch, the guide and hotel transport.
Do I need my passport for the Rio Celeste tour?
Yes. You must send your passport name, number and issuing country in advance and carry a photo of your passport on the day.
What time is pickup from Tamarindo for Rio Celeste?
Pickup from Tamarindo hotels, houses and condos is at about 6:30 am.
Is there an extra fee for pickup from the Four Seasons or Andaz?
Yes. Transport from Andaz, Four Seasons, Planet Hollywood and a few other properties costs $70 per booking, billed separately.
Can I meet the group at Rio Celeste instead of taking hotel pickup?
Yes. You can meet the guide at Llanos de Cortes at 9:00 am or at the Rio Celeste park entrance in the late morning.
What is the cancellation policy for the Rio Celeste tour?
You get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.