Rio Celeste Hiking, Sloth Sanctuary & Llanos de Cortes Waterfall Tour
Overview
Available languages
12 hours
Mobile ticket
Llanos de Cortes Waterfall
To start your day, we will take you to Llanos de Cortes Waterfall in Bagaces, where you can relax and take a swim at the falls or walk around exploring the flora and fauna.
Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike - Tenorio Volcano National Park
Upon arriving at the entrance, you will go on a 2 hour moderately difficult hike in the park. You will walk through the rainforest and along the Celeste River where you can observe one of nature's most intriguing phenomenon.
Organic Farm - Sloth and Frog Sanctuary
After lunch, take a tour on a rural organic farm! You will be taken on an inspiring and educational walk, showcasing natural wonders such as tropical plants, flowers, birds, sloths, frogs, snakes, insects and many more animals that inhabit the farm.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
If your hotel is not listed, contact us for quoting
Due to a new requirement issued by the Ministry of Tourism and the National Park Systems of Costa Rica, we need each person to send us the following information: Full Name on Passport, Passport number, Passport issuing country. You must carry a picture of your passport with you on your tour!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Cataratas Llanos de Cortes
LLanos de Cortes Waterfall Discover the hidden gem of Llanos de Cortez Waterfall, tucked away amidst the pristine landscapes of the Guanacaste region. As you make your way through the tropical forest, the sound of cascading water grows louder, signaling your arrival at this natural marvel. The sight of the waterfall is nothing short of breathtaking, with its crystal-clear waters tumbling over moss-covered rocks into a tranquil pool below. Take a refreshing dip in the cool waters, surrounded by lush greenery and the symphony of nature. Relax on the sandy shores, bask in the warm sun, and revel in the serenity of this secluded paradise. It's the perfect conclusion to a day filled with adventure and exploration.
Rio Celeste
You will begin your hike within the pristine confines of Tenorio Volcano National Park, first heading to the mesmerizing Rio Celeste Waterfall, where the crystalline waters cascade gracefully down a rugged cliff face, creating a scene of unparalleled beauty. You'll embark on a guided hike on trails that meander through the dense rainforest, enveloped by a symphony of exotic bird calls. Your knowledgeable guide will share insights into the rich biodiversity of the region, pointing out unique plant species & wildlife that call this pristine wilderness home. As you approach the waterfall, you'll be stunned by the majestic cascade of turquoise-hued water tumbling dramatically into a tranquil pool below. Stand in awe of this natural spectacle, feeling the cool mist and the sheer power of nature. Take your time to savor this moment, capturing photographs of this unique hidden gem from various angles. **Please be aware, on rare occasions the river may be brown due to heavy rains
What‘s Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Driver/guide
Lunch
National park fees
Professional bilingual guide
Gratuities
Round Trip Transport from Andaz, Planet Hollywood, Fours Seasons, Waldorf Astoria, Catalinas
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Self Drive/Meet at Park
Drive your Own Vehicle : Meet your guide at Tenorio Volcano National Park & follow our tour bus to Sloth Sanctuary and Llanos de Cortes Waterfall
Starting point:
Parque Nacional Volcán Tenorio, Katira centro, Provincia de Alajuela, Guatuso, 21504, Costa Rica
Shared Transportation
Shared Tour & Transport: Round trip transport from JW Marriott, Tamarindo, Langosta, Flamingo, Potrero, RIU Hotels, Coco, Hermosa, Panama, Liberia
Pickup included
Private Transportation & Guide
Private Guide & Transportation: Round trip transport from JW Marriott, Tamarindo, Langosta, Flamingo, Potrero, RIU Hotels, Coco, Hermosa, Panama, Liberia
Pickup included
Reviews
1,088 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Awesome guides
Rajika T,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a terrific experience with our young kids, ages 4 ad 7. The pick up from hotel made it easy. Our guide Dafne was super informative and talked to us during the ride. It rained during the Rio Celeste waterfall hike half way into the hike. We should have brought ponchos. We had no idea it would rain when this is the dry season and there was not a drop of rain by Papagayo peninsula. The nature walk was amazing. We had a great guide along with Dafne who really took the time to point out sloths and other animals. The lunch stop was also awesome because of the location. We were able to spot many different birds including toucans!
Pura Vida
J2620ITlisas,,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Heraldo, our guide, and Frank, our driver Frank, were fantastic. We had a wonderful tour. We saw birds, snakes, frogs, butterflies, sloths and the unexciting squirrel. There was a bit of a line up to get to the waterfall but it was worth it. Pura Vida!
Great fun!
Michelle A,,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was great— very organized and the guides were super friendly and knowledgeable. I would recommend to others.
If you can drive yourself, do it.
Renita M,,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We chose the drive-yourself option, which made this a pretty simple experience overall. We arrived at the meeting point and met our friendly guide, JC, then followed the shuttle in our own car to the parking lot. The waterfall was absolutely stunning and well worth the short walk down (and back up) the stairs. From there, we followed the shuttle to the rainforest, where the guide was very knowledgeable and shared helpful information. Because our drive back was over three hours, we chose to skip lunch and the second waterfall stop. We were told that waterfall was expected to be muddy and brown due to recent rain, rather than the turquoise color we were hoping for. While we truly enjoyed the two locations we visited, the experience was not worth the cost of paying a tour company—especially when driving ourselves. If you’re comfortable navigating on your own, we recommend finding the addresses and visiting independently rather than spending hundreds of dollars on a guided tour.
It’s absolutely beautiful...
Loren S,,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It’s absolutely beautiful and it saves you from that tedious and long exhausting drive. You can’t go wrong
Thumbs up for Daphne and Orlando,pointing out interesting species on the trek Birds and toucans at lunch,jungle life guides took
Sandra M,,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Saw everything we hoped for and more, Daphne went out of her way to make sure our group had a good experience and was very knowledgeable
Each destination was very...
Haley A,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00Each destination was very rushed, especially the last one. Lunch was very bland. I dont feel the value was there for what was charged.
Great Way to See Central Costa Rica
Cathy N,,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Lots of driving. The tour was great. Too bad it was difficult to see the blue waterfalls. Not much space on the stairs and there was quite the lineup. This was caused by some woman hogging the spotlight with her boyfriend taking many photos. Great way to see the central part of Costa Rica
DON'T THINK. JUST BOOK.
Piera L,,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00BOOK. THIS. TOUR. When first booking this experience, we did not know what to expect. That being said, we were absolutely blown away by the experience! We began the tour at the waterfall, with a surprise optional hike from locals- we saw bats, a huge frog, and got to jump into a little lake! The waterfall was stunning and the water was so warm. Then we drove to Sloth Sanctuary and as soon as we got out of the car, we saw a momma sloth, and a Tuscan! We then saw all other cool types of animals. After the wildlife, we stopped for an AMAZING lunch at a local spot with a beautiful view of tropical birds eating fruit. After lunch, we finished with the Rio Celeste hike to the beautiful bright blue waterfall in the volcano national park. We saw a cool lil cabybara-like creature, and snakes! (Poisonous, don't touch) Our tour guide, Kevin was knowledgeable, friendly, and gave us some great reccomendations for additional activities. 100/10 will forever reccomend. The tour description definitely undersold the experience you will get. SERIOUSLY. BOOK. THIS. TOUR. Also, we chose the self-drive option, and walked around the little booths outside of the volcano national park. I highly reccomend this option if you want more time in the national park hiking, or want to check out the local fruit stand & a lovely woman selling homemade empanadas.
Excellent excursion!
bruceleroy1814,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The experience to the waterfalls rainforest, and sloth sanctuary were all amazing. The lunch was delicious as well. I very much recommend the journey as the tour guides and driver were all incredible
From US$135.00
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Operated by Native's Way Costa Rica