Rio Celeste Hiking, Sloth Sanctuary & Llanos De Cortes Waterfall Tour

Exploring the captivating landscapes of Costa Rica’s Tenorio Volcano National Park, the Rio Celeste Hiking, Sloth Sanctuary & Llanos De Cortes Waterfall Tour promises an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts. Trekking along the enchanting Celeste River, marveling at its striking blue hues, sets the stage for an immersive cultural experience. But the adventure doesn’t end there – visitors will also discover the enchanting Llanos de Cortez Waterfall and embark on a guided walk through a sanctuary teeming with sloths and frogs, offering a unique glimpse into the region’s diverse wildlife. With transportation and a delightful local lunch included, this comprehensive tour ensures an unforgettable day in one of Costa Rica’s most captivating natural wonders.

Key Points

• This full-day excursion offers a comprehensive experience showcasing Costa Rica’s natural wonders, including a hike along the Celeste River, a visit to a sloth and frog sanctuary, and a stop at the Llanos de Cortez Waterfall.
• The tour provides an intimate group experience with a maximum of 15 participants and includes round-trip transport and admission tickets, priced at $128.25.
• The hiking portion through Tenorio Volcano National Park is moderate, lasting 2 hours, and offers opportunities to swim and spot diverse wildlife.
• At the sloth and frog sanctuary, visitors can enjoy a guided walk and observe these captivating creatures up close, along with a delectable local lunch.
• The tour includes pickup from various locations in the Tamarindo area, ensuring a hassle-free start to the day, and a self-drive option is available for an additional fee.

Tour Overview

The Rio Celeste Hiking, Sloth Sanctuary & Llanos de Cortés Waterfall Tour is a full-day excursion that whisks travelers through the lush landscapes of Costa Rica, showcasing the country’s natural wonders.

With a maximum group size of 15, the tour offers an intimate experience exploring Tenorio Volcano National Park, the scenic Llanos de Cortés Waterfall, and a sloth and frog sanctuary.

Priced competitively at $128.25, the tour includes round-trip transportation from select Tamarindo-area hotels and admission tickets to the national park and waterfall.

Guests can expect a moderate level of physical activity, with a 2-hour hike along the Celeste River and opportunities to swim in the refreshing waters.

The tour’s 4.5-star rating across 796 reviews attests to its popularity and quality.

Itinerary Highlights

Exploring the highlights of the itinerary, travelers first visit the Llanos de Cortez Waterfall, where they enjoy a 1-hour stop and have the opportunity to swim in the refreshing waters.

Venturing next into Tenorio Volcano National Park, guests embark on a moderate 2-hour hike along the picturesque Celeste River, taking in the park’s serene landscapes.

The tour culminates with a guided walk through a sloth and frog sanctuary, showcasing the diverse flora and fauna of Costa Rica while savoring a freshly prepared local lunch.

Throughout the day, travelers are treated to stunning scenery, the chance to spot unique wildlife, and immersive cultural experiences that capture the essence of this remarkable destination.

Llanos De Cortez Waterfall

Travelers begin their adventure at the captivating Llanos de Cortez Waterfall, a natural wonder that beckons them to bask in its refreshing splendor for a full hour.

This impressive 45-foot cascade tumbles over rugged rock formations, creating a stunning display of cascading water that invites guests to take a refreshing dip.

Surrounded by lush tropical foliage, the waterfall’s pool offers the perfect opportunity to cool off and rejuvenate.

Adventurers can explore the area’s trails, admire the picturesque scenery, and capture breathtaking photographs to commemorate their experience.

With the admission ticket included, guests can fully enjoy the serene beauty of this natural gem without any added costs.

Tenorio Volcano National Park

After exploring the stunning Llanos de Cortez Waterfall, the tour then ventures into the captivating Tenorio Volcano National Park, where hikers embark on a moderate 2-hour trek along the enchanting Celeste River. This hike offers a second swimming opportunity, allowing visitors to enjoy the park’s natural beauty. The Tenorio Volcano National Park is known for its striking blue-hued river, which gains its vibrant color from a unique chemical reaction in the mineral-rich waters. Visitors can expect to witness a diverse array of flora and fauna throughout the hike, with the opportunity to spot wildlife such as monkeys, birds, and small reptiles.

Tenorio Volcano National Park
Duration	2 hours
Difficulty Level	Moderate
Highlights	Celeste River	Second Swimming

Sloth and Frog Sanctuary

The tour then takes visitors to the Sloth and Frog Sanctuary, where a guided walk showcases the diverse plants and animals found within this unique habitat. Guests can observe the captivating sloths and an array of vibrant frog species up close, learning about their behaviors and the sanctuary’s conservation efforts.

The experience is complemented by a delectable lunch featuring fresh Costa Rican flavors, providing a well-rounded exploration of the country’s natural wonders.

The sanctuary offers:

1. A chance to see sloths in their natural environment and learn about their fascinating adaptations.

2. An opportunity to spot a variety of colorful frog species and understand their role in the ecosystem.

3. Insight into the sanctuary’s efforts to protect and rehabilitate these vulnerable creatures.

Transportation and Pickup

Round-trip hotel transport is included for this full-day excursion, with pickup available from a variety of locations in the Tamarindo area.

Guests can choose to self-drive and meet the group at either the Llanos de Cortez Waterfall or the Tenorio Volcano National Park, though an additional $50 per booking fee applies for certain pickup points.

The tour offers pickup from major hotels and resorts, including the JW Marriott, Pinilla, Langosta, Grande, Conchal, Flamingo, RIU Guanacaste/Palace, Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa, Playa Panama, and Playa Flamingo.

This comprehensive transportation service ensures a hassle-free start to the day, allowing guests to focus on the exciting activities and natural wonders they’ll experience throughout the tour.

Important Information

Moderate physical fitness is required for this tour, as it involves a 2-hour hike along the Celeste River within the Tenorio Volcano National Park. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Guests mustn’t have any serious medical conditions, and they need to carry a picture of their passport for park entry.

The important information for this tour includes:

1. Participants must be in moderate physical shape to handle the hiking portion of the experience.

2. Anyone with serious medical conditions should avoid this tour, as the guides need to be aware of any potential health issues.

3. Guests must bring a copy of their passport to present at the national park entrance, as this is required for admission.

Guest Experiences

According to reviews, guests have praised the tour’s knowledgeable and flexible guides, who’ve helped showcase the tour’s beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife, including sightings of sloths and toucans.

However, some guests have reported issues with weather conditions affecting the planned itinerary, as well as mixed experiences regarding wildlife encounters at the sanctuary.

Travelers have enjoyed the well-organized nature of the tour and the delicious local lunch, but have noted the long travel times of up to 3 hours each way from Tamarindo.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Weather Like During the Tour?

The weather can vary during the tour, as it may be influenced by factors like location, time of year, and local climate patterns. Guests should be prepared for a range of weather conditions, including sun, rain, and potential changes throughout the day.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Activity?

The tour includes approximately 1 hour at Llanos de Cortez Waterfall, 2 hours at Tenorio Volcano National Park, and a guided walk at the Sloth and Frog Sanctuary. Lunch is also provided during the sanctuary portion of the tour.

What Kind of Footwear Is Recommended?

For this moderately strenuous tour, comfortable hiking shoes or boots with good traction are recommended. Closed-toe footwear that can get wet is ideal for navigating the trails, river crossings, and waterfall areas of the itinerary.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour, though the itinerary may not be suitable for very young children. The tour requires moderate physical fitness, so it’s best suited for those able to hike and swim.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Individual Preferences?

The tour can be customized to individual preferences. Guests can discuss their interests and needs with the tour operator, who may be able to modify the itinerary or suggest alternatives to accommodate personal preferences.

Recap

The Rio Celeste Hiking, Sloth Sanctuary & Llanos De Cortes Waterfall Tour offers an immersive and unforgettable adventure through Costa Rica’s stunning natural landscapes.

From the enchanting Celeste River to the majestic Llanos de Cortez Waterfall, this tour provides an unparalleled cultural and wildlife experience.

The intimate encounter with sloths and frogs leaves a lasting impression on all who embark on it.