Costa Rica: Rainforest Hanging Bridges, Sloth Sanctuary & Llanos de Cortés Waterfall

Summary

Walk jungle bridges meet sloths swim under Llanos de Cortés falls

You’ll walk high above Costa Rica’s rainforest on hanging bridges near Tenorio Volcano, swim beneath Llanos de Cortés Waterfall’s cool spray, and spot sloths lounging in their own habitat. Taste local casado for lunch and watch butterflies drift past your shoulder. It’s a day full of small surprises and real jungle moments you’ll carry home.

What’s the experience like?

We started out with that early, sticky Costa Rica air clinging to our arms — you know, the kind that makes your shirt stick before you’ve even left the van. Our guide, Daniel, had this habit of pausing mid-sentence to listen for birds I couldn’t see (or maybe just to let us catch our breath). First stop: Llanos de Cortés Waterfall. The sound hit me before the view did — a low rush like static. There’s a sandy patch where you can drop your bag and just stare at the water tumbling down over mossy rocks. I waded in because Daniel said the pool was safe for swimming, and honestly, it felt like a cold slap after all that humidity. Not complaining though.

The hanging bridges were next — three of them, strung high above the forest floor near Tenorio Volcano. I’m not great with heights but somehow it’s different when you’re surrounded by so much green it almost hums. My shoes squeaked on the metal grates and there was this moment halfway across when everything went quiet except for some bird (Daniel called it a motmot?) echoing through the trees. He pointed out a tiny red-eyed tree frog clinging to a leaf; I nearly missed it because I was too busy watching my feet.

Afterward we headed to what they called the “sloth sanctuary,” which isn’t really a zoo — more like their favorite trees along a path where Daniel seems to know every branch by name. We spotted two sloths curled up so tight they looked fake until one blinked slow as syrup. Some kids in our group tried counting frogs under leaves but lost track after five or six — there are supposed to be eight species here, including these wild-colored poison dart frogs. Lunch was this casado plate (rice, beans, salad, meat) with juice that tasted like guava and something else I still can’t place.

I didn’t expect to care so much about butterflies but there’s this bit at the end where they flutter around your head in a warm room that smells faintly sweet — it made me weirdly happy. On the way back Daniel told us not to be surprised if a toucan flew overhead; one actually did and everyone laughed because we’d just been joking about it being too perfect. Still think about that waterfall sometimes when I hear running water at home — never quite sounds the same.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore waterfall, rainforest, and wildlife

• Visit Llanos de Cortez Waterfall
• Swim and relax at waterfall pool
• Hike Heliconias hanging bridges
• Observe flora and fauna in rainforest
• Spot sloths in natural habitat
• See rainforest frogs and butterflies

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Guanacaste to Llanos de Cortés Waterfall?

The tour includes several stops and activities; expect a full-day experience starting in the morning.

Can you swim safely at Llanos de Cortés Waterfall?

Yes, there is a natural pool at the base of the waterfall suitable for swimming or wading.

Are there hanging bridges on this rainforest tour?

Yes, you’ll cross three hanging bridges ranging from 35 to 40 meters high in Heliconias rainforest area.

Will I see sloths on this tour?

The tour visits an area known as a “sloth sanctuary” where spotting multiple sloths is common.

Is lunch included in this Costa Rica rainforest tour?

Yes, a traditional Costa Rican casado lunch with natural juice is included.

Are car seats available for infants?

Specialized infant seats are available for an additional $20 USD per seat.

What animals might I see besides sloths?

You may spot several species of rainforest frogs—including red-eyed tree frogs—and butterflies; sometimes toucans too.

Is hotel pickup included in this day trip?

The tour includes pickup; confirm details when booking as locations may vary.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your location, all entry fees for Llanos de Cortés Waterfall and rainforest activities, bottled water throughout, plus a traditional Costa Rican casado lunch with fresh juice before heading back in the afternoon.