Costa Rica: Rio Celeste Hike, Sloth Sanctuary & River Swim

Summary

Rio Celeste waterfall hike, sloth encounters, labyrinth walk and local lunch

You’ll hike through lush rainforest to see Rio Celeste’s surreal blue waterfall, swim where locals do, wander a hibiscus labyrinth, and share laughs over casado at a countryside restaurant. With guides who know every shortcut and story, you’ll get close to Costa Rica’s wildlife—and maybe slow down enough to notice what matters most.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to see water that looks almost painted? That’s how our day started—standing on a wooden bridge in Tenorio, watching the Rio Celeste swirl below us in this wild blue I’d only seen in photos. Our guide, Daniel, pointed out tiny frogs hiding under leaves (I nearly missed them), and every so often you’d hear monkeys somewhere above. The air was thick with that earthy rainforest smell—wet leaves, a bit of sulfur from the hot springs—and my shoes got muddy fast. Didn’t care though; I was too busy gawking at the waterfall when we finally reached it. It’s louder than you expect.

After the hike, we piled back into the van (air-conditioning felt like a small miracle) and stopped by this ancient tree—locals call it the Tree of Peace. I didn’t say much there; just leaned against the bark and listened to birds for a minute. Then came something I hadn’t planned on: swimming in the Rio Celeste itself. Locals were already there, laughing and splashing around. The water was cold but not freezing—kind of electric on your skin after hiking all morning. I still think about that feeling sometimes when I’m stuck at my desk.

The Katira Labyrinth was next—a maze made entirely from hibiscus flowers. It’s not huge or fancy but wandering through those blooming walls felt oddly calming (and okay, I got lost once). There was this sweet floral scent everywhere and some kids from town giggling as they raced each other to the center. On our way out of Bijagua we did a quick stop at Zona Magnética—Daniel let the van roll “uphill” by itself while everyone tried to guess why. No one really knows; it’s just one of those weird things people talk about here.

Lunch at El Barrigón was simple—casado with fried plantains and fresh juice—but honestly after all that walking it tasted perfect. The last stop was the Sloth Sanctuary where our guide showed us how to spot sloths (not as easy as you’d think). We saw a couple curled up high in the trees, plus some bright frogs and lazy lizards sunning themselves nearby. There’s something peaceful about moving at sloth speed for a while…or maybe that was just me being tired by then.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Rio Celeste and local attractions

• Hike Tenorio Volcano National Park
• Visit the Tree of Peace
• Swim in Rio Celeste near Katira
• Explore Katira Labyrinth
• Stop at Zona Magnética
• Lunch at El Barrigón restaurant
• Tour the Sloth Sanctuary in Bijagua

Top questions

How long is the Rio Celeste tour from start to finish?

The tour lasts 8-10 hours including travel time.

Is swimming allowed in Rio Celeste during this tour?

Yes, there is a stop for swimming in Rio Celeste near Katira where locals go.

Are meals included on this Costa Rica day trip?

Yes, lunch is included at El Barrigón restaurant in Bijagua.

What animals can you see at the Sloth Sanctuary?

You can see sloths, colorful frogs, snakes, lizards, and sometimes hear monkeys nearby.

Is hotel pickup included for this Rio Celeste tour?

Yes, private transportation with pickup is included.

How difficult is the Tenorio Volcano Park hike?

The hike is moderately challenging with some muddy sections and wooden bridges.

What is special about the Katira Labyrinth?

The labyrinth is made entirely from hibiscus flowers and offers two different mazes to explore.

What happens at Zona Magnética?

You’ll experience a magnetic zone where vehicles appear to roll uphill without explanation—a fun curiosity stop.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with hotel pickup and air-conditioning, bottled water and Costa Rican snacks (plus beers if you want), entry to all sites including Tenorio Volcano Park for the Rio Celeste hike, time for swimming in the river near Katira, wandering through the hibiscus labyrinth, experiencing Zona Magnética’s odd gravity trick, lunch at El Barrigón restaurant featuring local dishes like casado or ceviche—and guided visits throughout including at the Sloth Sanctuary before heading back home tired but happy.