Costa Rica: Sloth Tour, Llanos de Cortés Waterfall & Coffee Farm

Summary

Sloths in the trees waterfall swims & coffee aromas near cortés

You’ll feel rainforest mist on your skin as you spot wild sloths with your guide, swim beneath Llanos de Cortés Waterfall’s cool spray, and share stories over homemade coffee and chocolate at a family farm. Expect real flavors, laughter with locals, and those quiet moments you’ll remember long after you leave Costa Rica.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t know what to expect when we left for the sloth tour from Guanacaste — I just remember feeling a weird mix of excitement and sleepiness as we bumped along in the van. The air outside smelled like wet leaves and something sweet, almost like sugarcane. Our guide, Mariela, had this easy laugh that made everyone relax right away. She pointed out a flash of movement up in the canopy — “Look! Two-fingered sloth!” — and honestly, it took me a minute to see it. They really do move like slow-motion shadows. There was this hush among us while we watched; even the birds seemed quieter for a second.

After that, we headed toward Llanos de Cortés Waterfall. The sound hit me before I saw it — kind of a low roar mixed with kids laughing somewhere nearby. The water was cold but not too much, and I ended up wading in further than I planned (my shoes are still drying out). Sunlight kept flickering through the spray, making everything look sort of gold for a moment. Someone handed me fresh fruit from their bag and it tasted sharper than anything back home — maybe because I’d just swum under a waterfall? Not sure.

The last part was my favorite: visiting a local coffee and cacao farm tucked on the edge of the rainforest. The family who runs it has been there for generations — you could tell by how they moved around each other without talking much, just passing tools or nodding. We tried grinding roasted beans by hand (harder than it looks), and then tasted chocolate so dark it almost tasted smoky. Lunch was simple but perfect: rice, beans, plantains, all from their own fields. Mariela teased me about how much gallo pinto I piled on my plate — apparently that’s “the Costa Rican way.” I still think about that view over their fields while sipping coffee at their wooden table.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Waterfall, wildlife, coffee, and lunch

• Visit Llanos de Cortés Waterfall
• Observe wildlife on national park slopes
• Tour organic coffee and cocoa farm
• Enjoy traditional regional lunch

Top questions

How long does the sloth tour in Costa Rica take?

The tour is a full-day experience including stops at Llanos de Cortés Waterfall and an organic coffee and cacao farm.

Is lunch included on the day trip to Llanos de Cortés Waterfall?

Yes, a traditional lunch with local ingredients is included during the tour.

Do you get to swim at Llanos de Cortés Waterfall?

Yes, there is time to swim or wade at Llanos de Cortés Waterfall during the tour.

Are there guides on this Costa Rica sloth tour?

Yes, you’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide throughout the day.

What wildlife can you see besides sloths?

You may spot birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat during the rainforest walk.

Is transportation included for this Costa Rica day trip?

An air-conditioned vehicle with pickup is included in your booking.

What do you learn at the coffee and cacao farm?

You’ll see how organic coffee and chocolate are grown and processed by local farmers.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health; moderate fitness is needed.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle, all entry fees covered, bottled water along the way, plus a traditional lunch cooked from ingredients grown by local farmers before heading back in comfort.