Costa Rica Waterfall & Sloth Tour: Private Guide + Lunch

Summary

Private Costa Rica day trip with waterfall swim and sloth spotting

You’ll swim beneath Llanos de Cortés waterfall, drift quietly down the Corobici River watching for monkeys and birds, then walk through lush rainforest near Tenorio Volcano searching for sloths with your local guide. With hotel pickup and lunch included, it’s an easygoing Costa Rica day trip you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to hear so many different birds before even seeing the Llanos de Cortés waterfall — it’s like the trees were gossiping about us arriving. Our guide, Diego, just grinned and pointed out a motmot (I’d never seen one before, kind of electric blue). The waterfall itself is loud but in a good way, like white noise that makes you forget your phone exists. I dipped my toes in first — cold enough to make me yelp, but after a minute it felt perfect. There’s this sandy patch where locals lay out towels and kids run around. No one seemed in a hurry.

After drying off (sort of — my shirt was still damp), we drove towards the Corobici River for the floating tour. It’s not rafting, more like drifting while Diego did all the rowing. I kept thinking I’d spot a caiman or something dramatic, but mostly we saw herons and these little monkeys that watched us from above. The river is calm enough that you can just lean back and listen to the water slap against the raft. At one point Diego handed me some fruit I can’t pronounce (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Spanish — probably butchered it), sweet and sticky on my fingers.

The last part was Finca Verde near Tenorio Volcano — honestly, I thought sloths would be impossible to spot, but our guide had this sixth sense for them. He pointed up at what looked like a bundle of moss, then suddenly it moved (slowly, obviously). We also saw frogs that looked fake and butterflies everywhere. Lunch was at this small place overlooking green hills; rice, beans, chicken — nothing fancy but exactly what I wanted after all that walking. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Waterfall, River Float, and Wildlife Hike

• Visit Llanos de Cortés Waterfall
• Corobici River Floating tour
• Hike at Finca Verde and see sloths

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Costa Rica tour?

Yes, private hotel or port pickup is included in your booking.

Can you swim at Llanos de Cortés waterfall?

Yes, there’s a safe pond at the base of the waterfall where swimming is allowed.

Is lunch provided during the day trip?

Yes, lunch is included at a restaurant near Tenorio Volcano.

Will we see sloths on this tour?

You visit Finca Verde nature reserve where guides help spot sloths and other wildlife.

How difficult is the Corobici River floating tour?

The river float is gentle (class 1-2), suitable for all fitness levels and ages.

Are infant seats available during transport?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available upon request.

How long does each activity last?

The full day includes time at each site; exact timing varies by group pace.

What wildlife might we see besides sloths?

You may see monkeys, toucans, frogs, butterflies, iguanas, and many bird species along the way.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel or port pickup with a bilingual local guide who takes care of all entry fees. You’ll have bottled water throughout the journey plus a traditional Costa Rican lunch overlooking the volcanic region before being dropped off again in comfort at your accommodation.