Rio Celeste Waterfall & Sloths Sanctuary from Tamarindo

Turquoise Rio Celeste & Sloths: What a Private Guide Actually Shows You

You hike two to three hours through Tenorio National Park to Rio Celeste's turquoise waterfall, then visit Ranitas sloth sanctuary where sloths and toucans are guaranteed sightings. Lunch at a local restaurant with a butterfly garden is included, plus all park entry fees and hotel pickup from Tamarindo. A private guide leads the whole day, so the pace stays yours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Rio Celeste and wildlife sanctuary

• Walk rainforest trails to Rio Celeste
• Visit Sloths Sanctuary to see wildlife
• Enjoy authentic Costa Rican lunch
• Explore butterfly sanctuary while waiting

The experience

The driver picks you up early, and on the way to Tenorio National Park, he mentions that the Rio Celeste gets its color from minerals in the water, not algae, not dye. It's the kind of thing you'd never know unless someone who drives the route every week tells you. The hike into the rainforest takes two to three hours total, and the trails are real trails, not paved loops. You're walking through dense forest, and the guide stops to point out frogs, snakes, and the canopy above. The waterfall itself is there at the end: that turquoise pool you've seen in photos, except you're standing in front of it, not scrolling past it.

After the Rio Celeste, you head to Ranitas, the sloth sanctuary, and the guide says they guarantee you'll see them. They're right. The sloths are there, moving slowly through the branches, and you get time to actually watch them instead of rushing through. Toucans show up too, sometimes frogs. It's not a zoo. It's their space, and you're moving through it at their pace. The sanctuary is small enough that you're not in a crowd, which makes the whole thing feel less like a tourist checkpoint and more like you stumbled into something real.

By early afternoon, you stop at El Sabor de Doña Carmen, a local restaurant that's known more for its food than for being on a tour itinerary. There's a butterfly garden on the property, so while your lunch is being made, you can walk around and watch them. The food is authentic Costa Rican. Nothing fancy, just good. The air-conditioned vehicle picks you up after, and you're back in Tamarindo by late afternoon, which gives you the rest of the day to yourself. The whole thing moves without rushing, and you're not packed into a van with twenty other people.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup from Tamarindo in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• entry to Tenorio National Park and Rio Celeste Waterfall.
• entry to Ranitas sloth sanctuary.
• private guide leading the hike and wildlife viewing.
• authentic Costa Rican lunch at El Sabor de Doña Carmen with access to the butterfly garden.
• bottled water throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 06:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (4 and older) · Infant (1 to 3 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availableNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by On The Road Costa Rica

Is this one for you?Right for travelers who want to see Rio Celeste and sloths without arranging park tickets, transport, or timing the hike themselves: the private guide and fixed itinerary handle all three, and the small-group format means you're not moving through the rainforest in a crowd.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (1 to 3 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How far is Rio Celeste from Tamarindo?

Tenorio National Park is roughly 45–60 minutes by car from Tamarindo, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Will I definitely see sloths?

Yes, the tour includes entry to Ranitas sloth sanctuary, where sloths are guaranteed. You may also see toucans, frogs, and other wildlife.

How much walking is involved?

Two to three hours of hiking total through rainforest trails to reach Rio Celeste. The terrain is natural forest, not paved, so moderate fitness is needed.

What's included in the lunch?

Authentic Costa Rican lunch at El Sabor de Doña Carmen, a local restaurant. The restaurant also has a butterfly garden you can visit while waiting for your food.

Is the vehicle air-conditioned?

Yes, the vehicle is air-conditioned for the drive to and from the park.

What should I bring?

Wear hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers, bring a swimsuit if you want to enter the water at Rio Celeste, and pack sunscreen and insect repellent. Bottled water is provided.

What time does the tour start?

Hotel pickup is early morning. Exact times depend on your hotel location in Tamarindo.