Rio Celeste Waterfall & Sloth Tour: Volcano Hike with Lunch

Two waterfalls and a sloth sanctuary in one morning hike through the rainforest

This is a full-day guided tour of Tenorio Volcano National Park from Playa Flamingo, centered on a two-hour hike to Rio Celeste waterfall, where volcanic minerals turn the water turquoise. The route also includes Llanos de Cortes waterfall and a stop at a sloth sanctuary. Private transportation with an English or Spanish-speaking guide, lunch and water are included. The hike is moderately difficult and requires a moderate fitness level.

Step-by-step itinerary

Waterfalls hike and sloth sanctuary visit

• Visit Llanos de Cortes waterfall
• Hike to blue waterfalls
• Walk through Tenorio Volcano National Park
• See sloths at sanctuary

The experience

You start with private pickup from your accommodation and drive to Tenorio Volcano National Park. Once at the entrance, the two-hour hike begins through rainforest and along the Celeste River. The trail follows the water upstream to where two brooks merge, and the chemical reaction from volcanic minerals creates the distinctive turquoise color that makes Rio Celeste impossible to mistake for anywhere else. This is where sloths and other wildlife often appear along the banks.

Before the main hike, you stop at Llanos de Cortes waterfall, and after Rio Celeste, the route includes a visit to a sloth sanctuary. Lunch is served at Las Ranitas, an organic farm. The guide navigates the sequence and points out the geology and wildlife. You walk at the pace the group sets and decide how long to linger at each stop. Bottled water is provided throughout the day, and the air-conditioned vehicle handles the driving between sites.

Note that heavy rains can occasionally turn the river brown, which changes the visual impact but does not cancel the hike. The moderately difficult rating reflects the terrain and elevation gain, not technical climbing. Travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or cardiovascular concerns should check with the operator before booking.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your accommodation.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• the two-hour Rio Celeste hike with stops at Llanos de Cortes waterfall and the sloth sanctuary.
• lunch at an organic farm.
• bottled water throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (10 to 60 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

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 yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by ATV Beach Tours

Is this one for you?The guide leads in English or Spanish, so book the language your group understands best. The private vehicle and fixed itinerary mean the day runs on schedule without waiting for other groups, which matters if you have limited time in the area or prefer to move at your own pace.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

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.

What does the Rio Celeste hike actually involve?

Rio Celeste is a two-hour moderately difficult hike through rainforest and along the Celeste River inside Tenorio Volcano National Park. The trail leads to where two brooks merge and create the turquoise water, a color caused by volcanic minerals in the bedrock. Sloths and other wildlife are often spotted along this section.

How long is the full day, and what time does it start?

The tour runs nine hours total from pickup at your accommodation. The itinerary includes Llanos de Cortes waterfall, the Rio Celeste hike, the sloth sanctuary, and lunch at an organic farm, with private transport between each stop.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food is served?

Yes, lunch is included at Las Ranitas sanctuary. The meal is described as typical Costa Rican food, served at the organic farm location.

What should I bring or wear for the hike?

Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip for wet terrain, bring a change of clothes or a quick-dry shirt, and pack a light rain jacket. The park is rainforest, so moisture is constant. Bottled water is provided, but sunscreen and insect repellent are useful to bring yourself.