Expedition to Sloth Preserve & Rio Celeste Waterfall
Starting at $165
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of Tenorio National Park as you embark on a hike to the beautiful Río Celeste waterfall, known for its vivid blue waters. Indulge in a delicious traditional Costa Rican lunch before venturing to our favorite sloth preserve in the Bijagua area, where encounters with these captivating creatures await. Keep your camera ready for potential sightings of other fascinating wildlife, such as the red-eyed tree frog or the blue Morpho butterfly.
Adorable Sloths Amidst Rio Celeste’s Stunning Waterfall & Their Rainforest Home.
Experience the wonders of Costa Rica’s natural beauty on our Sloth Preserve & Rio Celeste Waterfall Expedition. Discover the vibrant blue of the Río Celeste waterfall, nestled within the enchanting Tenorio National Park. After a delectable traditional lunch, venture to our beloved sloth preserve in Bijagua, where you’ll have the chance to observe these endearing creatures in their native habitat. Treat yourself to a day filled with awe-inspiring landscapes, diverse wildlife, and unforgettable memories in the heart of the rainforest.
Specifics:
- Pick Up Time: 6 am
- Meeting Point: Your hotel, house, or vacation rental near Guanacaste’s pristine beaches (We cater to areas like Pinilla, Tamarindo, Flamingo, Las Catalinas, Cocos Beach, Papagayo Peninsula and many more!)
- Duration: Full day
- Driving Time: Approx 2.5 hours each way
- Minimum Amount of People: 2
- Price includes: Roundtrip transportation, bilingual tour guide, snacks, drinks, entrance tickets and traditional lunch.
- Price Note: The listed price is for groups of 3 or more. For groups of 2 travelers, the price is $245 per person.
- Not included in the price: Mandatory IVA tax (13%)
What’s Included & Not Included
Explore AllWhy You Should Consider This Activity:
What To Expect:
Private Transportation: At 6am, welcome aboard our clean and reliable vehicle. Treat yourself to snacks and drinks available for your enjoyment during the drive.
National Park: Between 8:30 and 8:45am, we’ll arrive at Tenorio Volcano National Park, your starting point for the hike to Rio Celeste waterfall. Prepare yourself, utilize the restrooms if necessary, and let’s embark on this beautiful journey. The trail spans just 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) one way and is of moderate difficulty.
Wildlife: As you traverse the trail, stay attentive and keep an eye out for wildlife. Your tour guide will endeavor to identify and highlight intriguing flora and fauna as you meander through the forest. From ficus trees to arborescent ferns, and from wildflowers to spider monkeys and toucans, there’s a wealth of biodiversity to behold in this lush jungle.
The trail: Upon reaching the trail’s end, you’ll face your final challenge: approximately 200 steps leading down to the majestic Rio Celeste waterfall. Take in the breathtaking scenery, capture memorable photos, and relish the panoramic view. When you feel ready, retrace your steps along the same trail. This hike typically spans between 3 to 4 hours, depending on pace and fitness level. Please note that this hike is not suitable for individuals with mobility issues. Will be back at the exit of the trail around midday, where you have the option to buy some souvenirs, get natural drinks like coconut water and orange juice, use the restrooms or simply return to your transportation onto the next step of the day.
Traditional Lunch: Upon arrival, between 12:00 PM and 1:30 PM, you will be treated to lunch at a traditional Costa Rican restaurant, commonly referred to as a Soda. Here, you’ll indulge in a satisfying and flavorful Casado, a quintessential Costa Rican dish. Your options will include a variety of protein choices such as chicken fajitas, chicken fillet, breaded chicken, carne en salsa (beef in sauce), steak, fried pork steak, fried fish, and breaded fish. Additionally, vegetarian diners will find protein-rich alternatives like lentils, black beans, chickpeas, cheese, and eggs to cater to their dietary preferences.
Support the Community: After enjoying our lunch, we’ll take a short drive to visit our favorite sloth preserve in downtown Bijagua. Your visit directly supports the local community by generating employment and contributing to the preservation of natural resources, thus sustaining the local economy as the preserve is owned by Costa Rican families.
Sloth Preserve: During our visit, we’ll stroll along trails in the preserve, guided by an expert tour guide who will help us spot sloths in their natural habitat. Sloths are fascinating creatures, and you’ll learn interesting facts about them during the tour. Additionally, while exploring the forest, you may also have the chance to spot other wildlife such as spider and whiteface monkeys, toucans, motmots, frogs, and various fascinating plants and creatures. The walk usually takes between 1 to 1.5 hours.
The Drive Back: Depending on your group’s pace, road conditions, and other factors, we plan to start the drive back to your accommodation between 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM. This provides an excellent opportunity for you to relax and perhaps take a nap after a fulfilling day filled with exciting adventures and beautiful scenery.
What to Bring:
Essentials you should bring for a smooth experience:
Recommended for enhanced experience:
Additional Info:
- Age Requirement: There is no minimum age requirement to enter Tenorio National Park to see Rio Celeste. However, it’s important to consider that children under 4 years old may struggle to keep up with the hike or may not be safe on the uneven terrain.
- Accessibility: While the park offers a short, accessible trail leading to a picnic area near the park entrance, the trail to see the waterfall is not suitable for wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Additionally, it’s essential to note that there is more than half a mile in distance between the end of the paved trail and the waterfall. Therefore, we do not recommend this trail for individuals with mobility issues
- Languages: Most of our tour guides are fluent in both Spanish and English.
- Physical Rating: Active.
- Group Size: Groups of any size are welcome. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, with your family, or a group of friends or coworkers, rest assured that we’ll ensure there are enough tour guides available to provide an exceptional experience for your group.
- Surroundings: Land-based Activity.
Essential Considerations
Immerse Yourself in Rainforest Splendor
Reserve this Expedition to Rio Celeste and Encounter Sloths in Their Natural Habitat
Book Today!Cancellation Policy:
We understand that plans can change. Cancellations made at least 72 hours before the scheduled excursion will receive a full refund, minus any applicable bank or financial service fees. Cancellations made between 72 and 48 hours before the excursion will receive an 80% refund, minus any applicable fees. Cancellations made within 48 hours of the excursion are non-refundable, and no-shows will incur a 100% penalty charge.
Please note that some experiences we offer are facilitated by trusted vendors we have carefully selected to align with our values. For these specific activities, the cancellation policy will be subject to the vendor’s terms and conditions. For example, fishing and private catamaran tours typically have a 50% penalty charge if canceled within 21 days.
While we strive to accommodate everyone, our cancellation policies are in place to help us continue providing you with the best possible service. Late cancellations not only affect our operations but also limit opportunities for other travelers who may have wished to book. By adhering to these policies, we can ensure your excursions and transportation are secure, offering you a smooth and hassle-free experience. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
