THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Walk into the startling turquoise of Rio Celeste and meet sloths in a dedicated sanctuary on a private full-day tour from Tamarindo. Expect rainforest trails, volcanic geology, steady wildlife viewing, and a homestyle Costa Rican lunch.
Walk into the startling turquoise of Rio Celeste and meet sloths in a dedicated sanctuary on a private full-day tour from Tamarindo. Expect rainforest trails, volcanic geology, steady wildlife viewing, and a homestyle Costa Rican lunch.
A mist hangs over the trail as sunlight punches through the canopy and the river ahead seems to glow—Rio Celeste dares you closer with impossible turquoise. The path threads uphill and down through primary rainforest, where leaves drum with rain and howler monkeys punctuate the quiet.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by On The Road Costa Rica · Bijagua, Guanacaste
A mist hangs over the trail as sunlight punches through the canopy and the river ahead seems to glow—Rio Celeste dares you closer with impossible turquoise. The path threads uphill and down through primary rainforest, where leaves drum with rain and howler monkeys punctuate the quiet.
Tenorio National Park was set aside to protect volcanic peaks and the river’s chemical miracle: volcanic minerals and sulfur mixing with alkaline waters to scatter blue light. The area’s geology—young and still restless—shapes steep ravines, thermal springs and the waterfall’s milky-blue plunge. Culturally, the region is tied to small cattle and coffee communities; Bijagua and nearby towns retain a slow, rural pace and hospitality centered around fresh-cooked lunches and homemade fruit desserts.
On this private full-day tour you’ll cover roughly 2–3 hours of walking inside the park (expect 3–6 km of trails total), then visit a dedicated wildlife spot famous for reliably seeing sloths, toucans and frogs. Guides explain conservation work and the balance between tourism and fragile habitats.
Practical guidance: wear grippy hiking shoes for muddy sections, carry layered rain protection, and bring insect repellent. Hydrate before and during the hike—the tropical humidity builds quickly—and plan for a relaxed lunch at a local comedor after the trail. Photography windows open at the waterfall and at the sloth sanctuary; be patient and move slowly to increase wildlife sightings. With moderate fitness this is an accessible, unforgettable Costa Rican day immersed in volcanic landscapes and slow-moving wildlife.
moderate.
7–11 hours.
Suitable for travelers with moderate fitness—able to walk 2–3 hours over uneven terrain and short steep sections.
Expect about 2–3 hours of walking on park trails; total round-trip trail distance is roughly 3–6 km depending on route and stops.
The sloth sanctuary specializes in reliable sightings, and guides increase chances by moving slowly and knowing local individuals, but wildlife sightings can’t be 100% guaranteed.
People of various ages can join, but those with limited mobility, spinal issues, or pregnancy are advised not to participate due to uneven terrain and stairs.
Typical inclusions are bottled water, park and sanctuary entrances, an air-conditioned transfer, a knowledgeable guide, and a local lunch with a butterfly garden visit.
Tenorio’s protection reflects Costa Rica’s broader conservation push in the 1970s–90s to protect watersheds and volcanic landscapes crucial to local communities.
Visitor numbers are managed inside the park and guides emphasize staying on trails and avoiding feeding wildlife to protect fragile ecosystems.
On The Road Costa Rica operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
A mist hangs over the trail as sunlight punches through the canopy and the river ahead seems to glow—Rio Celeste dares you closer with impossible turquoise. The path threads uphill and down through primary rainforest, where leaves drum with rain and howler monkeys punctuate the quiet.
A mist hangs over the trail as sunlight punches through the canopy and the river ahead seems to glow—Rio Celeste dares you closer with impossible turquoise. The path threads uphill and down through primary rainforest, where leaves drum with rain and howler monkeys punctuate the quiet.
Tenorio National Park was set aside to protect volcanic peaks and the river’s chemical miracle: volcanic minerals and sulfur mixing with alkaline waters to scatter blue light. The area’s geology—young and still restless—shapes steep ravines, thermal springs and the waterfall’s milky-blue plunge. Culturally, the region is tied to small cattle and coffee communities; Bijagua and nearby towns retain a slow, rural pace and hospitality centered around fresh-cooked lunches and homemade fruit desserts.
On this private full-day tour you’ll cover roughly 2–3 hours of walking inside the park (expect 3–6 km of trails total), then visit a dedicated wildlife spot famous for reliably seeing sloths, toucans and frogs. Guides explain conservation work and the balance between tourism and fragile habitats.
Practical guidance: wear grippy hiking shoes for muddy sections, carry layered rain protection, and bring insect repellent. Hydrate before and during the hike—the tropical humidity builds quickly—and plan for a relaxed lunch at a local comedor after the trail. Photography windows open at the waterfall and at the sloth sanctuary; be patient and move slowly to increase wildlife sightings. With moderate fitness this is an accessible, unforgettable Costa Rican day immersed in volcanic landscapes and slow-moving wildlife.