Spend a full day from Playa Flamingo tracking sloths in a private rainforest reserve, sampling local coffee and chocolate, and cooling off beneath Llanos del Cortes waterfall. Perfect for wildlife lovers and curious travelers who want an easy, interpretive Costa Rica nature day trip.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step off the air-conditioned transfer into humid air that smells like wet earth and roasted coffee. Giant fig and ceiba trunks lean over the trail, and the guide’s binoculars sweep the canopy where a sloth clings like a slow, living ornament. Water in the distance calls; later you’ll strip down and swim beneath Llanos del Cortes’ broad cascade, its current daring you to float a while.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8–10 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short, low-gradient walks and standing during interpretive stops
Wildlife
History
The Tenorio area sits on volcanic soils that supported Indigenous communities; colonial and modern smallholder farming shaped local coffee and cacao practices.
Conservation
Private reserves in this corridor protect habitat between agricultural land and national parks; visitors can support conservation by staying on trails and buying locally produced organic goods.
Reserve your spot on the Sloth Encounter & Rainforest Experience today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring a towel and swimsuit
Pack a quick-dry towel and swimsuit for a swim under Llanos del Cortes waterfall — currents are gentle near the pool but rocks can be slippery.
Wear grippy shoes
Trails can be muddy and uneven after rain; lightweight hiking shoes with good traction are better than sandals.
Insect protection
Apply DEET or picaridin repellent before entering the reserve and consider long sleeves for late-afternoon sections to avoid bites.
Bring a small zoom lens
Guides point out well-camouflaged animals in the canopy; a 200–300mm-equivalent zoom helps capture sloths and toucans without disturbing them.
Quick-dry towel
Useful for swimming at the waterfall and drying off after humid rainforest walks
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Lightweight hiking shoes
Provide traction on muddy or rocky trails better than flip-flops
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Insect repellent (DEET or picaridin)
Helps prevent mosquito and biting insect annoyance in humid forest habitats
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Waterproof phone/camera case
Protects electronics during waterfall swims and unexpected tropical showers
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