
Rio Celeste, Tenorio Hike, Sloths Sanctuary & Meal
Traveler rating
4.4/5
Based on 49 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Rio Celeste, Tenorio Hike, Sloths Sanctuary & Meal worth booking?
Rio Celeste, Tenorio Hike, Sloths Sanctuary & Meal is a 8-hour experience in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, from $170 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 49 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 65 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (49)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $170 per person
Departure: 7.30am A legend tells that after God was done painting the sky, he washed the brushes in this river. The colors at Rio Celeste are truly magnificent, and this hike will take you to lots of picture perfect sights. Once at Tenorio Volcano National Park your guide will give a short introduction, and then the 5 miles hike starts going through the tropical rain forest, where fauna and flora are plentiful. During the hike we will visit “Los Teñideros”, where two stream of crystalline water come together and form the astonishing blue color that gives the river its name. On the hike you also come by the volcano’s furnace vents that expel gases of extreme high temperatures, and you will have the chance to take a dip in the natural hot springs. On the way you will also get to see the spectacular Rio Celeste waterfall whose colors makes it one of a kind! Next we will visit Sloths Sanctuary and wildlife in their natural habitat and an exquisite traditional meal .
What you get
About this experience
Departure: 7.30am A legend tells that after God was done painting the sky, he washed the brushes in this river. The colors at Rio Celeste are truly magnificent, and this hike will take you to lots of picture perfect sights. Once at Tenorio Volcano National Park your guide will give a short introduction, and then the 5 miles hike starts going through the tropical rain forest, where fauna and flora are plentiful. During the hike we will visit “Los Teñideros”, where two stream of crystalline water come together and form the astonishing blue color that gives the river its name. On the hike you also come by the volcano’s furnace vents that expel gases of extreme high temperatures, and you will have the chance to take a dip in the natural hot springs. On the way you will also get to see the spectacular Rio Celeste waterfall whose colors makes it one of a kind! Next we will visit Sloths Sanctuary and wildlife in their natural habitat and an exquisite traditional meal .
What's included
Included
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Lunch
Not included
- Use of SCUBA equipment
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Side by Side ATV Tours & WILD LIFE
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 49 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Physical effort
4 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
49 verified traveler reviews for Rio Celeste, Tenorio Hike, Sloths Sanctuary & Meal. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Full day of adventure
My family had a wondurful time with our tour guide Lester and all of the activities Leo planned for us. Leo communicated with me every step of the way and it made me feel very safe with his team. There was some more rain than usual and Leo switched things around so we could have a better experience. My kids especially loved the ATV tour and ziplining.
via Tripadvisor
Don’t miss this tour!!
Such an amazing day with Willy, my personal tour guide. The hike to Rio Celeste Waterfall was easy and the water was so incredibly blue. We saw toucans, sloths, vipers, butterflies and so much beauty. I met so many locals on the tour because Willy knows so many people. He was friendly and went out of his way so that I had a good experience. Highly recommend !
Response from the operator: Happy to hear and we will love to have you again
via Tripadvisor
Best day!
What a great time! Henry was the best as he customized our tour for us to make it extra special for our group. Highly recommend him!!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much it was a pleasure to have hopefully next year we will have you back
via Tripadvisor
Rio Celeste and other
Put your guide, Willy, was a good one. Pointed out birds and monkeys along the way. Patient driver. Pleasant man. Appreciated stopping for breaks at banos and quick restaurant fueling. The tour was of course interesting with short hikes and falls and sloth sanctuary. Well organized.
via Viator
One of the best days of my life!
We used this company to take a day excursion to Rio Celeste for a rainforest hike and to see the water fall. From there, we went to swim in the Rio Celeste river, and finished with an ecological tour where we got to see sloths, among many other gorgeous plants and wildlife. A wonderful local lunch was included. This is a day I will never forget and Junior, our driver/guide, was nothing short of phenomenal!!!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 17
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Side by Side ATV Tours & WILD LIFE, who run 7 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 60.9.
See everything Side by Side ATV Tours & WILD LIFE runsWhy this scores 65
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Rio Celeste, Tenorio Hike, Sloths Sanctuary & Meal: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Tamarindo.
How much does Rio Celeste, Tenorio Hike, Sloths Sanctuary & Meal cost?
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Prices start at $170 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Tamarindo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Rio Celeste, Tenorio Hike, Sloths Sanctuary & Meal take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Tamarindo is not rushed.
Is Rio Celeste, Tenorio Hike, Sloths Sanctuary & Meal worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 49 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Tamarindo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Rio Celeste, Tenorio Hike, Sloths Sanctuary & Meal?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Rio Celeste, Tenorio Hike, Sloths Sanctuary & Meal suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Rio Celeste, Tenorio Hike, Sloths Sanctuary & Meal?
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Around 17 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Tamarindo can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Tamarindo and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Rio Celeste, Tenorio Hike, Sloths Sanctuary & Meal start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Tamarindo within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Tamarindo?
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On Outty we rank every Tamarindo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Surf Lesson in Tamarindo - Stand Up or Your Money Back!, Sunset Catamaran & Snorkeling Tour in Playa Flamingo, Fundive Catalina Islands (2 dives, only for certified divers). The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Tamarindo?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Tamarindo?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Rio Celeste, Tenorio Hike, Sloths Sanctuary & Meal?
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Included: In-vehicle air conditioning; and Lunch. Not included: Use of SCUBA equipment. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Rio Celeste, Tenorio Hike, Sloths Sanctuary & Meal include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 4 listed pickup locations in and around Tamarindo. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Rio Celeste, Tenorio Hike, Sloths Sanctuary & Meal offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Rio Celeste, Tenorio Hike, Sloths Sanctuary & Meal?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Rio Celeste, Tenorio Hike, Sloths Sanctuary & Meal wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Rio Celeste, Tenorio Hike, Sloths Sanctuary & Meal if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Rio Celeste, Tenorio Hike, Sloths Sanctuary & Meal?
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Across 49 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
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