Tamarindo is a beach town, but some of the best experiences in Guanacaste are a short drive inland: an active volcano, waterfalls and sloths in the trees. If you are looking for a Rincón de la Vieja tour from Tamarindo, a waterfall tour from Tamarindo or a sloth tour in Guanacaste, this guide from Tamarindo Estuary Tours Mi Rey compares our three full-day trips, with prices, schedules and what is included.
Three full-day trips at a glance
- Rincón de la Vieja Combo Tour: $180 per person, departure between 6 and 7 am, return at 6 pm. Deposit $60.
- La Leona Waterfall Tour: $160 per person, 7 am to 3:30 pm. Deposit $50.
- Sloths and Llanos de Cortés Waterfall: $185 per person, 6:30 am to about 6 pm. Deposit $75.
All three require a minimum of 4 people, and children 3 and under do not pay. Each one includes round-trip transportation, entrance tickets, bottled water, beers, juices for kids and a Costa Rican lunch (casado).
Rincón de la Vieja tour from Tamarindo
Rincón de la Vieja is one of the active volcanoes of Costa Rica, about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Tamarindo. The landscape is very different from the coast: forest, rivers and the volcanic activity that gives the area its character. It is a long and complete day, and a good choice if you want to see the interior of Guanacaste.
- Departure between 6 and 7 am, return at 6 pm.
- Includes transportation, entrance tickets, drinks and a Costa Rican lunch.
- Bring water shoes and tennis shoes, as well as sun protection and repellent.
Book it here: Rincón de la Vieja Combo Tour.
La Leona waterfall tour
La Leona waterfall is one of the natural wonders of Guanacaste. It is the shortest of the three days, so it works well if you do not want to spend the whole day away from the beach. Plan on walking and getting wet: water shoes and tennis shoes are essential.
- Departure at 7 am, return at 3:30 pm.
- Includes transportation, entrance ticket, drinks and a Costa Rican lunch.
- Best in the dry season, when the water is usually calmer.
Book it here: La Leona Waterfall Tour.
Sloth tour in Guanacaste and Llanos de Cortés waterfall
This full day combines a sloth tour with a visit to the Llanos de Cortés waterfall, about 2.5 hours from Tamarindo, with a Costa Rican lunch in between. It is a good option for families, since seeing sloths in the wild is a highlight for children and adults alike.
- Departure at 6:30 am, return around 6 pm.
- Includes the sloth tour, the waterfall, transportation, entrance tickets, drinks and lunch.
- Bring comfortable clothes, sunglasses, a hat, a camera, repellent and sunblock.
Book it here: Sloths and Llanos de Cortés Waterfall.
Fitness and who these tours are for
These are full days with several hours in the vehicle and walking on natural trails, which can be uneven, rocky or muddy. A basic level of fitness is enough for most travelers. The waterfall days involve getting in the water, so you should feel comfortable on wet ground. If anyone in your group has mobility needs, write to us before booking and we will tell you which tour suits you best.
Best season for day trips
The dry season, roughly from December to April, brings sunnier days and usually calmer rivers, which is ideal for the waterfall tours. In the green season the landscapes are greener and the waterfalls fuller, but afternoon rain is more common. If the weather or water conditions make a tour unsafe, we will contact you to offer another date or a refund.
What to bring
- Comfortable clothes and a change of clothes for the ride back.
- Water shoes and tennis shoes for Rincón de la Vieja and La Leona.
- Sunglasses, a hat, sunblock and repellent.
- A camera and cash for the balance of the tour.
Booking, pickup and payment
When you book online you pay the deposit shown for each tour, and the balance is paid in cash, in US dollars or colones, on the day of the tour. Pickup in Tamarindo is usually included; farther areas such as Hacienda Pinilla, Conchal or Flamingo have an extra transportation cost depending on the route. If you cancel at least 24 hours in advance, we refund your deposit.
A tip for planning your week: leave the estuary tour for another day, since its time changes with the tide (see Tamarindo tides). Traveling with children? Read things to do in Tamarindo with kids.
Choose your day: the Rincón de la Vieja Combo Tour, the La Leona Waterfall Tour or Sloths and Llanos de Cortés Waterfall with Tamarindo Estuary Tours Mi Rey. If you are not sure which one fits your group, write to us on WhatsApp and we will help you decide.
Book these tours
Rincón de la Vieja Combo Tour$180 per personSee tour and book →
La Leona Waterfall Tour$160 per personSee tour and book →
Sloths and Llanos de Cortés Waterfall$185 per personSee tour and book →
Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Tamarindo to Rincón de la Vieja?
About 1 hour and 45 minutes each way. The tour leaves between 6 and 7 am and returns at about 6 pm.
Is there a minimum number of people for day trips?
Yes. The Rincón de la Vieja, La Leona and sloth tours require a minimum of 4 people. Children 3 and under do not pay.
Is lunch included on the day trips?
Yes. All three tours include a Costa Rican lunch (casado), round-trip transportation, entrance tickets, bottled water, beers and juices for kids.
How do I pay for a day trip?
You pay a deposit online to reserve and the balance in cash, in US dollars or colones, on the day of the tour. If you cancel at least 24 hours in advance, we refund the deposit.
What should I bring to La Leona waterfall?
Bring comfortable clothes, water shoes and tennis shoes, sunglasses, a hat, a camera, repellent and sunblock. Expect to get wet.
More Tamarindo guides
- Guanacaste Tours from TamarindoGuanacaste tours from Tamarindo: mangroves, dry forest, Rincón de la Vieja volcano, waterfalls, beaches and sea turtles, and which tour reaches each.
- Rincón de la Vieja Tour from Tamarindo: Full GuideRincón de la Vieja tour from Tamarindo: the volcano park, dry forest, schedule, fitness level and what the $180 full-day combo includes. Minimum 4.
- La Leona Waterfall Tour from TamarindoLa Leona waterfall tour from Tamarindo: the river and canyon hike, swimming, difficulty, best season and what the $160 day trip includes. Minimum 4.
- Sloth Tour in Guanacaste: Sloths and Llanos de Cortés WaterfallSloth tour in Guanacaste from Tamarindo: two-toed vs three-toed sloths, how sightings work, the Llanos de Cortés waterfall and the $185 full day.
- Best Tours in Tamarindo: A Local Operator's GuideBest tours in Tamarindo ranked by a local operator: estuary boat, kayak, turtles, horseback and day trips, with the price and length of all 13 tours.
- Things to Do in Tamarindo, Costa RicaThings to do in Tamarindo, Costa Rica: beach and sunset, the mangrove estuary, sea turtles, horseback rides, day trips and town life, with local tips.