Family-Run Llanos de Cortés Swim, Bijagua Sloth Walk, Coffee and Chocolate Farm with Lunch

Sloths up close, a waterfall swim, coffee and chocolate and a local lunch fit into one day of 6 to 8 hours, depending on the hotel. The company is local and family-owned, founded in 2008 by Carlos Méndez, and its guides grew up in Guanacaste. Pick-up is available from hotels across the area, among them Liberia, Coco, Hermosa, Papagayo, Flamingo, Brasilito and Tamarindo. The first hour is at the Llanos de Cortés waterfall, with admission included, an easy walk down and cold drinks waiting for the return climb. The second hour is a Bijagua rainforest walk with a naturalist guide on easy trails, looking for sloths, red-eyed tree frogs, poison dart frogs, eyelash vipers and toucans. The third is a family farm in Bijagua where coffee and cacao are grown and handmade, with cacao tasted at every stage, plus fresh coffee and hot chocolate. A traditional Costa Rican lunch follows. The pace is relaxed and the walks are easy, which suits families with children of any age. In the rainy season, September to November, swimming depends on water conditions, and guests are told in advance if it is unsafe.