From the Cacao
Tree. To the
Wild Sloth.
Make chocolate by hand from the cacao tree, then walk into Bijagua's rainforest to find wild sloths in the canopy. An easy, unhurried day for all ages.
View pickup areas
Why Explore Privately?
Your Own Vehicle
Travel comfortably without sharing transportation with other groups.
Direct Hotel Pickup
Start and end the experience directly at your resort. No shared buses, no unnecessary hotel stops.
Personal Attention
Enjoy more interaction with your certified local guide.
A Better Pace
Spend your day experiencing Costa Rica instead of waiting on a large group.
Local Support
Your Wild Papagayo concierge helps coordinate every detail before your tour.
Chocolate, Sloths & Costa Rica's Natural Beauty
Discover the perfect combination of culture and wildlife on this unforgettable private experience. Learn the centuries-old traditions of chocolate making before exploring the beautiful forests of Bijagua, one of Costa Rica's best destinations for observing sloths and tropical wildlife in their natural environment.
Chocolate Experience
Discover every step of the chocolate-making process, from harvesting fresh cacao pods to creating your own handcrafted chocolate while enjoying delicious tastings along the way.
Wild Sloth Encounter
Enjoy an easy guided walk through the forests of Bijagua in search of wild sloths living freely in their natural habitat with the help of your certified naturalist guide.
Rainforest Wildlife
Along the trail, keep an eye out for toucans, colorful butterflies, frogs, monkeys, and other fascinating rainforest species that call Bijagua home.
Easy Nature Experience
With an easy walking trail and a relaxed pace, this experience is ideal for families, couples, photographers, and anyone looking to discover Costa Rica's wildlife and traditions.
What to Expect
Private Hotel Pickup
Hands-On Chocolate Tour
Sloth & Wildlife Hike
Traditional Lunch
Ride Back to Your Hotel
- Wear comfortable, breathable clothing in neutral tones for the hike, darker colours are not required but earth tones help you blend with the environment.
- Apply insect repellent before departure and bring a small amount for reapplication on the trail.
- Bring a camera or phone with a good zoom. Sloth observations are close but the forest light can be variable, a zoom capability helps.
- Please inform us of any food allergies at booking, particularly for the chocolate tasting and lunch.
We understand that travel plans may change. Our cancellation policy for tours and day experiences: cancellations made 7 or more days before the tour date receive a full refund. Cancellations made between 48 hours and 6 days before receive a 50% refund. Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the scheduled experience are not eligible for a refund, although exceptional situations may be reviewed individually.
No-show reservations are charged in full. Guests are granted up to 1 hour after the scheduled pickup time before a no-show is recorded.
Tour rescheduling must be requested at least 24 hours in advance. If severe weather affects the experience, rescheduling or a full refund will be arranged.
Costa Rica's weather can shift quickly; both the chocolate tour and sloth hike run under light forest cover.
Departures may be adjusted for safety or optimal conditions.
If Wild Papagayo cancels due to unsafe weather, we'll reschedule whenever possible or issue a full refund.
✓ Sunscreen
✓ Bug spray
✓ Hat or cap
✓ Sunglasses
✓ Camera
✓ Reusable water bottle
✓ Binoculars
✓ Comfortable clothing
✓ Comfortable walking shoes
✓ Cash for personal expenses (gratuities)
Travel Insights
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, your vehicle and certified naturalist guide are reserved exclusively for your group.
Sloth encounters on this hike are frequent, but wildlife sightings occur in a natural environment and can never be 100% guaranteed.
Yes, this is one of our easiest tours: a gentle walking pace, no demanding terrain, and an engaging hands-on chocolate experience that appeals across generations.
Yes, you'll follow the process from fresh cacao pod through fermentation and roasting to crafting your own handmade chocolate bar, with tastings throughout.
Yes, a traditional Costa Rican lunch is included, along with bottled water and snacks.
Comfortable walking shoes, sun and bug protection, and a camera with zoom capability for photographing sloths in the canopy.
Pricing varies by pickup location and group size. Reach out on WhatsApp or through the booking form and your Wild Papagayo concierge will confirm an exact quote.
Sloth Adventure & Chocolate Tour
Private chocolate tour from cacao tree to handmade bar, then a short hike in Bijagua to observe wild sloths, butterflies and toucans in their natural habitat. Lunch included. Easy, all ages.
Private Guide Only
Your certified private guide, exclusively dedicated to your group, for guests arriving in their own vehicle. Guide pickup included on the way to the destination. Excludes chocolate tour entrance fee and lunch.
Everything Included
✓ Private air-conditioned transportation
✓ Complimentary bottled water
✓ Snacks and refreshments
✓ Experienced certified bilingual local guide
✓ Full chocolate tour, cacao tree to handmade bar (Tsuru or Yok)
✓ Sloth Adventure hike, wild sloths
✓ Traditional Costa Rican lunch
⚡ This tour runs comfortably year-round, since both the chocolate experience and sloth habitat are unaffected by season.
