Night Tour in Arenal Volcano Park
When the sun sets behind Arenal Volcano, the real magic begins! The rainforest completely transforms as nocturnal creatures emerge from their daytime hideouts – this is when you’ll witness Costa Rica’s wild side that most travelers never see. Armed with flashlights, you’ll tiptoe through private trails where your expert guide will spot red-eyed tree frogs with their jewel-like eyes glowing in the dark, sleepy sloths hanging motionless in the canopy, and maybe even a deadly fer-de-lance snake coiled on a branch just inches away.
Overview
Step into untouched rainforest after dark, where the jungle hums with creatures you miss by day.
Your ICT-certified naturalist sweeps a flashlight across branches, revealing red-eyed tree frogs perched on leaves or a two-toed sloth shifting slowly overhead. Snakes coil quietly in vines, owls glide past, and tiny bioluminescent insects glow like living stars along the trail.
Guides keep groups to eight max, moving slow on moderate paths through 60,000 square meters of private protected land—no cages, no planted animals, just wild habitat minutes from La Fortuna. Every sound and sighting feels spontaneous.
This 2-hour night walk starts at the signed property entrance (on-site parking or Uber drop-off), water bottle provided.
Real talk: trails can get uneven and damp, closed-toe shoes required.
Spots fill fast, reserve early.
What's Included
- Entry to the private rainforest conservation property.
- ICT-certified bilingual (English/Spanish) naturalist guide.
- Small group experience (max 8 per guide).
- Bottled water.
- Flashlight use during the walk.
- Transportation to/from the meeting point.
- Dinner or additional snacks.
- Gratuities for your guide.
Itinerary
- Arrive at the Night Tour La Fortuna property entrance (clear signs visible, next to chocolate tour sign, parking available).
- Meet your small group and certified guide at reception for a quick briefing.
- Enter the private rainforest trails as darkness settles.
- Walk moderate paths for about 2 hours, pausing frequently for wildlife spotting with flashlights.
- Search for red-eyed tree frogs, sloths, snakes, owls, bats, anteaters, and glowing insects in their natural setting.
- Learn about nocturnal behaviors and ecosystem details from your guide.
- Return to the property entrance to finish the tour.
What to Expect from the Tour
Here's practical advice to help your night walk go well, based on common experiences with trails, sightings, and weather. We've pulled this from what past guests told us after their trips.
- Gear essentials. Closed-toe hiking shoes aren't optional. Several guests said trails stay dark and uneven with roots, and open shoes risk bites or slips in damp spots. One packed a lightweight rain jacket that saved them during a quick shower.
- Wildlife spotting. Guides excel at finding hidden critters. A couple spotted four red-eyed frogs and a sleeping sloth on one loop. Small groups mean everyone gets flashlight time and quiet listening without noise.
- Trail notes. Moderate walking on natural paths, no steep climbs. Guests called it manageable for average fitness, though dark makes footing tricky—go slow and follow the guide.
- Night atmosphere. Jungle sounds hit hard after sunset. People loved the owl calls and insect glows, but noted bugs swarm lights—long sleeves and repellent help.
- Group setup. Eight max keeps it intimate. Past guests said the size let guides tailor stops and answer questions freely in the dark.
- Best time to visit. Year-round, but December to April brings drier trails and clearer skies. Guests early 2025 said January evenings stayed comfortable with active frogs. May to November adds rain but boosts amphibian sightings. Some preferred the cooler wet nights.
| Month/Season | Upsides | Downsides | Recommended Start Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec-Apr (Dry) | Less mud, brighter stars | Slightly cooler nights | 6 PM or 8 PM |
| May-Nov (Rainy) | More frogs/insects, fewer people | Slick paths, possible showers | 6 PM to finish early |
Common issues. Not for mobility limits or very young kids—dark trails need steady footing. Guests found sightings vary but guides always deliver something fascinating, even tiny beetles. Rain runs the tour with ponchos; it amplifies jungle sounds without cutting time.
FAQ
Do I need night hiking experience?
No experience required. Guides lead slowly on moderate trails with flashlights. Past guests of all levels felt safe, saying the small group and pro direction made the dark easy to navigate.
How likely are frog and sloth sightings?
High for frogs, good for sloths—guides know active zones on private land. One group saw multiple red-eyed tree frogs and two sloths. Sightings aren't guaranteed but far better than public trails.
Is transportation included?
No transport provided. Self-drive, taxi, or Uber to the signed property (10 km from downtown La Fortuna). Guests said Uber works fine—specify "Night Tour La Fortuna" to avoid mix-ups.
What if it rains?
Tour runs in light rain, which often boosts nocturnal activity. Ponchos available if needed. Guests who walked in drizzle called frog sightings epic and the air fresher—no cancellations for typical showers.
Suitable for children?
Yes for 7+ who can walk quietly in the dark and follow safety rules. Younger ones may tire or get scared. Families said older kids loved the glowing insects and frog finds.
Why this night tour over others?
100% wild private rainforest, no resort trails or caged animals. Small groups and certified guides maximize real encounters. Past guests said the untouched habitat and spontaneous sightings felt more authentic than crowded alternatives.
Book it today with Arenal Volcano Costa Rica Tours or simply following this link.