Night Walk Experience

Includes: Transportation, guides, entrance fee, snack

Quick answer

The Night Walk is a guided nocturnal nature hike in a private rainforest reserve near La Fortuna, Costa Rica. Duration: approximately 2 hours on trail plus round-trip transport from any La Fortuna hotel. Difficulty: easy, suitable for ages 8 to 65, mostly flat boardwalks. Departure: 5:30 PM. Price: from $71 per person (shared experience). Wildlife typically spotted with the guide's flashlight and laser pointer: red-eyed tree frogs (Agalychnis callidryas), blue jeans poison dart frogs, eyelash vipers, kinkajous, olingos, sleeping sloths, tarantulas, scorpions, and roosting birds. The tour includes a bilingual naturalist guide, a high-powered flashlight, the entrance fee to the reserve, and hotel pickup. Costa Rica is home to over 200 amphibian species; about 60 percent are nocturnal. Bring closed-toe shoes, insect repellent, water, a light jacket, and a personal headlamp if you have one.

Enjoy the totally different jungle that you will find at night. The colors, the atmosphere and specially the active animals change dramatically. Walk on the forest with and experienced guide trying to find nocturnal frogs, snakes, or any animal we may find while you learn about the interactions that happens at night.

BOOKING REQUEST

From

$71.00

Shared experience

Premium Private: Request quote

SCHEDULES

Afternoon (Afternoon (5:00 p. m. to 9:00 p. m.))

DURATION

4 hours (approx.)

DIFFICULTY

Easy

LANGUAGES

Spanish & English

RECOMMENDED AGE

8 to 65

Round-trip transportation from any La Fortuna-area hotel
Bilingual naturalist guide trained in nocturnal wildlife identification
High-powered flashlight per group and a laser pointer for spotting
Entrance fee to a private rainforest reserve
Safety briefing and waterproof poncho if rain is expected

Itinerary

5:30 PM — Hotel pickup
Your driver collects you from any La Fortuna-area hotel in an air-conditioned van. The drive to the reserve takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on your hotel.
6:00 PM — Briefing and equipment
At the reserve you meet your naturalist guide, receive a safety briefing in English or Spanish, and get fitted with rubber boots if you requested them.
6:15 PM — Night hike begins
Two-hour guided walk along illuminated boardwalks and forest trails. The guide uses a high-powered flashlight and laser pointer to spot frogs, snakes, mammals, and insects.
8:15 PM — Wildlife discussion
Short Q&A under shelter with photos taken during the walk, including identification tips and conservation context.
8:30 PM — Return to hotel
Return transport to your hotel, arriving by approximately 9:00 PM.

Why join the Night Walk in La Fortuna?

Almost half of Costa Rica's vertebrate species are most active after sunset, and the Arenal lowlands have one of the highest concentrations of nocturnal wildlife in the country. This tour is designed to safely show you that hidden side of the rainforest.

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Frog diversity

See up to 6 species of frog on a single walk, including the iconic red-eyed tree frog and bullet ant-mimic dart frogs.

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Trained naturalist guides

Our guides have an average of 8 years experience identifying nocturnal species and operate under strict no-touch protocols.

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Right equipment

Each tour carries a high-power flashlight and laser pointer so guests can see and photograph wildlife without disturbing it.

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Safe boardwalks

Trails are well-maintained boardwalks and gravel paths, making the experience accessible to most fitness levels.

ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS (FAQS)

Everything you need to know before booking your tour.

Sightings depend on the night and season but commonly include red-eyed tree frogs, blue jeans poison dart frogs, eyelash vipers, kinkajous, sleeping sloths, tarantulas, and roosting toucans and motmots. Costa Rica is home to over 200 amphibian species, and roughly 60 percent are nocturnal.

Yes. The trails are illuminated boardwalks and gravel paths, all participants stay close to the guide, and the guide carries a first-aid kit. We have never had a snakebite or serious injury since beginning the tour.

Children aged 8 and older are welcome. Younger children are not allowed for safety and because they may not stay quiet enough to spot wildlife.

Probably yes. Eyelash vipers are commonly resting on low branches at night, and the guide is trained to spot them at a safe distance. All snakes are observed from at least one meter away; no handling occurs.

The tour runs rain or shine. Light rain actually increases amphibian and reptile activity, making it one of the best conditions for spotting wildlife. Ponchos are provided.

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