Night Wildlife Tour La Fortuna

The rainforest at night near La Fortuna

The rainforest around La Fortuna is at its most active after sunset, when many animals that hide during the day come out to feed. A night wildlife tour in La Fortuna is the best way to meet them, because the guide knows the trails and the places where different species rest and hunt. Sounds change too, with frogs, crickets and night birds creating a chorus that you rarely hear in daylight.

The walk is on marked paths and lasts about two hours. The pace is slow and stops are frequent, so it suits most ages. If you are asking whether a night tour is worth doing, it is a very different experience from a daytime hike, and it works well in the evening after a busy day.

Frogs, insects and other small creatures

Many of the most photogenic animals of Costa Rica are small and nocturnal. Your guide looks for red-eyed tree frogs, other tree frogs on leaves, glowing insects, tarantulas and stick insects camouflaged on branches. Snakes and sleeping birds can also be spotted, always from a safe distance.

The guide carries a low-intensity torch chosen to limit disturbance to the animals, so please follow the rules on flash photography and keep to the group. Bring a phone with a good night mode if you want pictures, and ask the guide to help you find the right angle without touching anything.

Nocturnal mammals and what to expect

Larger nocturnal animals such as kinkajous, armadillos and porcupines live in the forests of the region, but they are harder to find, and no guide can promise a specific sighting. What the tour does promise is a careful search by experienced eyes, and many groups see at least a few surprising animals.

Wear long trousers, closed shoes and insect repellent, and bring a light jacket for the cooler air after dark. Because the forest is wet, a rain jacket is useful all year. Follow the guide's instructions about where to walk and where to stand.

Timing, meeting point and comfort

Two departures are offered in the evening, at 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM, so you can choose the one that fits your dinner plans. The tour does not include transport or dinner, so plan how you will reach the meeting point and where you will eat afterwards.

Filtered drinking water is unlimited during the walk, which helps in the warm and humid evening. Children are welcome and the booking panel shows the age range for the child price; younger children should be comfortable walking in the dark and keeping quiet.