By day the rainforest around La Fortuna is a place of birds and views, but by night it changes completely. As the light fades, frogs begin to call, insects take over the air, and a whole shift of nocturnal animals comes out to hunt, feed and breed. A guided night walk is the best way to see this hidden half of the rainforest, and it has become one of the most popular evening activities in the Arenal area. The tour we link, La Fortuna Night Walk at Arenal Volcano: Rainforest Wildlife Tour, has almost four hundred reviews and a very high rating, which makes it one of the best-regarded options in town. You walk slowly along forest trails with a naturalist guide, who finds animals with a powerful torch and explains what they are: the bright-eyed red-eyed tree frog that is the symbol of Costa Rica, tiny glass frogs and poison dart frogs, sleeping toucans and other birds, katydids, tarantulas and, with luck, a sleeping sloth, a snake coiled on a branch or a kinkajou moving through the canopy. Walks of this kind are gentle, short and suitable for most people, and they make a great contrast to a busy day of hiking or ziplining.
How it works
You book a date and an evening time, and you either meet at the starting point or, depending on the option, are collected from a hotel in the La Fortuna area. The walk follows forest trails the guide knows well, so they know where animals tend to be found. Check the ticket for details such as pickup, group size and minimum age, and confirm whether a snack is included. Walks usually start around dusk and last roughly two hours.
What to expect
Groups are small, the pace is slow and the guide carries a strong torch, so you spend more time looking at each creature than walking. Expect to stop often to look at frogs on leaves, insects, spiders and sleeping birds. The guide will tell you when to stay quiet, when to look up and what not to touch, because many of the animals are venomous or sensitive.
Photography in the dark is hard, but the guide can often help you with your phone and light. Sightings vary from night to night and with the weather, and the forest after rain is especially active, so wet evenings are often the best.
Making the most of it
Wear long trousers, closed shoes with grip and a light layer, because paths can be muddy and the air cooler than in the day. Bring insect repellent, but check with the guide before applying it near frogs, which have very sensitive skin. A small torch of your own is helpful but not essential. Do not use flash photography on the animals.
A night walk fits well after an early start, since it lets you relax in the hot springs first and then see the forest wake up, and it works nicely for families with children who are old enough to stay quiet and stay on the trail. Walks go ahead in most weather, so treat a little rain as part of the experience rather than a reason to cancel.
What to expect
The experience
A guided evening walk on private rainforest trails with a naturalist and a torch, looking for frogs, insects, birds and other nocturnal animals.
Best time
Dusk and the hours after, especially on humid evenings or after rain, when frogs and insects are most active.
How long
About two hours on the trail, plus any transfer from your hotel.
Tips
Wear long trousers and closed shoes, skip flash photography and ask the guide before using repellent near frogs.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants to see the rainforest at its most alive and enjoys frogs, insects and small creatures.
- Families
- Good for children who can walk quietly and follow instructions; check the minimum age on the ticket.
- Couples
- A different kind of evening together, ideal after a day of hiking or soaking.
- Pair with
- A morning at the La Fortuna Waterfall or a day of ziplining and hanging bridges.
- Time needed
- An evening, about two hours plus transfers.
Good questions
What will I see on a night walk?+
The star is the red-eyed tree frog, but you can also see other frogs, snakes, spiders, insects, sleeping birds and sometimes sloths or small mammals. Sightings vary each night.
Is the night walk safe?+
Yes, you walk with a trained guide on established trails in a small group. Follow instructions, stay on the path and avoid touching plants or animals.
Is it suitable for children?+
It suits children who can walk calmly in the dark and stay quiet, but minimum ages vary. Check the ticket before booking.
What should I wear?+
Long trousers, closed shoes with grip and a light layer are best, since the trails are muddy at times. Bring repellent, and ask your guide before using it near frogs.
Does it run in the rain?+
Walks usually run in light rain, and wet evenings often bring out more frogs. Bring a rain jacket, and check the cancellation terms if the weather turns severe.
