Many of Monteverde's most memorable animals only appear after dark, and a guided night walk is the best way to meet them. The tour on offer here starts in the late afternoon at a private wildlife refuge near the village and lasts about two hours, with a maximum of seven travellers, so the group stays small and quiet. A professional naturalist leads, carries a high-powered spotting scope, and points out animals with a lamp, often letting you take a photograph through the scope with your phone. Sightings reported by travellers include tarantulas, scorpions, snakes, sloths and armadillos, and also frogs, bats, toucans, kinkajous, opossums and glowing beetles, though nothing is guaranteed. The price is modest and covers the entrance fee, which makes it a very good-value outing.
What to expect
The walk follows forest trails and edges as dusk turns to night, and the guide stops frequently to search tree holes, leaves and branches. Do not expect big predators; the stars of the show are small, strange and often beautiful, from red-eyed tree frogs to glowing mushrooms and beetles.
The forest sounds change as the light fades, and the guide will explain what you hear. Some travellers report not seeing a sloth, so go for the whole experience rather than one animal. Children who are comfortable in the dark usually enjoy it, but very young children may tire, since the tour lasts around two hours.
Practicalities
The tour includes a lamp, a spotting scope, transport and the park entrance fee as the operator describes it, with a full refund if you cancel a day ahead. Wear closed shoes, long trousers and a waterproof jacket, bring insect repellent and avoid strong perfume. There are several night walks in Monteverde, in the reserve area, in private refuges and on farms, and they differ in route and group size, so choose a small group with a naturalist guide.
Combine the evening with a day on the canopy, the coffee farm or the cloud forest reserve.
What to expect
The experience
A small-group guided walk at dusk and after dark through a private wildlife refuge, with a spotting scope and lamp provided.
Best time
The early evening start, as daylight fades and the forest comes alive; dry nights are easier but wet nights are often livelier for frogs.
How long
About two hours, in a group of up to seven.
Tips
Wear closed shoes and long trousers, bring a rain jacket and repellent, and keep your voice low so the guide can find animals.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants to see Monteverde's nocturnal wildlife with an expert guide.
- Families
- Great for children who are comfortable in the dark; the scope and photos through it are a hit.
- Couples
- An atmospheric, inexpensive evening with plenty of surprises.
- Pair with
- A morning in the cloud forest reserve or a sloth habitat visit.
- Time needed
- About two hours plus transfer.
Good questions
What animals might I see on a night walk?+
Travellers report tarantulas, sloths, snakes, scorpions and armadillos, plus frogs, bats and glowing beetles. Sightings vary and are never guaranteed.
Is a night walk suitable for children?+
Yes, for children who are comfortable in the dark and can walk for around two hours. Very young children may find it tiring.
What is included?+
The tour includes a naturalist guide, a lamp, a spotting scope, transport and the entrance fee. Check the details when you book.
Is the group small?+
This tour has a maximum of seven travellers, which helps the group stay quiet and see more. Other night walks may be larger.
What should I wear?+
Closed shoes, long trousers, a waterproof jacket and insect repellent. Leave strong perfume at the hotel.
