Top Costa Rica Wildlife Encounters in 2026

You like adventure come and enjoy a unique and excellent night walk with certified guide, in search of the amazing animals we can see in the night.

Our forest, project that started back in 2000, reforesting cattle farms, in the seek for forest recovering in la Fortuna, has become home for a great local flora and fauna variety throughout the years, very important for their preservation. It is also a great place for birdwatching. Throughout the tour, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to observe a variety of wildlife, including toucans, basilisks, and other exotic creatures. Your guide will share interesting facts about the animals and plants you encounter, giving you a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty of the area. The enjoy and respect of our mother nature help us have an authentic experience in the forest.

This night hike in Monteverde is designed for travelers seeking authentic wildlife viewing in small groups, with an educational focus and personalized attention. During the tour, you may have the opportunity to observe: Red-eyed tree frogs Glass frogs Sloths Tarantulas Snakes Sleeping hummingbirds Tropical insects Nocturnal birds Each tour is unique, making this a true nature adventure in Costa Rica. Why choose us? Small groups for a better experience. Extensive local naturalist guide. Professional optical equipment. Safe and family-friendly tour. Authentic and educational experience.

Immerse yourself in an unparalleled adventure by booking our thrilling canyoning and waterfall rappelling, in the enchanting setting of Pocosol Forest. Situated near the renowned Children's Eternal Rainforest and nestled within the majestic Peñas Blancas River Canyon, this activity will offer you the chance to conquer four waterfalls in a dreamlike natural environment. What makes this activity so unique and intriguing? Not only will you face the challenge of descending down crystal-clear cascades, but you will also experience an authentic encounter with the biodiversity that surrounds these aquatic wonders. Our expert guides will provide you with precise instructions for safe rappelling, and they will also share their deep knowledge of the local ecology and the importance of preserving these ecosystems. From the roar of the water to the lush vegetation enveloping you, every moment on this activity is an opportunity to connect with nature in its purest form.

Explore a protected primary forest near La Fortuna on a guided wildlife tour focused on Costa Rica’s native species. Led by a guide, the experience combines nature, education, and wildlife spotting in an environment that has remained largely untouched by development. The tour offers a high chance of seeing sloths in their natural habitat, along with exotic birds, frogs, and other rainforest wildlife, while giving visitors time to take photographs throughout the experience.

Make the most of your time (and your money) with an all-day pass to Diamante Eco Adventure Park, which includes access to ziplines, hanging bridges, ocean activities, a native botanical garden, and the largest animal sanctuary in Guanacaste Province — all in one location near the region’s most popular cities. This pass also includes lunch, fruit drinks, and coffee so you can stay all day.

Discover the fascinating wildlife of the rainforest on our Guided Night Walk. Designed for all ages, this experience is ideal for nature lovers, groups of friends, families and couples. Along a private trail on the charming Papa’s Place property, watch frogs, reptiles and nocturnal mammals in their natural habitat. Our expert guides will provide you with valuable information about local species, creating an educational and immersive experience in this biodiversity sanctuary. Experience the jungle from a new perspective while enjoying the hypnotic sounds of the night. - Night Tour of Private Trails in Papa’s Place - Ideal for groups, families and nature lovers - Observation of frogs and nocturnal fauna in their habitat Expert guides sharing knowledge on biodiversity

Aromatic coffee, sweet sugarcane, and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate are three of Costa Rica’s top agricultural exports—and its favorite products among locals and visitors alike. Learn about these three crops first-hand on this tour of a family-owned farm near La Fortuna. See how coffee is created from bean to cup, and then taste other delicious crops along with a guide.

The professionalism, passion and dedication with which we learn every day to be able to offer a more specialized and interactive activity experience to our visitors, thus being able to show the natural beauties that can be observed during the activity walking on trails through the forest. from Uvita having the opportunity to find snakes, frogs, toads, tarantulas, spiders, sloths, mammals, birds, insects. The two-hour walk allows you to observe these and more species with nocturnal habits. It is important to mention that visitors can bring their photographic or cell phone equipment to take photographs of each of the animals they find, with the help of the guides they have. photography experience for a complete experience

On this Jaco off-road ATV tour, it’s all about the journey—and the destinations. Take a thrilling ride through rugged mountain terrain en route to a vista point and two waterfalls, one of which has a 15-foot (4.5-meter) jump to try (if you dare). Be sure to bring a swimsuit to refresh yourself in the natural pool either way.

Explore three levels of lush Costa Rican rainforest from the floor to the canopy on an Aerial Tram tour of Braulio Carrillo National Park. Learn about local flora and fauna as you walk along nature trails, explore specialty gardens, and glide over treetops in an aerial tram for unrivaled views of the natural landscapes.

Tamarindo - Playa Minas, this is one of the most important nesting places in Costa Rica, a high number of turtles sail to this place from October to March. Get away from the usual and come and live this amazing experience alongside sea turtles, there is the opportunity to see from baby turtles, to three different types, this is one of the most intimate nature experiences one can have.

From Playa Uvita you will board a boat that will take you on a scenic walk along the Pacific Ocean with a tour of about 1.5 hours. The boat ride itself is an adventure, as it often offers sightings of dolphins, sea turtles and, if you are lucky humpback whales (January-April) A professional naturalist guide will guide you through the trails, noting the incredible diversity of flora and fauna attentive to howler monkeys, red macaws, tapirs and a wide variety of birds and reptiles. This activity is perfect for nature lovers, photographers and anyone looking to experience the wild side of Costa Rica’s rainforest on a well-organized day tour. After a walking time of around 3.5 hours on the various trails or permitted walking areas within the park you will enjoy lunch and after rest you will embark back to Playa Uvita.

Glide through the Tamarindo estuary on a covered boat and spot American crocodiles, howler monkeys and dozens of bird species with a certified naturalist guide. - See American crocodiles up close from a safe, covered boat - Spot howler monkeys, iguanas, crabs and colorful birds - Learn about mangrove life from a certified naturalist guide - Relax with fresh fruit and water during a 2-hour boat ride

Explore the jungle at night when the temperature drops and nocturnal animals make their appearances. On this nighttime jungle walk, you’re picked up from Quepos or Manuel Antonio and taken to a protected jungle area nearby. Spend about 1.5 hours taking an easy hike through the jungle at night, when it’s filled with the sounds of insects and frogs, and nocturnal snakes, insects, tree frogs, and mammals come out.

Go birdwatching in the Curi-Cancha Reserve in the Monteverde Cloud Forest on a half-day tour led by a naturalist guide and spot more than you would going alone. Look out for resplendent quetzals, silvery-fronted tapaculo, toucans, hummingbirds, and more—identify up to 60 species. Enjoy exploring the mountainous forest trails without the risk of getting lost. Monteverde-area transfers can be provided for an extra fee.

Hiking on Arenal Volcano is the best way to appreciate the volcano’s power and beauty alike. This guided tour takes you down a network of paths ranging from easy to difficult—talk to your guide to choose the path that’s right for you. No matter what you pick, your guide shares stories and information about the volcano throughout the hike and points out features like wildlife and dried lava flows that you might miss on your own.

Explore and swim under the Rio Celeste and Llanos de Cortés waterfalls, without the pressure of getting there on your own, with this group activity package. Enjoy a seamless experience that covers your itinerary, optional transportation, park fees, and lunch, meaning you can relax and immerse yourself in the day's activities. Along with the waterfalls, hike through Tenorio Volcano National Park and visit a sloth sanctuary.

Discover Ortega and the National Reserve Cipanci on this guided boat tour along the Tempisque River. Home to a wide variety of birds including the Scarlet Macaws and the Jabiru (the largest storks in the world), the wildlife refuge is an important nesting site. Following the tour, enjoy a traditionally made lunch with local cultivated ingredients.

Zipline through Costa Rican rainforest on a canopy tour that goes over the spectacular La Fortuna Waterfall—an exciting opportunity not offered on similar excursions. Between cables, take in views of Arenal Volcano and Cerro Chato and talk to your guides about the La Fortuna area. No experience is needed and almost anyone who is interested in Costa Rica’s biodiversity will enjoy this immersive adventure.

The best views of the cloud forest near Monteverde are undoubtedly from above—if you can get high enough. On this easy tour, take a guided nature walk along hanging bridges through the forest canopy in search of wildlife and beautiful plants. Follow your naturalist guide carrying professional optical equipment to the best viewpoints for observing the rich biodiversity, including orchids, epiphytes, and seasonal birds like the Resplendent Quetzal and Black-faced Solitaire.

Nature lovers will enjoy this guided hike and wildlife-spotting excursion in the Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Hike through the tropical rainforest to the Oropendola Waterfall, where you can refresh and enjoy a swim in the turquoise plunge pool. Next, warm up and soothe any body aches with a soak in the Rio Negro hot springs. A tasty buffet lunch at a local restaurant is included.

Snorkeling stops, sunshine, and unobstructed views of Costa Rica's shoreline make this sunset catamaran cruise the ideal way to end your day—and the open bar doesn't hurt. Join a friendly crew (as well as dolphins, turtles, and flying fish) to make the most of the day's last rays on this perfectly timed tour, which ends just as the sun sinks below the horizon. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.