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.

Live an unforgettable night hike in La Fortuna, near Arenal Volcano, and discover the wildlife that comes alive after dark. Explore the nature trails of Mirador El Silencio accompanied by an experienced naturalist guide who will help you find and get to know Costa Rica’s fascinating nightlife. We will search for red-eyed frogs, poison frogs, snakes, lizards, spiders, insects, resting birds and other nocturnal creatures. With any luck, we can also observe sloths and other mammals. All animals live free in their natural habitat, so every night is different and sightings are not guaranteed. Our family-friendly small group experience allows for a more personal and educational adventure, with opportunities to photograph fauna. Discover the hidden world of the Arenal tropical forest and experience one of the best nature experiences in La Fortuna.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Lace up your hiking boots for this full-day immersion in the wild beauty of Tenorio Volcano National Park. Look for wildlife on the drive from La Fortuna, and feel like a jungle explorer on the trek to Rio Celeste, known for its mystical aquamarine waters. Take a dip in warm volcanic river pools, admire a cascading waterfall, and reward your efforts with a typical Costa Rican lunch.

Experience different sights and sounds in the forest at night without the risk of getting lost in the dark. Your guide will lead the way, pointing out the birds and animals that come out at night. Learn more about the diverse ecosystem and all the creatures that call it home. This is a great complement to a day visit for travelers interested in Costa Rica's wildlife.

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.

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.

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.

Grab your passport and head over the border for a full-day tour of Nicaragua’s highlights from Costa Rica. Start with a scenic Nicaraguan breakfast and then take in the views from Catarina Volcano. Visit the active Masaya Volcano and stand near the crater. Explore the colonial town of Granada, where you can marvel over the historic architecture and admire views from La Merced Church, followed by a delicious lunch of typical Nicaraguan cuisine. Finally, set sail across Lake Nicaragua for a scenic cruise.

Experience the best of La Fortuna on a full-day combo tour that blends nature, adventure, and relaxation—the perfect way to check plenty off in one go. Begin with a visit to the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall. Journey down a 500-step jungle trail for a refreshing swim in the fall's crystal-clear pool (weather permitting). Continue to Arenal Volcano for a guided hike through lush trails in the Ecological Park, and gain insight into the region’s unique geology. Finally, tuck into a typical Costa Rican lunch and unwind in the soothing waters of El Choyin hot springs. This all-in-one tour promises incredible landscapes, local flavors, and natural wonders.

Combine three adventurous activities in a single tour: a hike to Arental Volcano, visit to the Hanging Bridges, and exploration of La Fortuna Waterfall. This full-day tour from La Fortuna, perfect for nature lovers, includes hiking and swimming amidst Costa Rica's beautiful natural scenery. Hotel pickup and drop-off included.

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.

Discover the natural beauty of the La Fortuna region on an action-packed full-day tour that is ideal for people who enjoy outdoors activities. Go on hikes through lush rain forest; visit a butterfly garden and Maleku Indian village; take a dip at La Fortuna waterfall; look for wildlife; and view the Arenal Volcano. Top off the day with a cocktail and a relaxing soak in a natural hot water river.

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.

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.