Top La Fortuna Zoos & Wildlife Parks

Get up close to the scaly, slimy, and winged creatures of Costa Rica at the Natura Eco Park, home to a world-class collection of reptiles and amphibians. With a day pass, gain admission to every exhibit in the park, from the crocodile lagoon and turtle ponds to the butterfly garden and snake enclosures. Explore at your own pace with this flexible and affordable option.

Observe Costa Rica's bountiful wildlife from the hanging bridges of Mistico Park in Arenal. Trek along ground-level forest trails and suspended walkways in this private, family-owned nature reserve that’s home to a vast array of birdlife, monkeys, reptiles, and tropical plants. Learn about the area’s rich biodiversity from a naturalist guide as you explore different levels of the rainforest, from floor to canopy, and enjoy commanding views of Arenal Volcano.

Discover the sounds and sights of the rainforest after dark on a night hike. Follow your guide along an easy trail and watch out for bats, nocturnal birds, and mammals rustling in the treetops and on the forest floor. Search for red-eyed tree frogs and glass frogs, among other species. Then enjoy a traditional dinner prepared on a wood-burning stove before returning to your hotel in La Fortuna.

Connect with nature and explore the dramatic beauty of Arenal Volcano on a horseback ride through the lush primary and secondary rain forest surrounding Costa Rica's most famous peak. Ride a well-trained horse along leafy jungle trails and across rivers on a private farm, catching new perspectives on the looming volcano and sweeping San Carlos plains. Slow down and appreciate the area’s amazing biodiversity as a nature guide points out native plant species and wildlife like monkeys and exotic birds.

Float down the Peñas Blancas River in a rowboat on this 3.5-hour journey from La Fortuna. Listen to your naturalist guide's commentary while keeping a lookout for monkeys, iguanas, and a variety of bird life. Finish up with a stop at a local farm to sample their homemade snacks and coffee. Round-trip transport from selected hotels included.