Top Central Valley Wildlife Watching

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.

Enjoy a thrilling yet gentle day of white-water rafting down class II and III rapids on the Balsa River. This active adventure includes transfers from La Fortuna, equipment, instruction, a safety briefing, and ends with a delicious lunch in a local restaurant. Feel the thrill as you bounce and glide 6 miles (10 kilometers) down the river flanked by lush the jungle filled with monkeys, tropical birds, and sloths.

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.

Experience an unrivalled experience on ANURA, the eco-friendly night tour that stands out in La Fortuna. In a small group of up to 8 people per guide. For 2 hours, it runs through 9 lagoons and a majestic lake on a specially restored trail, where the abundant local fauna is displayed in all its glory. Our professional guides will take you to discover alligators, a wide variety of frogs, reptiles, amphibians, birds and insects, in an environment that has been transformed by a firm commitment to ecological restoration. Unlike other tours in the area, ANURA combines safety, education and sustainability, offering a unique experience that connects you deeply with nature. Book now and find out why ANURA is the favorite choice for wildlife lovers! You can also learn more about our commitment at: https://anuracostarica.com/our-commitment/

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.

Take advantage of some of northern Costa Rica’s best white-water rafting on this full-day, guided tour with traditional lunch included. Paddle through the rainforest and over the rapids of the Balsa River stopping along to swim and rest in nature. After your adventure is done enjoy a Costa Rican style lunch at a local restaurant.

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.

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.

Discover one of La Fortuna's more unusual nature experiences with a guided visit focused on Costa Rica's native stingless bees and the traditional uses of their honey. Learn about these important pollinators and the role they play in the local ecosystem, then sample different varieties of honey, including medicinal and monofloral options. The relaxed, educational format makes this a particularly accessible experience for families and travelers looking for something beyond the region’s typical adventure activities.

Spend your day on a hiking adventure through the Arenal Volcano National Park with a small group. Experience the natural beauty of La Fortuna as you navigate the trails and passes that wind through its stunning landscapes. When the day is done, relax and unwind with a dip in a natural hot water river before returning to your hotel.

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.

Embark on a scenic full-day adventure from San José to Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most stunning natural sanctuaries in the world. Start your day with a delicious Costa Rican breakfast, then stop at the Tárcoles River Bridge to observe giant wild crocodiles in their natural habitat—an iconic Costa Rica experience. Continue to Manuel Antonio, where your certified naturalist guide will lead you on rainforest trails in search of wildlife such as sloths, monkeys, toucans, iguanas, and colorful tropical birds. Enjoy approximately four hours inside the park, combining wildlife viewing with free time to relax on Playa Espadilla, famous for its soft white sand and turquoise waters, often ranked among the world’s best beaches. After your beach and wildlife experience, savor a traditional coastal lunch before returning to San José with breathtaking Pacific views at sunset. This tour perfectly blends nature, wildlife, and pure relaxation—an unforgettable day of Pura Vida!

The Peñas Blancas River, which meanders through the rainforest near Arenal Volcano, is home to wildlife you’re more likely to spot from the water. On this experience, you’re picked up from La Fortuna and taken to the town of La Perla for a beer and safety briefing. Afterward, raft down the river with a guide in search of howler monkeys, sloths, caimans, iguanas, and many types of birds.

Located in Mistico Park, Arenal Hanging Bridges is known as one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful environmental projects—a combination of trails and bridges through the rain forest near Arenal Volcano. On this tour you can travel through the park and across elevated bridges, see views of the volcano, and enjoy close-up encounters with native flora and fauna. Your guide, a wildlife specialist, provides helpful narrative along the way.

Get out of San Jose on a day tour to the Arenal Volcano region, where you’ll get a glimpse of Costa Rica’s famous biodiversity and natural beauty. Travel through scenic farmland and villages to reach the volcano. Stop at a coffee plantation, waterfall, and look out for wildlife en route. In the shadow of the volcano, soak in natural hot springs for a refreshing experience, before returning to San Jose.

Combine a ziplining tour with a soak in hot springs with this combo tour. You'll visit Go Adventure Arenal Park, where you'll get to take 10 different ziplines and have the option of rappelling a distance of around 50 meters. You'll then head to a local hot springs to soak in mineral pools and in a volcanic mud bath.

Get a taste of Costa Rica’s famed biodiversity without straying too far from the city with this all-access day pass to La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park. Prebooked entry saves you from waiting around in long ticket lines, so you have even more time to explore its attractions. Choose whether to tackle family-friendly hiking trails through the cloud forest, visit a rescued jungle cat educational program, or spend time at the site's numerous specialty wildlife exhibits.

Unique Dual Adventure: This is the only tour that combines contemplation (the majestic Celestial Waterfall Hike) with adrenaline (the thrilling River Tubing), all in one full day. The Natural Color Phenomenon: Be a witness to the "Teñidero," the exact spot where two rivers merge to create the intense, unique turquoise color. It’s a natural wonder only seen here. Seamless Logistics: Enjoy the convenience of having round-trip transportation included from La Fortuna, eliminating the hassle of driving long distances. 100% Certified Guide: You will enjoy the experience with an expert guide dedicated to your safety, explaining the biodiversity, and revealing the details of the river’s natural phenomenon. Exclusive Access: The Tubing activity takes place on a private property, away from the park crowds, guaranteeing a more personal and smooth experience.

Thrill-seekers will love white-water rafting on the class III and IV rapids on the Arenal River. Suitable for adventurous beginners and those who have been rafting before, the 8-mile (13-kilometer) stretch of river offers plenty of chances to paddle hard, get wet, and enjoy views of the surrounding jungle. Refuel after with lunch at a monkey park.

A unique experience of enjoying the majestic celestial river and its beautiful vegetation. making a float descent between the rapids and the backwaters that only the heavenly river and its vegetation can offer you. Horseback riding in Río Celeste, enjoy a unique and incredible experience, you will be able observe the river and many species of animals, birds and others. At the end you will enjoy a delicious lunch with a variety of typical dishes from our region.

Visit two of the most popular attractions near La Fortuna with the full-day excursion to the Arenal Mistico Park and La Fortuna Waterfall. First, walk along a 2-mile (3.2 kilometers) hanging-bridges circuit up to 200 feet (60 meters) above the rainforest floor. Afterward, swim and relax at La Fortuna Waterfall before having a traditional lunch and returning to La Fortuna.

Take a tranquil journey through Costa Rica's amazingly biodiverse rain forest on this half-day safari float down the Peñas Blancas River near La Fortuna. Paddle through the calm waters without a motor so you can appreciate the many sounds of the jungle and observe wildlife like sloths, turtles, birds, and monkeys without disturbing them. Travel with a professional guide, who will point out passing plant and animal species and enhance your appreciation of the incredible ecosystem.

Head into the rain forest of Costa Rica and discover the Arenal Volcano on a half-day tour. Trek past lava formations, swim in a lake created by the volcano, and take a dip in the warm hot springs of the Tabacon River. Enjoy a delicious Costa Rican lunch while taking in the views of the volcano and enjoy your day in the rain forest.