Top Puntarenas Wildlife Watching in 2026

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.

Monteverde reserve has very well done and clean trails which facilitates the mobility along different sectors of the forest and elevations. The possibility to observe some of the wildlife of this lifezone, like birds; Resplendent Quetzal, Emerald Toucanet, costarican Warbler, Black faced Solitaire, and some others.

Animal and nature lovers will enjoy exploring the Monteverde Cloud Forest on a horseback tour. Tours depart at three different times, with each being best for a different type of activity: bird watching, clear landscape views, or sunset skies. Cover a lot of ground without getting tired when traveling on a horse. Look out for toucans, parrots, monkeys, and other wildlife as you peacefully trek through the forest.

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.

Get your heart racing on this cloud forest adventure on a private reserve in Monteverde. Ride ziplines over the forest canopy, rappel down to the forest floor, climb inside of a tree, and more, for a family-friendly excursion that brings you closer to nature.

This is a unique tour in the area because it focuses on the land-based wildlife, while most tours in the area focus on the marine life. Uvita and the National Park of Marino Ballena are chock-full of incredible and rare wildlife. If you are staying in the Bahia Ballena area, you do not have to travel far to get an incredible wildlife experience.

Exchange the sun and surf for a high-flying adventure in the misty Monteverde Cloud Forest on this full-day combo tour. Fly through the forest canopy on a 15-cable zipline course with an optional Tarzan swing, and slow down for a closer look at Monteverde's rich biodiversity while walking through the treetops along hanging bridges. In between adventures, refuel with a typical Costa Rican lunch (select tours only).

Join me in exploring the cloud forest from a different perspective, a night walk is a unique and unforgettable experience. Costa Rica is a small country in Central America that is home to around 5% of the world's biodiversity. Most animals in Costa Rica are nocturnal. If you like mammals such as sloths, and armadillos, active birds such as owls, amphibians, reptiles, and many insects, then this is the opportunity to carry out an outdoor activity and learn more about the nocturnal behavior of many species of flora and fauna. It is an easily accessible route of around 2 kilometers, and the ‘jewels’ of the cloud forest shine brighter at night. With luck, we will even be able to observe the famous bioluminescent mushrooms. the place where I do the night walk is very close to the center of Monteverde Santa Elena, it takes only 5 minutes by car. Let's wait for you to observe how the cloud forest comes to life at night. Any questions or concerns you have, I am here to help you.

Step into the heart of Costa Rica’s wild beauty with a tour that blends adventure, nature, and authentic culture in one unforgettable experience. Glide along a serene tropical river surrounded by lush rainforest, exotic birds, and playful wildlife. Your naturalist guide brings the landscape to life with captivating stories about local traditions, ecosystems, and hidden jungle secrets. Then the excitement kicks in. Soar above the treetops on a thrilling jungle zipline, taking in panoramic views of untouched rainforest and winding waterways. Feel the rush of pure adventure as you fly from platform to platform through the canopy. After the adrenaline, unwind in true Costa Rican style. Enjoy peaceful riverbank moments, taste delicious local cuisine, and soak in the warm hospitality that makes this region so special. Small groups, personalized attention, and eco‑friendly practices ensure a meaningful experience that supports local communities and protects the environment.

Explore the magical Monteverde Cloud Forest with a passionate guide with over 20 years of experience. More than a tour, it is an immersion in the essence of this natural paradise. You will learn to listen to the secrets of the forest, discover unique species of flora and fauna and live unforgettable moments as you walk paths full of life and mystery. My goal is to offer you a personalized, educational and exciting experience, where every step becomes an adventure and every detail tells a story. Come and live Monteverde like you never imagined before

Discover Costa Rica's enchanting Pacific rain forest from the air and water on this combo shore excursion from Puntarenas. Walk through the treetops on a series of hanging bridges at a private biological reserve, and then cruise down the Tarcoles River, home to a famous community of crocodiles. In between the eco adventures, enjoy time to shop and snack at a quaint replica of a Spanish colonial settlement.

Many travellers in Costa Rica will tell you, your tour is only as good as your guide. Here at Osa Nature Experts, our lead guide Walter is what sets this tour apart from the rest. His keen sense of where to find the birds you’re after combined with his excellent ability to find birds through calls alone, give you the opportunity to see as many birds as possible. This tour is also customized, based on our clients desires and mobility. If you are after a specific bird species, we will do our best to accommodate that request. Walter also leads his tours with his telescope and phone adapter, allowing you to get close and personal to the birdlife. He can help you take lovely photos and videos too!

If you are a fan of adventure and nature, the hike in Corcovado National Park is the tour you are looking for. It is home to 3% of the world’s biodiversity and is listed by NatGeo as the most intense place in the world, biologically speaking. You will find various species of flora and fauna in their natural environment, where the certified guide will explain behaviors, characteristics, history, evolutions and others. Don't miss this great experience.

Spend the morning horseback riding from Tarcoles with an English -speaking cowboy, and then boating through the river in search of crocodiles. When you arrive at one of the ports, you will be collected and driven about an hour to town, where you will be paired with your guide and horse. After 2 hours of riding, you will have a one hour boat ride on a river with one of the world’s largest crocodile populations.

Experience the Monteverde Forest come alive at night on a fun two-hour evening tour. Your guide will lead you through the forest after dark and point out animals that you can’t see or hear during the day. Learn more about Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity and avoid the risk of getting lost after dark by going with a guide and a small group.

Explore the enchanting Cloud forest under the moonlight with a night walk that reveals a hidden world of wildlife. Led by specialized naturalist Guides, this adventure offers a rare chance to see nocturnal species like frogs, snakes, and even elusive animals such as sloths and ocelots. As you stroll through the dark, discover the fascinating adaptations of creatures that thrive in the night, all while surrounded by the stunning flora, including the majestic strangler fig. This is an unforgettable opportunity to connect with nature in a whole new way.

Sail above the rainforest trails on this guided zipline canopy tour through the Monteverde Cloud Forest. The forest canopy rests 600 feet below you as you cruise down more than 4300 meters of zip line. Keep your eyes open for wildlife sightings or have fun by performing poses as you coast down the 3,400 long cable. You’ll tackle 15 cables with 18 viewing platforms through this two-mile experience. Kids as young as four can also attend.

This combined Hanging Bridges and Night Walk tour in the Monteverde Cloud Forest allows you to discover one of Costa Rica’s most iconic ecosystems—by both day and night—in a single experience designed to maximize your connection with nature. During the daytime portion, you will walk across hanging bridges suspended above the cloud forest, enjoying panoramic views perfect for spotting birds, tropical flora, and the unique natural landscapes of Monteverde. As night falls, you will embark on a guided night walk; the forest transforms, giving you the chance to observe frogs, insects, reptiles, and other nocturnal species in their natural habitat. Accompanied by a local naturalist guide specializing in the cloud forest, you will learn about the biodiversity, behaviors, and survival strategies of the local wildlife. This tour is ideal for enthusiasts of ecotourism, wildlife, photography, and authentic Monteverde experiences.

When the sun falls asleep, most creatures wake up to live. More than 80% of mammals, most reptiles and amphibians and also insects and arachnids are active at night in our forests, that's why walking through the forest at night is not only doing an unusual activity in our lives or learning in the forest. At night it is when fascinating animals such as sloths, kinkajous, bats, tarantulas, snakes, frogs, among others, are more likely to see, without forgetting the birds, yes, most birds are active during the day, but They need to rest somewhere. in those cases when we could also have the opportunity to see some beautiful and still birds while we dream, such as toucans, warblers, hummingbirds, jays, etc.

Encounter the best of Costa Rica's wildlife, cuisine, and famous natural beauty on a combo shore excursion from Puntarenas. Watch adorable white-faced monkeys playing in the trees, and spot crocs and birdlife on a pontoon cruise down the Tarcoles River. Learn the history of the bustling Puntarenas port, and indulge your taste buds with locally grown fruit and an authentic Costa Rican lunch at a local restaurant, and a chance to buy authentic Costa Rican coffee.

Experience the perfect blend of adrenaline, culture, and authentic Costa Rican flavor in one unforgettable day. Your adventure begins deep in the tropical rainforest, where you soar above the canopy on a thrilling zipline, taking in sweeping views of lush greenery and the wildlife that thrives below. Continue to the vibrant coastal town of Jacó, known for its colorful streets, lively atmosphere, and friendly local energy. Explore hidden gems, meet welcoming locals, and enjoy the unique character that makes Jacó one of Costa Rica’s most iconic destinations. A delicious Costa Rican culinary experience brings the day together. Savor traditional dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients—a true taste of the country’s heritage. Finish your journey with a relaxed stop at local souvenir shops, where you can pick out the perfect keepsake to remember your adventure. This isn’t just a tour—it’s a collection of moments that capture the real spirit of Costa Rica.

We are a family business, inspired by the conservation of flora and fauna in Monteverde, our staff will share this feeling of love for nature with you. During the two-hour walking tour at night, we will be shown the biological wealth of the area through environmental interpretations and the use of the telescope. We will have the opportunity to find insects, small reptiles, amphibians and even mammals; which are very difficult to observe. Without a doubt, we will have a tour full of new experiences, we will learn about the Monteverde Cloud Forest.

Experience a different side of the Monteverde Cloud Forest with this small-group tour through a local private farm. Walk through a private farm set within the region’s beautiful countryside to see how coffee, cocoa, and sugar are produced here. Besides seeing their plantations, you’ll have the chance to taste each of the local products. Trails on the farm are accessible for strollers, walkers, and wheelchairs. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in Monteverde and Santa Elena.