Monteverde Night Tour: Glass Frogs, lateralis, Sloths & Jungle
Badge of Excellence
Puntarenas, Costa Rica
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Explore the cloud forest in Monteverde after the sun sets on this guided nighttime tour. AFter dark, explore the biodiverse forest at Ficus Trails, spotting the nocturnal animals that inhabit the area. See tropical birds sleeping as well as the nighttime habits of other wildlife like scorpions, tarantulas, bats, and more. You’ll see different things than on a day tour.
- Closed shoes, a poncho, long pants, and jacket are recommended
- Flashlights are provided so leave your phone in your bag
- Hotel transfers from Santa Elena–Monteverde area are included
- Receive personalized attention on a small-group tour
What's Included
- Bilingual guide
- Flashlights.
- Transportation in Santa Elena - Monteverde area
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Ponchos
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Operating hours.6:00 pm
Itinerary
1
Ficus Trails
Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- minimum 2 people per reservation
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 35 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.5
based on 375 reviews
Brian_N, Apr 2026
We signed up as a group of four, but the vendor didn’t pick us up. We are trying to get our money back. Although we received a notification from Viator two days before the event that our pick up time would be 6 PM, the vendor apparently sent something through WhatsApp there are pick up time would be 5:35. We didn’t receive that message until 610 on the pick up date only because another couple at the stop had received a message through WhatsApp. In the end, all six of us missed our trip and I believe the other couple is trying to get a refund as well.. the follow up between the vendor and Viator i was horrible so I cannot give a positive review for something I paid for him didn’t attend.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hi Brian,
We sincerely regret the experience and frustration you described. We understand how disappointing it is to miss a scheduled activity.
However, we would like to clarify a few important points with full transparency. The booking confirmation states that the tour start time is 6:00 PM, and that pickup may take place up to 30 minutes prior depending on the hotel location. It also specifies that our team would contact guests to confirm the exact pickup time.
In this case, the pickup time was communicated in advance as 5:35 PM, and the transport arrived at the agreed location within the established time window. Unfortunately, as we were unable to locate you at that time, the tour proceeded as scheduled, as there were other guests to attend to.
We understand that there may have been confusion due to the information displayed on the platform, and we sincerely regret any inconvenience this may have caused. Our team later offered an alternative option for the same evening, although we understand it did not fit your schedule.
Additionally, the platform does not allow us to attach evidence to this response; however, this information can be verified in the official booking confirmation and in the message history.
At Ficus Trails, we are committed to providing punctual and professional service, and we take situations like this very seriously as we continue to improve our communication processes.
Cheryl_K, Apr 2026
Everything in the app told us where to be at the hotel at 6pm. We were at the spot where we were told to be at 5:50. Received a message through the app from the driver saying we had been left behind because we were late. Apparently there had been communication via an email (in the purchase receipt) that said we were going to be picked up at 5:35. Why would this information not be showing in the app under reservation details and pick up time? The reminder notice the day before the scheduled tour said 6 pm as well. The Viator app details for this night jungle tour also says “formal” for the recommended attire. Additionally there was another party (of 4) at the hotel waiting outside for the same tour. They were not picked up either. We asked our hotel receptionist if anyone associated with the tour company had been in looking/asking for us and she said no one had inquired about us.
After several messages back and forth via the app, I received a call via what’s app about 6:30 pm telling us about the email at time of ticket purchase. The person I talked with offered a pick us up for a later tour ( 2 hours later) but we had a schedule conflict. They agreed to contact me the following day to discuss retribution and it’s been 2 days and we haven’t heard anything yet. Very disappointing.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hi Cheryl,
We sincerely regret the situation and the frustration you experienced. Thank you for sharing your feedback, as it allows us to clarify what occurred with full transparency.
According to the booking confirmation, the tour start time was 6:00 PM, and it specifies that pickup may be scheduled up to 30 minutes prior, depending on the hotel’s location. It also states that Ficus Trails would contact guests to confirm the exact pickup time.
As shown in the messages sent through the platform, our team confirmed the pickup for 5:40 PM at the reception of El Establo Mountain Hotel. The transport arrived on time; however, it was not possible to locate you at the agreed meeting point.
Unfortunately, the platform does not allow us to attach images to this response; however, this information can be verified in the official booking confirmation and in the message history.
We understand that there may have been confusion due to the information displayed in the app, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused. Our team attempted to reach you and offered an alternative tour later that evening, although we understand it did not fit your schedule.
At Ficus Trails, we are committed to providing clear, punctual, and professional service. Your feedback is valuable and helps us continuously improve.
Victoria_S, Mar 2026
Didn't see much, just tarantulas and a few small frogs. Walking through the forest at night is a different experience though
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us
We understand that sometimes wildlife sightings may be more limited than expected.
Since this is a completely natural environment, animal activity can vary from night to night, as wildlife is in its natural habitat and not in controlled conditions.
We’re glad to hear that you still found the night walk through the forest to be a unique experience
We truly appreciate your feedback, as it helps us continue improving.
Warm regards,
Ficus Trails Team
Anitha_S, Mar 2026
Mediocre experience if you are looking to see more exciting animals. We saw couple frogs, toucans, spiders and grasshoppers in the almost 2 hour stretch.
The hike through the jungle in the night was very cool.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Anitha,
Thank you for sharing your experience
We’re glad to hear that you enjoyed the night walk through the forest.
We understand that expectations can vary when it comes to wildlife sightings. Since this is a natural environment, sightings can differ from night to night, as animals are in their wild habitat and not in controlled conditions.
We’re happy that you were still able to observe a variety of species during the tour and experience the beauty of the forest at night
We truly appreciate your feedback, as it helps us continue improving.
Warm regards,
Ficus Trails Team
kathyescott, Mar 2026
The quality of the tour may depend greatly on the guide. We got lucky with Mauricio. He had a keen sense of where to find hidden wildlife, and was very informative. We enjoyed our your.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi,
Thank you so much for your kind words
We’re very happy to hear that you enjoyed your experience and that Mauricio provided such a knowledgeable and engaging tour.
At Ficus Trails, we continuously work to ensure that all of our guides maintain a high standard of knowledge and service, so every guest can enjoy a consistent and memorable experience
We’re truly glad you had a great time exploring the wildlife with us.
We would love to welcome you again for another adventure in the forest.
Warm regards,
Ficus Trails Team
Katie_B, Mar 2026
Our guide was great, really good at spotting the animals and very informative. He also helped us take great photos. We saw coatis, vipers, spiders, frogs and sleeping birds. We had a great time.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Katie,
Thank you so much for your kind words
We’re very happy to hear that you had a great experience and were able to see such a variety of animals during the tour.
For us, it’s very important to provide a complete experience, where guests can not only spot amazing wildlife, but also learn about it and take home special memories through photos
We’re so glad you had a great time.
We would love to welcome you again for another adventure in the forest.
Warm regards,
Ficus Trails Team
Shelley_M, Mar 2026
Hellenica showed us around her family’s land, which is also a B&B. We were collected promptly and arrived locally at their small holding. We were offered walking sticks and torches (bring a poncho) and set off through their beautiful gardens as the sun set. The pathway was well demarcated and had lots of ups and downs over tree roots, so wear sturdy shoes! She was knowledgeable and clearly loves the land and fauna. As it is a maximum of 8 people, it was easier to see / hear. It was lovely to see the family cow and calf, as well as their new coffee plantation. Although the rainforest isn’t as old, we did see a number of crickets, rain and common day frogs, several tarantulas, both male and female vine viper snakes, sleeping birds and an illumines scorpion! It was lovely to have a small group night walk and contribute to a local business/ family venture.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Shelley,
Thank you so much for sharing such a meaningful experience
We are truly happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour and connected with what we are all about—a family that loves the land, nature, and what we do.
For us, it is very important that each guest not only experiences the tour, but also feels the authenticity and closeness that comes from a family project
It means a lot to know that you appreciated the small group size, the details, and the opportunity to support a local family venture.
We would love to welcome you again to our home and continue sharing the magic of the forest.
Warm regards,
Ficus Trails Team
Jennifer_A, Mar 2026
This was a super fun experience to do. We did a night raft tour in La Fortuna and picked this for Monteverde and I’m glad we did. Mauricio was our guide throughout and he did a great job of sporting different animals for us, telling jokes, checking on us throughout, helping us get amazing photos. I had mentioned being terrified of snakes (I know, coming to the jungle was a bad idea with that fear) but he was honestly super kind about it. When he spotted some in trees he would ask if I wanted to see it and told me what it was before I went up to the scope which was very kind and greatly appreciated. I pushed myself to see the first one and felt that was enough, but he still gave me the option every time afterward. I’ve had previous guides on past tours make jokes or not tell me and say it was something else so I really appreciated that he was thoughtful with it.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Jennifer,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a beautiful experience
We’re truly happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour and that Mauricio was able to support you in such a kind, fun, and respectful way.
We deeply value those small but meaningful details, like respecting each person’s comfort level and creating a safe environment so everyone can enjoy the forest at their own pace
It means a lot to us to know that you felt comfortable and well taken care of throughout the experience—that is exactly what we aim to provide in every tour.
We would love to welcome you again to continue discovering the magic of the forest together.
Warm regards,
Ficus Trails Team
Maria_V, Feb 2026
Knowledgeable guide and saw a lot of animals and insects! It was rainy but still got to see a lot of things.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Hi Maria,
Thank you so much for your kind words
We’re really happy to hear you enjoyed the experience and were able to see so many animals and insects, even with the rain.
In Monteverde, rain is part of the magic of the forest, and it often makes wildlife even more active
We would love to welcome you again for another adventure in the forest.
Warm regards,
Ficus Trails Team
Corey_S, Feb 2026
Now keep in mind that this is pretty much the cheapest night tour in town, so you get what you pay for. First off: bring your own flashlight! The lights we got were very very dim, so could barely see anything (they say don't bring your own light but I highly recommend you do because theirs are terrible). Our tour guide was very quiet and they are quite large groups, walking on a narrow trail, so if you aren't up front in the line then you won't hear a thing (and also might not see anything). We saw some cool stuff up close (tarantula, scorpion) but everything else was far away and just a blip on the trees (ie the snake and the toucans) - the guide did not have a scope so these were really just distant objects.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank for coming and enjoy the Tour but was raining I no so the telescop gets cloudy that way we dont use that Night,around monteverde old the trails are wet.
They was onlly two familia one 5 and one 4 so 9 People in total so 8 it is the maximum we do but two familly I thing is fine.
But Thank How to write the coment
Jimena_C, Feb 2026
Great experience. We got to see sleeping birds and toucan, tiny frogs, tarantulas and snakes. Mauricio, the tour guide, was excellent.
Michael_C, Feb 2026
Our night tour with Mauricio was a highlight of our trip! He has an incredible eye for spotting wildlife that we would have completely missed on our own. We were thrilled to see a porcupine, a sleeping toucan, leaf-cutter ants, and a variety of frogs and spiders.
Mauricio’s expertise really shines through with his vast knowledge about the forest and his willingness to help us capture stunning photos through his viewing scope. He kept a perfect pace—informative and thorough without ever feeling slow—ensuring we made the most of our time in the forest. If you want a fascinating and professional look at Costa Rica’s nocturnal wonders, Mauricio is the guide to book!
Mark_L, Feb 2026
We had an amazing guide, Olman, who led us on an evening walk in the woods. He was extremely knowledgeable and we saw kinkajou, sloths, olingo, tarantulas, a viper, toucans, frogs an owl and insects of several kinds. I highly recommend it.
Louise_T, Feb 2026
Unfortunately I am not able to leave zero stars or comment on the trip as the Tour operator failed to pick us up from our meeting point as was confirmed the morning before the tour. We wasted 45 minutes waiting at the hotel and tried contacting them to find out where they were but they didn’t even have the decency to respond. First time we have been let down in Costa Rica with a tour booked through Viator. Very disappointed. Would I recommend this tour operator? 100% NO
Viator have been very supportive & although a bit of back and forth with emails they confirmed that although the tour operator had said they attempted to pick us up they had nothing to back this up so thankfully I will be refunded.
Greg_H, Jan 2026
This tour was so amazing. Mauricio was our guide and he did an awesome job. We saw such amazing and unique wildlife. He was very patient and answered all of our questions. He took the best pictures - he is a very talented photographer! He made the tour extra special and we appreciate his time!
Amelia_F, Jan 2026
Guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. Did not see any sloths, snakes, or big cats, but there were plenty of birds, frogs, and spiders.
Dayna_L, Dec 2025
Thank you to Mauricio for taking care of our family and ensuring our daughter didn't encounter the snakes she is so deathly terrified of! It is evident he cares deeply for his country and ecosystem. Rather than simply guide us, he taught us so much about the insects, birds, and animals we saw. He even helped us practice our Spanish.
peter_p, Dec 2025
This was a fun experience to check out the trails and wildlife at night. We saw a lot of cool frogs, toucans, and various tree species. Very educational and our tour guide certainly knows his stuff! Would highly recommend
Jason_B, Nov 2025
Great experience, we got to immerse ourselves in the nocturnal life. We were open to see whatever nature decided to offer us, and were rewarded with some pretty cool wildlife. We got to see a glass frog, tarantula, scorpion, Mexican porcupine and just as we were finishing up, our awesome and knowledgeable guide Mauricio spotted a Keel Billed Toucan perched up on a branch. I was not expecting that one for sure but a very welcome sight nonetheless.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Dear Jason,
Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience with us. We truly appreciate your kind words and are delighted to know you enjoyed immersing yourself in the nocturnal life of the forest.
One of the most special aspects of our night walk is embracing nature as it is — every tour is unique, and sightings are always a beautiful gift from the forest. We’re thrilled that the wildlife exceeded your expectations, from glass frogs and tarantulas to such a memorable surprise like the Keel-billed Toucan.
We’re especially happy to hear your recognition of Mauricio’s knowledge and passion. Our guides take great pride in sharing their expertise and creating meaningful, authentic experiences for our guests.
Thank you again for choosing Ficus Trails. We would love to welcome you back in the future for another unforgettable encounter with Monteverde’s wildlife — and we truly appreciate your recommendation.
Warm regards,
Ficus Trails Team
Tara_G, Oct 2025
Very knowledgeable guide. We saw some very cool things even though we didn’t see a sloth. The tarantulas were amazing. It was a beautiful property.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
So Thank for coming
Pura vida
Thank yuo for the comment See yuo later in onother Day.
Julie_A, Oct 2025
Wow, what a fantastic night tour!! Olman our guide was amazing, so knowledgeable and eyes like a hawk at spotting wildlife in the dark! We saw so many animals and insects, glass frog, tarantula, possum, armadillo and lots of other insects! Olman gave us all of their correct names and a little bit about them and how they live/what they eat. Would definitely make the time to take this tour, you don’t regret it, fantastic experience!!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank soo much for coming and have this experience wich ficus Trails monteverde.
Pura vida
Pola_K, Aug 2025
I love the passion of the guide. He shared a lot of interesting insights. I could not see any of those creatures without professional guide.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Hi Pola,
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to know you appreciated the guide’s passion — it’s something we truly value and encourage in our team. Their deep knowledge and love for the forest make all the difference in spotting those hidden wonders.
We’re so happy you had a meaningful and insightful experience, and we hope to welcome you back to Monteverde soon for more magical discoveries!
Warm regards,
Ficus Trails Team
Mac_G, Jul 2025
Close to town, easy transportation and great time. Mauricio is very knowledgeable and good with the kids.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re happy to hear that you and your family had a great time with us. Mauricio is indeed a fantastic guide — patient, knowledgeable, and especially great with kids! We’re also glad the location and transportation made the experience easier for you.
We’d love to welcome you back for another adventure in the future!
Warm regards,
The Ficus Trails Team
Beverly_F, Jun 2025
Very knowledgeable guide. Loved the small group atmosphere. Saw many things, including a tarantula, frogs, sleeping toucans, bats, various insects, and even a sloth! Hike was moderate; the pace is slow so it’s very doable for most but it’s probably not suitable for those with mobility challenges. For us, it was just the right amount of “adventure” but not so much that we had to focus on the ground instead of the wildlife. Absolutely would do again!
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Hi Beverly,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and detailed review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour, the company of a small group, and the wide variety of wildlife sightings — including a sloth, which always feels like a special gift from the forest!
We also appreciate you highlighting the pace and terrain of the hike — your feedback is very valuable for future guests who might need to assess their mobility.
It means a lot to know you would do it again — we’d love to welcome you back anytime for another unforgettable night in the cloud forest.
Warm regards,
Ficus Trails Team
Bryan_M, May 2025
It was fun walking around trying to find different animals. Saw quite a few good ones! No sloths, but saw a toucan, scorpion, a few tarantulas, and a frog.
Response from Host, May 2025
Hi Bryan,
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! We’re glad to hear you enjoyed walking through the forest in search of wildlife. Even though sloths didn’t show up this time, we’re excited you were able to spot a toucan, a scorpion, some tarantulas, and a frog!
Our team puts a lot of heart into offering an authentic and unique experience on every tour, knowing that nature always has its own surprises.
We hope to welcome you back soon for more adventures!
Warm regards,
Ficus Trails Team
Marcelo_F, May 2025
The night tour led by Mauricio was a great time. My wife and I got to see many creatures at night that you would not have the chance to see in daylight - such as fireflies, frogs, and tarantulas. Our guide was friendly and knowledgable, answering all our questions. It was a great way to take in our first night in Monteverde and would highly recommend this experience.
Response from Host, May 2025
Thank you very much for sharing your experience! We’re delighted that your first night in Monteverde was memorable and that Mauricio guided you with friendliness and expertise, showing nocturnal creatures such as fireflies, frogs, and tarantulas that you rarely see during the day. We truly appreciate your kind words and strong recommendation.
We would be thrilled to welcome you back to continue exploring the magic of the forest in Santa Elena with us.
Emily_K, May 2025
Oilman was an exceptional tour guide even with poor weather. We saw many animals and he answered all of our questions and more. Highly recommend.
Response from Host, May 2025
Thank you very much for sharing your experience! We’re delighted to hear that, even with poor weather, Olman was an exceptional guide and that you were able to see so many animals during the tour. We’re also pleased that all your questions were answered thoroughly, making the adventure even richer.
We sincerely appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back soon to continue exploring the forest in Santa Elena with us.
RichardOwen_P, Apr 2025
Fantastic guide- my mother was in a boot (she broke her foot earlier in our trip) the guide went slow to accomodate for her. He spotted many things and provided wonderul explanations. Highly recommend.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re delighted to hear that your guide was attentive and accommodating to your mother’s pace during the tour. We’re also glad that you were able to spot various species and receive detailed explanations, which makes each visit truly enriching.
We greatly appreciate your high recommendation and look forward to the opportunity to welcome you back to explore the forest in Santa Elena again in the future.
Christina_M, Apr 2025
We loved the tour. Our guide, Ulman, was considerate to what people in our group wanted to see, or not (one of our group wished to avoid spiders), as he guided us through the forest. It was very entertaining and informative. We are happy with all the wildlife he was able to help us spot. He also was good to inform other groups about where we spotted wildlife so they could see it as well.
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour and that Olman was considerate of both the interests and concerns of your group while guiding you through the forest in Santa Elena. We’re also pleased that you found the experience entertaining and informative, and that you were able to spot a variety of wildlife.
We appreciate your mention of Ulman’s collaborative spirit in informing other groups about the animals you encountered. That sense of cooperation truly enhances the experience for all our visitors.
Thank you again for your kind review. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back in the future to continue exploring the natural beauty of the area together.
laurie_b, Mar 2025
very fun and exhilarating to be in the forest at night
Mauricio was so excellent at finding animals and insects. we were in a small group which is great.
we really enjoyed also seeing the starry sky at the end.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re thrilled to hear that your night walk in the forest was both fun and exhilarating. Mauricio is an excellent guide, and we’re glad his talent for spotting animals and insects made your experience even more enriching.
It’s wonderful that you were able to enjoy the tour in a small group, which often makes for a more personalized and enjoyable experience. And taking in the starry sky at the end is undoubtedly a magical way to conclude a night adventure.
We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you back in the future to continue exploring the wonders of the forest in Santa Elena.
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per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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