Jungle Night Walk | Arenal

The Arenal jungle night walk reveals an entirely different rainforest — the nocturnal one — where two-thirds of Costa Rica's wildlife actually emerges. On this Arenal jungle night walk you'll explore primary rainforest after dark with a specialist bilingual naturalist, headlamps in hand, spotting frogs, tarantulas, owls, snakes, and (on lucky nights) kinkajous and olingos that never appear by day.

You'll meet your guide at a private reserve outside La Fortuna and step into the forest as dusk falls. Your guide carries a red-filtered flashlight (which doesn't disturb wildlife) and an expert ear for frog calls and rustles. Within 10 minutes you'll usually be eye-to-eye with red-eyed tree frogs, glass frogs, leaf-mimic katydids, hairy tarantulas in their burrows, and eyelash vipers coiled on leaves — all safe to observe from the trail.

The Arenal jungle night walk is one of the most underrated experiences in Costa Rica. Most travelers stick to daytime tours and miss the orchestra of frog calls, the bioluminescent click beetles, and the sight of a sleeping sloth in a flashlight beam. Your guide will explain how each species fits into the food web, identify medicinal plants by leaf shape and smell, and share the Maleku indigenous stories tied to the forest.

• Specialist bilingual naturalist with red-filter flashlight
• Frogs, tarantulas, snakes, sleeping sloths and birds
• 2 km gentle trail through primary rainforest
• Headlamps provided
• Small groups for personal attention
• Excellent photography subjects (bring macro)
• Hotel pickup within La Fortuna included

The Arenal jungle night walk runs nightly with sunset start times around 5:30–6:00 PM. Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes (light rain boots if you have them), bring insect repellent, and pack a light layer. The forest cools after sunset and humidity stays high.

Book your Arenal jungle night walk on Toorizta to lock in a small-group spot. Night tours sell out quickly — reserve online in under two minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?

About 2–2.5 hours of walking.

What time does it start?

Usually 5:30 or 6:00 PM at sunset.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, within La Fortuna.

Is it safe?

Yes — guides are trained, trails are maintained, and dangerous species are observed from a safe distance.

What's the minimum age?

6 years old.

What should I wear?

Long pants, closed-toe shoes or rain boots, light layer.

What if I'm afraid of bugs?

Your guide briefs every encounter and you choose how close to look.

What wildlife will I see?

Frogs, tarantulas, snakes, insects, and possibly sleeping sloths and kinkajous.

Are flashlights provided?

Yes, headlamps are included.

Can I take photos?

Yes, especially macro shots of frogs and insects.

What if it rains?

Tours run rain or shine; rain actually brings more wildlife out.

What's the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before start.