Night Walk in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Monteverde

3.7 (3 reviews)
Explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve at night to experience active wildlife after dark

Overview

Discover a magical forest ecosystem after dark on a private guided tour of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the jewels in Costa Rica's ecological crown. Called the "green lung of Costa Rica" due to its rich biodiversity, this 26,000-acre (3,500-hectare) reserve is high in the country's mountainous northwest region. During the hike, you'll get an up-close look at the incredible biodiversity of this region and the spectacle of nocturnal wildlife in the rainforest. More than 350 bird species exist here alone, including the aptly named resplendent quetzal. Equipped with a flashlight, your guide will point out various mammals, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, and insects as the jungle comes alive at night.

Highlights

  • Hike through a cloud forest after nightfall
  • Explore a unique ecosystem, flashlight in hand
  • Spot colorful birds, butterflies, reptiles, insects, and more
  • Observe 2.5% of the world's biodiversity in a single place

Know before you go

Duration
2.5 hours
Recommended for
All ages
Group
Small group

What you'll do

Almost 80 percent of the wildlife in Monteverde Cloud Forest is nocturnal, so if you're keen on seeing the rich biodiversity of the Monteverde area, a guided night hike is a must. This experience provides the best chance to spot a wide variety of forest inhabitants you won't necessarily find during the daytime.  

Transfer a short distance from your accommodations to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Meet with your guide at the reserve's entrance (and grab a provided flashlight) to start the night hike.

Founded in 1972, the large reserve is home to 2.5% of the world's biodiversity. The region takes on a specific character after dark, as some animals seek their nests and caves while others are just waking up. 

A naturalist guide will lead you along a one-mile (1.6-km) trail.  As you walk, your guide will point out nocturnal mammals, butterflies, amphibians, and reptiles, plus some of the reserve's more than 350 bird species. You'll also see a range of mosses, vines, and trees typical of the cloud forest.  With the forest shrouded in darkness, your other senses will naturally perk up, taking notice of the smells and sounds around you. You'll enjoy the unique symphony as the nocturnal creatures go about their business. 

Entering the forest after dark creates an unforgettable experience, inviting you to slow down (you'll need to carefully watch where you walk!) and really immerse in the moment and the magic of the forest while you share the trail with nocturnal wildlife.  

After the hike, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Monteverde.
Discover more experiences in Monteverde

Start times

  • Daily
    5:30 pm

What's included

  • Entrance fee
  • Certified naturalist guide
  • Transportation

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Traveler reviews

3 total ratings, 2 with reviews
3.7
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
3.7
Guides, Drivers and Staff
4.3
Transport
4.0
Holly
Holly R.
Amherst, MA | Reviewed on Apr 29, 2023
Knowledgeable guide found tree frogs, nesting birds and explained things about the flora and fauna of the area. Read more

Knowledgeable guide found tree frogs, nesting birds and explained things about the flora and fauna of the area.

Tips for future travelers

Nature is unpredictable- you may see lots of things, you may not. If nothing else you get a fabulous night walk in an amazing environment,

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
A
Aaron M.
Portland, OR | Reviewed on Jan 22, 2023
We were in a group of 6. Our guide Andre was very knowledgeable and showed us many things we would never have seen on our. We saw a tarantula, glowing mushroom, several sleeping birds, lizards and opossums. I thought we would see bigger animals but I was wrong. Read more

We were in a group of 6. Our guide Andre was very knowledgeable and showed us many things we would never have seen on our. We saw a tarantula, glowing mushroom, several sleeping birds, lizards and opossums. I thought we would see bigger animals but I was wrong.

Tips for future travelers

It's cold at night, dress warm. Also maybe review a science or biology text book so you can really appreciate all the information the guide has to share. Road to the park is not all paved and about 25 minutes from town.

Quality of Experience
Our guide was great.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport

Like what you see?

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Itineraries with Night Walk in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve