Monteverde Cloud Forest Night Walk, Monteverde

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

Overview

Experience the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve after dark on a night walk led by a knowledgeable guide. With a small group of up to nine participants, you'll get an up-close look at this region's incredible biodiversity. Expect to see elusive nocturnal creatures such as tarantulas, glowing mushrooms, tree frogs, and nesting birds while enjoying the tranquil sounds and scents of the forest. This experience is perfect for nature enthusiasts and those interested in learning about the ecological significance of this remarkable reserve.

Highlights

  • Hike through a cloud forest after nightfall with a guide
  • Explore a unique ecosystem, the "green lung of Costa Rica," flashlight in hand
  • Spot nocturnal wildlife like nesting birds, amphibians, and insects
  • Learn about the rare biodiversity and conservation efforts within this vital ecological reserve

Know before you go

Duration
2.5 hours
Recommended for
All ages
Group
Small group, 9 people or less

What you'll do

After transferring a short distance from your accommodation to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, you'll meet 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 where almost 80 percent of the wildlife is nocturnal. 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 1-mile (1.6 km) trail. As you walk, your guide will point out nocturnal mammals, butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, and 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 is a memorable experience, inviting you to slow down (you'll need to carefully watch where you walk!) and really immerse in the moment and the charm of the forest while you share the trail with nocturnal wildlife. 

After the hike, you'll be transferred back to your hotel in Monteverde.

Start times

  • Daily
    5:30 pm

What's included

  • Transportation
  • Entrance fees
  • Guide
  • Flashlight

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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

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Itineraries with Monteverde Cloud Forest Night Walk