Sloth & Bird Hike, Arenal/La Fortuna

Get an "early bird" start for this guided excursion to Arenal Mundo Aventura Park. There's a good reason for the early wake-up time: the park is home to a remarkable variety of birdlife, and most species are at their most active in the morning. You'll follow a naturalist guide through the park's different ecosystems, including a new tree-planting zone, open pastures, regenerating forests, and small streams. The mix of terrain allows for optimal bird viewing, and you'll likely spot the great kiskadee, tropical kingbirds, black-cheeked woodpeckers, and more. End the hike with a light breakfast of fresh tropical fruit  and coffee. 

Experience the charm of sloths in their natural habitat during a guided walk of a family-run ecological project just outside La Fortuna. With options for morning, afternoon, or night walks, you'll follow a short trail with a naturalist guide skilled in spotting two-toed and three-toed sloths hanging out in the trees. If you're lucky, you may even get to observe a mother sloth with her baby. Ideal for families, wildlife lovers (and anyone charmed by these gentle animals), you'll gain insight into sloth protection efforts and the chance to see these eternally smiling creatures, along with other endemic flora and fauna. 

Experience the rainforest after dark on this guided excursion of Ecocentro Danaus, a private ecological reserve near La Fortuna. As the sun goes down, you'll venture into the jungle, exploring this haven for plants, insects, reptiles, and other nocturnal animals. Highlights your guide will point out along the way include bats, spiders, sloths, snakes, and some of the reserve's many native frog species, including the brightly-colored poison dart frog, one of the planet's most poisonous frogs. Since the reserve is closed to most groups by nightfall, this is an exclusive opportunity to see how the rainforest transforms after dark.

Perfect for nature lovers and curious kids, this gentle nature walk introduces you to the plants and animals of a private ecological park just outside La Fortuna. You'll have the chance to spot tree frogs, caimans, monkeys, sloths, and a wide variety of birds as you follow your guide along groomed trails surrounded by secondary forest. Stop at botanical gardens, a butterfly garden, and a wetlands area that serves as a bird nesting site, then finish the experience with a visit to a Maleku cultural center to learn about Indigenous traditions and environmental practices.

Explore the thrilling Arenal Hanging Bridges on this popular excursion. The trail system, located inside a rainforest reserve, features suspension bridges that take you high above the treetops before treating you to a once-in-a-lifetime view of Arenal Volcano. Venturing along these spectacular elevated walkways, up to 180 feet (55 meters) above the rainforest floor, you'll have a chance to appreciate this area's incredible biodiversity, including some of the 350 avian species that live here.

Float slowly down the wildlife-rich Río Peñas Blancas and experience the tranquility of the rainforest on a family-friendly rafting trip. It's the perfect opportunity to observe the region's diverse wildlife like monkeys, sloths, iguanas, turtles, and alligators, as well as birdlife like herons, cormorants, American darters, and passerines. Your naturalist guide will point out various flora and fauna, from towering trees to rare reptiles, as you make your way downstream on this relaxed but adventurous excursion.

Ride high up into the mountains on this short excursion to the Hand of Arenal. Board the Sky Tram gondola with a guide for a 15-minute transfer to the monument and lookout point. From there, take in striking views of Arenal Volcano, Arenal Lake, and the surrounding scenery. This vantage point offers fantastic photo opportunities. You'll have the option to take a short hike around the Hand of Arenal, if you wish, on a 0.5-mile (800-meter) circuit. You'll then head back down to the base terminal on the Sky Tram.

Located in the tropical rainforest, the towering La Fortuna Waterfall is an attraction you want to check out. Get up close with the cascade on this guided excursion that leads you down an outdoor staircase with various viewpoints and rest areas en route. Your guide will point out rock formations and geological features during the trek. At the bottom, the trail ends right in front of the imposing waterfall, an ideal spot to strike a pose and strip to go for a dip near the base of the waterfall to finish the adventure. This activity supports local community development, making it a rewarding experience for eco-conscious travelers.

Visit Proyecto Asis, a wildlife rehabilitation and rescue center. A naturalist guide will lead you on a tour, introducing you to the resident animals and sharing their stories. You'll likely see anteaters, monkeys, snakes, parrots, sloths, and more. 
(Because the center's goal is to release as many animals back into the wild as possible, the wildlife present at the center is subject to change.) During your visit, you'll also learn about conservation and sustainability.

Visit Proyecto Asis, a wildlife rehabilitation and rescue center. A naturalist guide will lead you on a tour, introducing you to the resident animals and sharing their stories. You'll likely see anteaters, monkeys, snakes, parrots, sloths, and more. (Because the center's goal is to release as many animals back into the wild as possible, the wildlife present at the center is subject to change.) During your visit, you'll learn about conservation and sustainability. As part of the volunteer tour, you will also have hands-on opportunities with the animals. Learn how to prepare and serve food to the animals, interact with them (following the guide's instructions), help clean cages or craft animal toys, and more. You will go home with unforgettable memories!