Birdwatching in Arenal Mundo Aventura Park, Arenal/La Fortuna
Amazing diversity of birds
Beautiful birds! My guide was knowledgeable with bird identification. The area, Mundo Aventura Park, was a good location for birds, especially as the tour is allowed... Read more
We saw about 50 species of birds and then more on the way back to the hotel! The first bird we saw was a toucan! You... Read more
Overview
Get an "early bird" start for this popular bird-watching excursion to Arenal Mundo Aventura Park. There's a good reason for the early wake-up time: the park is home to a stunning variety of birdlife, and most species are at their most active in the morning. 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. You'll likely spot the great kiskadee, tropical kingbird flycatchers, black-cheeked woodpecker, and possibly the red-billed pigeon. An included breakfast follows the birding hike.
Highlights
- Spot an incredible variety of birds in Arenal Mundo Aventura Park
- Hike through several bird habitats with a naturalist guide
- Look for rare species like the laughing falcon and the slaty spinetail
- Enjoy an al fresco breakfast after the hike
Know before you go
4 hours
2 years old & up
Small group
Breakfast Included. Fresh fruit is included
What you'll do
Follow your guide along the trail, staying as quiet as possible to maximize your chances of spotting some of the park's exotic birds. You'll pass through a regenerating forest, open grasslands, and green pastures, passing by small brooks where you might see aquatic birds like the white-throated fledgling. Expect to see great kiskadees, tropical kingbird flycatchers, Montezuma orioles, red-billed pigeons, and more. Keep your eyes open for rare birds like laughing falcons, who feed on snakes, and black-cheeked woodpeckers. Though travelers are welcome to bring their own binoculars, you'll also have the opportunity to view birds through the guide's large telescope.
After the hike, enjoy an included breakfast featuring fresh tropical fruits. It's also a great time to talk more with your guide about the region's wildlife before you head back to La Fortuna.
Start times
-
Daily5:15 am
What's included
- Equipment
- Mineral bottled water
- Fresh fruits
- Snacks
- Experienced bilingual guide
- Entrance fee
- Transportation
See alternatives
Sloth & Bird Hike
Embark on a two-hour hiking excursion along the "sloth trail" with a bilingual guide. Discover the tropical forest while spotting sloths, birds, and reptiles in their natural habitat.
Ecocentro Danaus Nighttime Rainforest Walk
Experience the rainforest after dark on this unique guided excursion to 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 night, this is an exclusive opportunity to see how the rainforest transforms after dark.
Guided Nature Walk at Ecological Park & Butterfly Garden Danaus
A bilingual guide will lead you on a nature walk through the Ecological Park & Butterfly Garden Danaus on this half-day tour. You'll have the chance to spot tree frogs, caimans, monkeys, sloths, and a wide variety of birds as you follow your guide on a nature trail. Stop at botanical gardens, a butterfly garden, and a wetlands area that serves as a bird nesting site. Finish the tour with a visit to a Maleku cultural center to learn about Indigenous traditions and environmental practices.
Sloth Observation - Day or Night Walk
See sloths in their natural habitat on this family-friendly excursion! During this two-hour tour in a private nature reserve just outside La Fortuna, you'll not only have the opportunity to view these slow-moving creatures hanging out in the trees, but you'll also learn all about the sloth's lifestyle, the history of the species, and the importance of sloth protection. Your expert guide will point out two- and three-toed sloths and bring your attention to other noteworthy flora and fauna as you walk along a 1-mile (1.5-km) trail. If you're lucky, you might even spot a mother sloth with her baby.
Arenal Hanging Bridges Guided Walk
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.
Sky Adventures Tram & The Hand of Arenal
Safari Float on the Peñas Blancas River
Sky Adventures Hanging Bridges
Explore the forest from an elevated perspective on this excursion to Sky Walk, one of the first hanging bridges in Costa Rica. Follow a naturalist guide along a series of nature trails and five suspension bridges (some as high as 230 feet or 70 meters), stopping to appreciate various flora and fauna along the way. You'll see monkeys and snakes if you're lucky! During the 2-mile (3-km) hike, you'll enjoy views over the forest canopy and spot colorful birds, butterflies, and insects.
La Fortuna Waterfall Guided Hike
Trekking to Laguna de Hule
Hike to one of the natural highlights of Costa Rica, the volcanic Hule Lagoon. The moderate trek begins in Juan Castro Blanco National Park. You'll hike 5 miles (8 km) through the plains bordering the volcanic crater before heading up into the rainforest toward the 136-acre (55-hectare) lagoon. Along the way, enjoy the rich biodiversity of the area. Keep your eyes open for tropical birds, monkeys, and even three-toed sloths! You'll also pass several other lagoons on your way before reaching the magnificent Hule, located at the base of the Cerro Congo Volcano. Enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch in the home of a local family before returning to La Fortuna.
Traveler reviews
4.8
3.5
5.0
5.0