The colorful yet lethal poison dart frog
The colorful yet lethal poison dart frog

Ecocentro Danaus Nighttime Rainforest Walk, Arenal/La Fortuna

Spot nocturnal plants, insects, snakes and one of the world's most deadly frogs on a guided nighttime walk in the rainforest

Overview

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.

Highlights

  • Hike through the rainforest after dark on an exclusive guided excursion
  • Look for exotic frogs, including one of the world's most poisonous
  • Admire flowers that only open their petals at night
  • Spot nocturnal insects, birds, reptiles, and mammals in the wild

Know before you go

Duration
3 hours
Recommended for
6 years old & up
Group
Small group

What you'll do

You'll be picked up at your hotel in the late afternoon and transferred to the reserve, located 2.75 mi (4.5 km) east of La Fortuna. As your guide explains a bit about the area, you'll wait for nightfall. Once it's dark out, embark on a guided nature hike to discover the reserve's array of nocturnal creatures. Your guide will point out a wide variety of insects, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals as you make your way along the 0.2-mile (300-meter) trail.

Keep your eyes open for Glossophagian or nectar-eating bats, sloths in the trees, and flowers that only open their petals at night. Of particular interest are the reserve's exotic frog species. You're sure to spot bullfrogs, the iconic red-eyed tree frog, the translucent glass frog, and perhaps the brightly-colored poison dart frog, one of the planet's most poisonous frogs.

The excursion lasts about two hours, or slightly longer, depending on travelers' interest. After your walk through the rainforest at night, you'll head back to La Fortuna.

Start times

  • Daily
    5:30 pm

What's included

  • Guide
  • Transportation
  • Beverages
  • Flashlights
  • Entrance to the private reserve

Traveler reviews

4 total ratings, 1 with review
5.0 out of 5
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
4.8
Guides, Drivers and Staff
4.5
Transport
4.0
Alexandros
Alexandros T.
Greece | Reviewed on Jan 07, 2023
Good place to spot some nocturnal animals Read more

Good place to spot some nocturnal animals

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Great guide!

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