Sloth & Bird Hike, Arenal/La Fortuna

4.9 (8 reviews)
Spy two- and three-toed sloths, birds and the iconic red-eyed tree frog on a guided 1.2-mile (2-km) tropical forest walk

Overview

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.

Highlights

  • Spot sloths, birds, and reptiles in their natural habitat
  • Hike through 50 acres of tropical forest
  • Learn from a bilingual guide about the wildlife and ecosystem

Know before you go

Duration
2 hours
Recommended for
4 years old & up
Group
Small group

What you'll do

You'll have an unforgettable adventure on the "sloth trail." Meet your bilingual guide at the designated meeting point and begin your hike through the lush tropical forest. You'll walk through 50 acres of land where the famous cecropia trees grow. This is a favored location for both two-toed and three-toed sloths, who love to hang out on these trees and munch on their bright green leaves.

As you venture through the trail, your guide will provide interesting insights into the behavior and habits of these elusive creatures. Keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready for a chance to spot a mother sloth with its baby. Along the way, your guide will also help you identify other local fauna, such as exotic birds and reptiles, including the vibrant red-eyed tree frog.

This two-hour guided hike is the perfect way to experience the natural beauty and diversity of the tropical forest. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a first-time adventurer, the "sloth trail" has something to offer everyone. So grab your gear and let's hit the trail!

Start times

  • Daily
    7:30 am, 1:30 pm

What's included

  • Transportation
  • Bilingual guide
  • Entrance fee
  • Bottle of water

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Traveler reviews

8 total ratings, 6 with reviews
4.9
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
4.6
Guides, Drivers and Staff
4.9
Transport
5.0
S
Sarah T.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on May 27, 2024
Tour guide was very informative and able to find multiple sloths as well as other creatures throughout the forest. The whole experience felt very personalized. Read more

Tour guide was very informative and able to find multiple sloths as well as other creatures throughout the forest. The whole experience felt very personalized.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Yelena
Yelena S.
Castro Valley, CA | Reviewed on Sep 15, 2023
The tour guide was very knowledgeable. We saw 4 sloughs, bats, frogs, insects and different plants/trees. Pretty good tour. Read more

The tour guide was very knowledgeable. We saw 4 sloughs, bats, frogs, insects and different plants/trees. Pretty good tour.

Tips for future travelers

Highly recommend if you want to see wild life.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
K
Kozue N.
Fairland, MD | Reviewed on Jul 20, 2023
Guide was fun to talk to and knowledgeable of the nature and plants. We saw many animals and plants. The drinks and snack were provided after the walk and at the farm, which was nice surprise. Read more

Guide was fun to talk to and knowledgeable of the nature and plants. We saw many animals and plants. The drinks and snack were provided after the walk and at the farm, which was nice surprise.

Tips for future travelers

Maybe call it “walk” rather than “hike”.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
S
SAPNA B.
Syracuse, NY | Reviewed on Apr 13, 2023
The best activity we had in arenal - kids loved it . Manageable trail with tons of animals and birds . Great guides Read more

The best activity we had in arenal - kids loved it . Manageable trail with tons of animals and birds . Great guides

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Maxeen
Maxeen C.
Canada | Reviewed on Dec 15, 2022
This was the only time we saw sloths the whole thanks to Jose! We saw 4 and he was apologetic that we didn't see more, but he didn't need to be. We were so happy - and we even saw some poison dart frogs that we definitely would not have seen without a guide! He dropped us off in town after so we could explore the shops and restaurants. Read more

This was the only time we saw sloths the whole thanks to Jose! We saw 4 and he was apologetic that we didn't see more, but he didn't need to be. We were so happy - and we even saw some poison dart frogs that we definitely would not have seen without a guide! He dropped us off in town after so we could explore the shops and restaurants.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
F
Félix C.
Santa Clara, CA | Reviewed on Sep 07, 2022
We were able to spot 5 or 6 sloths during our walk. I wouldn't have seen a single one on my own without a guide as these animals camouflage very well, so make sure that you go with one. The wooden area houses some number of toucans, although in terms of sheer diversity, the best spot is at the feeders at the start of the hike. Tons of various tanagers and honeycreepers and great Kiskadees and other birds. Read more

We were able to spot 5 or 6 sloths during our walk. I wouldn't have seen a single one on my own without a guide as these animals camouflage very well, so make sure that you go with one.

The wooden area houses some number of toucans, although in terms of sheer diversity, the best spot is at the feeders at the start of the hike. Tons of various tanagers and honeycreepers and great Kiskadees and other birds.

Tips for future travelers

The 'photography day' is effectively over at 2PM during the rainy season, as rain reliably starts around that time and the clouds make the wooden area shockingly dark. Make sure to bring rain gear. If you bring weather-sensitive photography equipment, try to schedule your trip in the morning.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport

Like what you see?

Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.

Get started

Itineraries with Sloth & Bird Hike