Things to Do in La Fortuna: Experience the Arenal Volcano Night Hike
Living in Costa Rica gives us the chance to experience so many different sides of this country, and one of the ways we do that is by joining tours in different regions and then sharing the ones that truly stand out. In Puerto Viejo we run our own tours, but whenever we travel to other places like La Fortuna, we love to see what local guides are offering, especially through GetYourGuide, because it allows us to explore activities we might not otherwise try. One of the tours we recently joined was the Arenal Volcano Rainforest Night Tour, and it turned out to be one of the most unique experiences we have had in the area.
Most people know La Fortuna for daytime adventures like hot springs, hanging bridges, and waterfall hikes, and of course the views of Arenal Volcano itself. What many visitors don’t realize is that once the sun goes down, the rainforest takes on a completely different personality. The animals you see during the day retreat, while another set of creatures comes alive. The air feels cooler, the sounds are sharper, and the atmosphere shifts into something both exciting and slightly mysterious. That is exactly why the night tour is worth adding to your list if you are spending time in La Fortuna.
Arriving at the Reserve
The night began with an easy pickup from our hotel in La Fortuna, which was convenient and stress-free. After a short drive, we arrived at Mirador El Silencio, a private rainforest reserve at the base of Arenal Volcano. By that point it was already dark, and the faint glow of the volcano behind the trees made the setting feel even more dramatic. The guide greeted us with a big smile, passed out flashlights, and gave us a quick overview of what to expect during the walk. His personality set the tone for the evening right away: he was both funny and welcoming, but also clearly someone who had years of experience exploring this forest at night.
The moment we stepped onto the trail, the sounds of the rainforest surrounded us. Frogs were croaking loudly, insects were buzzing from every direction, and every once in a while you could hear the leaves shift as something moved just out of sight. It was impossible not to notice how alive the forest felt, and the darkness made every noise stand out even more.
Wildlife Encounters on the Trail
The first animal we saw was the one most people secretly hope to spot in Costa Rica: the famous red-eyed tree frog. Bright green with orange feet and huge red eyes, it clung to a leaf just off the path and patiently sat there while everyone in the group leaned in with cameras. Seeing it in person after spotting it so many times in guidebooks and photos made the start of the tour feel instantly rewarding.
As the walk continued, the guide’s ability to find animals was impressive. He showed us a tarantula tucked into its burrow, a bright yellow eyelash viper coiled on a branch, and even a slate-tailed trogon sleeping so soundly that it did not move as the flashlights passed over it. Later in the walk, we stopped at a frog pond that was alive with activity. Frogs of different sizes and species were hopping along the edges, their calls blending together into a noisy chorus that filled the air. The kids in the group were completely fascinated, and the adults were just as entertained.
What made the experience even better was the way the guide explained everything. Instead of simply pointing out animals, he shared details about their behavior, their role in the ecosystem, and how to spot them even when you are walking on your own. By the end of the night, we realized we had not only seen a wide variety of animals but had also learned how to notice the small details of the rainforest that are easy to miss.
How the Night Tour Feels Different
La Fortuna has no shortage of daytime tours, but what makes the Arenal night hike so different is the way it changes your relationship to the rainforest. During the day, the focus is often on the big sights: waterfalls, volcano views, or canopy walks. At night, it becomes about slowing down and paying attention to the small things. Frogs and snakes are easier to spot, insects show off their patterns, and even the plants look different when the light from the flashlight hits them. Orchids and bromeliads glisten in the dark, moss seems thicker, and the whole forest feels alive in a way that daytime hikes cannot match.
Another difference is the pace. The walk itself is not long or difficult, but the darkness makes every step feel more adventurous. At one point the guide asked us to turn off our flashlights, and for a few seconds we stood in complete darkness, surrounded by the sounds of the forest. It was one of the simplest but most powerful parts of the night because it reminded us how vibrant the rainforest is even when we cannot see it.
Tips for Making the Most of the Tour
If you decide to book the Arenal Volcano Rainforest Night Tour, there are a few things that will make the experience smoother. Closed-toe shoes are required, and sneakers or hiking shoes with good grip are best. Long pants help protect your legs from brush, and a light rain jacket is smart to bring because the weather around Arenal can change quickly. Even if it looks clear in town, a shower can appear out of nowhere once you get closer to the volcano.
The rainforest is humid, so bringing a reusable water bottle is helpful. A camera with a night setting is useful if you want good photos, but do not stress if your shots are not perfect. Sometimes the best part is simply looking at the animals without trying to capture them on a screen. Above all, patience is key. The fun of the tour comes from the search, and the guides are skilled at finding animals you would never notice on your own.
Who Will Enjoy the Arenal Night Hike
This tour is ideal for nature lovers who want to see nocturnal wildlife in Costa Rica, but it is also a great option for families because children often find the frogs and insects fascinating. Couples will enjoy it as a slower-paced activity after a day of adventure, and solo travelers will find it a safe and engaging way to experience the rainforest at night. The group size is usually small (we asked!), which makes the experience feel personal while still giving you the excitement of discovering things together.
Why We Recommend It
Of all the tours we have tried in Costa Rica, this is one we feel confident recommending because it is accessible, affordable, and memorable. It is not a physically demanding hike, but it offers so many moments you will remember, from spotting the red-eyed tree frogs to standing in silence in the dark forest. The guides are knowledgeable and personable, the setting is beautiful, and the animals you encounter make it feel like you have stepped into a different world.
So, should you really go?
YES! If you are putting together a list of things to do in La Fortuna, the Arenal Volcano Rainforest Night Tour deserves a spot near the top. It is the best way to see Costa Rica’s nocturnal wildlife, and it adds a unique experience to your trip that you cannot get from daytime activities alone.
We left the tour not just with photos but also with a new appreciation for the rainforest and the creatures that thrive in it after dark. Even the next day, we found ourselves noticing frogs and insects more easily because of what we had learned during the walk. That is what makes this tour so special: it is more than just a hike, it is a chance to connect with the rainforest in a way that stays with you.
👉 You can book the Arenal Volcano Rainforest Night Tour directly here.
