Arenal Volcano Ecological Park · La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Arenal Volcano Night Walk The forest after dark.
Photo gallery
Overview
A guided walk that begins with the last daylight and ends by flashlight. The trail is the same one you would walk by day; the forest is not. Frogs, insects and night-active mammals replace the birds, and the guide finds them by sound and reflected light before you see them. Two hours at a slow pace, in silence. Park entrance and round-trip transport from La Fortuna Zone 1 hotels are included.Format: Guided after dark, in a shared group or as a private tour
Options
Arenal Night Walk Shared group or private.
Both options include
- Bilingual naturalist guide
- Round-trip transport from Zone 1 hotels
- Park entrance and three trails
- Wildlife-spotting equipment
- Restrooms
Shared group: Minimum 1 · up to 15 guests per departure · Children 6–10: $52 · Under 6: free · Tax included.
Private
Private Arenal Night Walk
Just your group and the guide; minimum 2 guests.
$75 per adult · min. 2
Private tour: minimum 2 guests, your group only · Children 6–10: $65 · Under 6: free · Tax included.
- Secure booking with Peek
- Questions? WhatsApp
On the trail
Night Walk Rules Quiet steps, guided light.
Mandatory clothing
Closed shoes and long pants, for your safety.
Insect repellent is recommended.
Observation rules
Absolute silence: at night the forest is found by ear.
Lights only as the guide instructs.
Stay on the trail and with the group.
Your guide
A bilingual naturalist guide with wildlife-spotting equipment finds animals by sound and by the glint of their eyes.
Before You Go What’s included, what to bring, what to know.
What’s included
- Round-trip transportation to and from hotels in Zone 1
- Bilingual naturalist guide with wildlife-spotting equipment
- Park entrance
- Three hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty
- Nature Amplifier: a sensory experience that amplifies the sounds of nature
- Certified trees for tree-hugging experiences
- Digital map and trail briefing
- Restrooms and showers
- Rest areas
What to bring
- Quick-drying, comfortable clothing
- Hiking or tennis shoes
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Hat
- Rain jacket
- Camera
Important notes
- The tour leaves at 5:00 p.m. and lasts 2 hours.
- If you are not using hotel pickup, be at reception 15 minutes before the start to join your group.
- Minimum 1 guest on the shared tour, 2 on the private tour; up to 15 per departure.
- Closed shoes and long pants are mandatory.
- Cancellation: Free changes or cancellation up to 24 hours before your tour. Within 24 hours or no-show, 100% is charged. No cash refunds; eligible amounts return as a credit for a future visit. Changes in group size must be notified in advance by email or WhatsApp.
Not included
- Water activities (Day Pass)
- Pickup outside Zone 1, which may carry an extra charge
Park rules
Pet friendly: dogs on a leash at all times (muzzle for large breeds); pick up after them.
100% smoke-free, vapes included.
No alcohol.
Do not take, damage or bring in plants or animals; do not feed wildlife.
No speakers or loud music.
What you bring in, you take out.
Closed shoes are mandatory on every trail.
Related Tours
More Ways to See the Park The volcano by day, birds at dawn, a night in the park.
See the forest in daylight or stay the night inside the park.
Arenal Volcano Guided Hike
Two hours on the lava-flow trails with a bilingual naturalist guide.
- Departure
- 8:00 a.m. · 10:00 a.m. · 1:00 p.m.
- Duration
- 2 h
- Includes
- Bilingual naturalist guide, round-trip transport from Zone 1 hotels
- Price
- $65
Birdwatching Tour
Dawn walk with a naturalist guide, timed for the birds.
- Departure
- 5:00 a.m.
- Duration
- 2 h
- Includes
- Bilingual naturalist guide, round-trip transport from Zone 1 hotels
- Price
- $65
Camping
One night in the park in an equipped tent. Day Pass included.
- Departure
- Check-in from 8:30 a.m.
- Duration
- One night
- Includes
- Equipped tent, Day Pass
- Price
- $50
Night Walk FAQ Answers before you book.
What should I wear?
Closed shoes and long pants are mandatory for your safety. Insect repellent is recommended.
Can I use a flashlight?
Flashlight use follows the guide’s instructions, and shining a light directly into an animal’s eyes is prohibited.
Will we see animals?
Wildlife is free-living, so sightings are not guaranteed. The group keeps absolute silence so the guide can detect it.
Is hotel pick-up included?
Yes. Round-trip transportation to and from hotels in Zone 1 is included.
What if it rains?
Rain is common in the Arenal area, and the park remains open during light or moderate rain. We recommend bringing a rain jacket, wearing closed-toe shoes with good grip, and being prepared for muddy or slippery sections. If weather conditions create a safety concern, our team may temporarily restrict certain trails or activities.
Questions Before You Book? Ask someone who walks these trails.
Write to the park’s reception on WhatsApp before you book.
Ask on WhatsApp