Bijagua & Upala: Rainforest Hike, Sloths & Rafting Day Trip

Sloths, birds and rainforest rafting in Bijagua Upala

You’ll hike real rainforest trails in Bijagua & Upala with a local guide who knows every bird call and secret spot for sloth sightings. Float by raft through quiet jungle waters, spot monkeys and toucans overhead, and enjoy small comforts like umbrellas and cold drinks along the way. Expect moments of laughter — and maybe a few surprises you’ll remember long after.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rainforest hike and raft tour

• Walk in Green Lagoon area
• Enjoy raft tour through rainforest
• Observe sloths, monkeys, and birds

The Experience

I didn’t really know what to expect from the Bijagua & Upala rainforest day trip — I’d heard about sloths but never actually seen one outside of cartoons. Our guide, Jorge, met us with this huge grin and a pair of binoculars dangling from his neck. He handed out mosquito repellent right away (smart move), and we set off on the trail while the air still felt cool and heavy with that earthy smell you only get after rain. The ground was soft underfoot, almost bouncy. I caught myself slowing down just to listen — birds calling somewhere up high, leaves brushing together overhead.

Jorge had this way of stopping mid-sentence when he spotted something — like suddenly freezing then pointing at a branch with such excitement you couldn’t help but feel it too. “Dos perezosos!” he whispered (two sloths). We took turns with the optical gear; I swear one of them blinked at me through the leaves. There were monkeys too, swinging so fast I barely got a photo before they vanished. The toucans were easier — bright flashes of color against all that green. At one point Jorge tried to teach us the name for a tiny frog we saw (I butchered it; he laughed), and then we were off again.

The raft part was quieter than I expected — not whitewater or anything, just drifting along while the forest pressed in close on both sides. You could hear water lapping against the boat and sometimes nothing else at all except maybe your own breath. It felt slow in a good way. Someone passed around wet towels and cold drinks from Jorge’s pack; honestly, that little detail made me feel weirdly cared for out there. I still think about how peaceful it was floating like that, not rushing anywhere.

Top questions

How long is the Bijagua & Upala rainforest tour?

The day trip includes both hiking and rafting experiences within the Green Lagoon area; plan for several hours outdoors with moderate activity.

Are sloths guaranteed to be seen on this tour?

You have a good chance to spot both three-toed and two-toed sloths in their natural habitat, but sightings can’t be guaranteed.

Is hotel pickup included?

No information about hotel pickup is provided; check directly with your provider before booking.

What animals might I see during the hike?

You may see sloths, monkeys, toucans, hummingbirds, red-eyed frogs, plus many other bird species native to the area.

Is lunch included on this Bijagua & Upala day trip?

No lunch is mentioned as included; refreshments are provided during the tour.

Do I need to bring my own binoculars or optical equipment?

No need—your guide will provide optical equipment whenever there’s something interesting to observe.

How difficult is the hike?

The tour requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness due to uneven rainforest trails.

What should I wear for this rainforest tour?

Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for muddy trails; rain gear is provided if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes expert guiding through Green Lagoon’s real rainforest trails plus use of optical equipment whenever wildlife appears. Mosquito repellent, rain umbrellas for sudden showers, wet towels after hiking, and refreshments are all provided so you can focus on spotting sloths or listening for toucans without worrying about comfort details.