La Fortuna: Rainforest Night Walk & Costa Rican Dinner

Summary

Night hike in La Tigra with frog sanctuary and woodfire dinner

You’ll walk rainforest trails near La Fortuna after sunset, flashlight in hand and a local guide leading you past mirrored lakes and into a frog sanctuary alive with night sounds. Spot rare frogs and bats up close before sharing a Costa Rican dinner cooked over a wood stove, looking out at San Carlos’ twinkling lights. It’s earthy, warm, and quietly unforgettable.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what the rainforest sounds like when everyone else is heading to bed? We left La Fortuna just as the sky was fading, bumping along in a minivan with our guide Marco chatting about which frogs we might see tonight. The drive to La Tigra was only half an hour, but it felt like we’d crossed into another world — the air thicker, heavy with that green smell you only get after rain. I kept thinking I’d forgotten something, but nope, they handed us flashlights and bottled water right off the bus.

The trail wound around these mirrored lakes — honestly, I almost slipped because I was staring at the reflections instead of watching my feet. Marco would pause every so often, shining his light on some tiny dart frog or a massive bull frog (I didn’t expect them to be so loud). At one point he whispered for us to stop moving and listen: bats flitting overhead, insects buzzing like static. Someone tried to spot a red-eyed tree frog and nearly walked into a spider web. There was a lot of quiet laughter in the dark.

I’m not sure what I expected from “authentic Costa Rican dinner,” but walking up to that little kitchen with its wood-burning stove — you could smell the smoke before you saw it — felt oddly comforting. We ate while looking out over the San Carlos valley lights, plates balanced on our knees. Rice, beans, something with plantains (I still don’t know exactly what), and coffee that tasted smoky too. It was simple but honestly hit different after tromping through mud for hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Night walk and Costa Rican dinner

• Travel to La Tigra
• Hike trail around mirrored lakes
• Visit frog sanctuary and observe species
• Enjoy authentic Costa Rican dinner
• View lights of San Carlos valleys
• Return to La Fortuna

Top questions

How far is La Tigra from La Fortuna?

It’s about 30 minutes by minivan from La Fortuna to La Tigra.

Is hotel pickup included in this night walk tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from La Fortuna hotels.

What animals can I see during the night walk?

You might see nocturnal frogs (like dart frogs and red-eyed tree frogs), birds, mammals, insects, and bats.

Is dinner included on this rainforest tour?

Yes, an authentic Costa Rican dinner prepared on a wood-burning stove is included after the walk.

Are guides provided for the rainforest night hike?

A professional local guide leads the night walk through the rainforest trails.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Are vegetarian options available for dinner?

Vegetarian meals can be arranged if requested when booking.

What’s included

Your evening includes hotel pickup and drop-off from La Fortuna by air-conditioned minivan (with Wi-Fi), flashlights and lanterns for exploring the trails safely at night, bottled water along the way, guidance from a professional local guide who knows every sound in that forest, plus a Costa Rican dinner cooked right there on a wood-burning stove before heading back to town.