La Fortuna: Sloth Watching Hike & Wildlife with Local Family

Summary

Sloths, toucans and river trails near Arenal Volcano

You’ll follow local guides through Sloth’s Territory near La Fortuna, spotting wild sloths with telescopes while birds call overhead. Walk muddy trails by La Havana River, hear family stories, and finish with fresh organic fruit grown right on site. It’s quiet, funny at times — and you’ll leave feeling like you’ve been let in on something special.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I remember is Don Luis waving us in from the gate at Sloth’s Territory — he had this gentle way of saying “bienvenidos” that made me feel like we were visiting old friends instead of just joining a wildlife tour near La Fortuna. His daughter handed out binoculars and told us to watch for “perezosos” (sloths), but honestly I was distracted by the smell of wet earth after last night’s rain. The whole place felt alive — little red frogs hopping across the path, something rustling up in the trees. I tried to say “gracias” properly and she smiled, correcting my accent just a bit.

Our guide, Mariela, led us along the trail beside La Havana River. She spotted a two-toed sloth curled up so high I’d have missed it completely — she set up the telescope and let us all take turns. It was weirdly moving to see its slow blink through the lens; you could hear nothing but birds for a moment. Toucans flashed past (they really are as bright as cartoons), and Mariela pointed out cinnamon woodpeckers hammering away on a branch. My shoes got muddy but nobody cared. At one point she stopped suddenly — there was a porcupine wedged between branches, looking like it hadn’t moved in hours.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much on a sloth watching tour, but Mariela had stories about her childhood here and made us guess bird calls (I failed every time). By the end, we were sticky from humidity and kind of tired — then Don Luis brought out bowls of fresh pineapple and guava from their own field. Maybe it was just the heat or maybe fruit tastes different after two hours walking under giant leaves, but I still think about that snack sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Day and night sloth observation hikes

• Arrive at Sloth’s Territory reserve
• Join guided daytime observation hike
• Observe sloths and diverse wildlife
• Use professional telescope during hike
• Enjoy seasonal fruits break
• Start night hike at 6:00pm
• Spot nocturnal animals with flashlight
• Finish night hike with fruit break

Top questions

How far is Sloth’s Territory from La Fortuna?

It’s less than 10 minutes by car from downtown La Fortuna.

Is hotel pickup included for this sloth watching tour?

The tour includes pickup nearby; public transportation options are also available.

How long does the wildlife hike last?

The activity takes about 1.5 to 2 hours total.

What animals can I see during the hike?

You might spot two- and three-toed sloths, opossums, red frogs, porcupines, toucans, tanagers, hummingbirds and more.

Is this suitable for families or kids?

The trail is accessible for all ages; families are welcome.

Are guides provided during the walk?

A trained guide leads the entire hike with professional equipment like telescopes.

Is food included in this tour?

You’ll get fresh seasonal fruits at the end of your walk — most grown organically on site.

Should I bring anything special?

Light clothes, insect repellent and rain gear are recommended due to local weather.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided wildlife hike through Sloth’s Territory reserve near La Fortuna with use of professional telescope equipment throughout. You’ll end with a relaxed break enjoying fresh seasonal fruits picked from their organic fields before heading back into town or continuing your travels.