La Fortuna: Sloth & Wildlife Spotting with Bilingual Guide

Hunt for Sloths in La Fortuna's Rainforest Near Arenal

You get picked up from your hotel, driven to prime wildlife zones near Arenal Volcano, and spend the morning searching for sloths and other rainforest animals with a bilingual naturalist who uses a spotting scope to help you see them. Hotel drop-off is included, and if you're not on the early slot, you'll have a coffee break. Groups max out at nine.

Step-by-step itinerary

Wildlife spotting around La Fortuna

• Drive around La Fortuna spotting wildlife
• Use spotting scope to view animals
• Take pictures of sloths and toucans
• Look for monkeys, iguanas, and frogs

The Experience

Your guide picks you up from your hotel in La Fortuna and drives into the rainforest around Arenal Volcano, where the real work begins — finding sloths. The bilingual naturalist knows where the two-toed and three-toed sloths like to hang, and you'll spend the morning scanning the canopy with a spotting scope and binoculars. It's not fast-paced; you move slowly, stop often, and wait for the animals to reveal themselves. That's the whole point.

Beyond sloths, the tour brings you face-to-face with monkeys, toucans in impossible colors, iguanas that blend into branches, and poison dart frogs if you're lucky. The guide carries water and a thermos of Costa Rican coffee — unless you're on the 9:30 a.m. departure, which skips the coffee break. You'll have a camera or binoculars in your hands most of the day, and the guide stops whenever something moves. Groups stay small, capped at nine people, so there's no jostling for a view.

The drive itself is part of it. You're moving through La Fortuna's spotting areas, not hiking deep into the jungle, so the pace suits families with kids and anyone who wants wildlife without scrambling up a mountainside. Bring rain gear — this is rainforest — and insect repellent. The whole experience depends on patience and luck, but the guide's job is to tip the odds in your favor.

What’s included

Hotel pickup and drop-off in La Fortuna, a certified bilingual naturalist guide, spotting scope and binoculars for wildlife viewing, water throughout the day, and a Costa Rican coffee break (except on the 9:30 a.m. departure). Specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Callidryas Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see La Fortuna's wildlife without arranging your own transport or guide — the small group size and hotel pickup mean you show up ready to search, and the naturalist's knowledge is what makes spotting sloths and other animals possible in a rainforest where they're designed to hide.

Traveler reviews

4.93★★★★★★★★★★

1,018 verified traveler reviews

5 ★966

4 ★40

3 ★4

2 ★4

1 ★4

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What time does the tour start?

Departures vary; the 9:30 a.m. slot does not include a coffee break. Confirm your pickup time when you book.

Will I definitely see sloths?

The guide knows their favorite spots, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. Monkeys and birds are more commonly seen.

Is this tour suitable for young children?

Yes, it's suitable for all fitness levels and children are welcome if accompanied by an adult. The pace is relaxed, not a hike.

What's included in the tour?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, a bilingual naturalist guide, spotting scope, binoculars, and water. Coffee break included except on the 9:30 a.m. departure.

Can I bring my own camera?

Yes, bring a camera. The spotting scope is provided, but your own gear helps you capture what you see.

What should I wear?

Rain gear and insect repellent are essential. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes work best for the vehicle and any short walks.

Is transportation to La Fortuna included?

No, this tour includes pickup from your hotel in La Fortuna and drop-off after the tour. You'll need to arrange your own transport to La Fortuna first.