La Fortuna: Sloth Watching Tour & Wildlife with Pickup

Summary

Sloths in treetops, wild colors, easy pace around Arenal

You’ll wander La Fortuna’s quiet roads searching for sloths with a local guide who knows every hiding place near Arenal Volcano. Expect surprise monkey sightings, flashes of toucans in the trees, and an unhurried stop for Costa Rican coffee as rain taps on tin rooftops. If you want wildlife up close without rushing or crowds—this is your day.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of La Fortuna just after breakfast, windows down because the air felt heavy but fresh — that kind of green smell you only get in Costa Rica. Our guide, Luis, had this way of slowing down for every tree that looked promising. “There’s a two-toed up there,” he’d say, pointing so calmly I almost missed it. It took me forever to spot my first sloth — honestly, they blend in like pros — but when I finally caught that slow-motion stretch through the leaves, I actually laughed out loud. Didn’t expect to get so excited about something barely moving.

We kept stopping along these little back roads near Arenal Volcano, sometimes just because Luis heard a sound or saw a flash of color. He handed me the spotting scope at one point — I nearly dropped it (sorry again, Luis) — and suddenly there was this toucan staring back at me, all beak and attitude. The rain started halfway through but nobody seemed to care; even the monkeys just kept swinging around like it was nothing special. The whole thing felt easygoing — no rush, no big crowds, just us and whatever wildlife decided to show up.

At some point we pulled over for coffee under this tin roof while rain drummed overhead. Someone had brought homemade bread (I don’t know who — maybe it was part of the tour or maybe just Costa Rican hospitality). That’s the moment that stuck with me: hands wrapped around a warm mug, watching steam curl up into the damp air while everyone swapped stories about their favorite animal sighting so far. It wasn’t fancy or anything but it felt real.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wildlife spotting around La Fortuna

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

Top questions

How long does the La Fortuna sloth tour last?

The exact duration isn’t listed but expect several hours including stops for wildlife viewing and a coffee break.

Is hotel pickup included in the sloth tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included with your booking.

Will I see animals besides sloths on this tour?

You might also spot monkeys, toucans, iguanas, and poison dart frogs depending on the day.

Is this tour suitable for kids or people with limited mobility?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What should I bring on the La Fortuna sloth tour?

Bring rain gear, insect repellent, camera, and binoculars if you have them (though spotting scopes are provided).

Is food included during the tour?

A Costa Rican coffee break is included except on tours starting at 09:30 a.m.; snacks can be arranged by request.

How many people are on each tour group?

The maximum group size is 9 people per booking for a more personal experience.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from La Fortuna accommodations, guidance from a bilingual naturalist who brings along spotting scopes and binoculars for close-up views of wildlife (including those hard-to-spot sloths), plus water to keep you cool—and usually a Costa Rican coffee break unless you’re on the 09:30 schedule.