La Fortuna: Sloth Watching Walk & Rainforest Wildlife Tour

Summary

Sloths, toucans and rainforest colors on a slow wander in La Fortuna

You’ll wander La Fortuna’s rainforest trails with a local guide, searching for two- and three-toed sloths, bright birds like toucans, and tiny poison frogs. Hear stories from your guide as you walk at an easy pace—perfect if you want wildlife without an all-day trek. You might leave remembering the hush under the trees more than any photo.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest—I didn’t think we’d actually spot a sloth. We’d barely stepped off the little gravel path when our guide, José, stopped us with this quiet “shhh,” pointing up into the tangled green. There it was: a fuzzy ball clinging to a branch, just hanging there like it had all the time in the world (which I guess it does). The air smelled like wet leaves and something sweet I couldn’t place. I tried to get a photo but mostly ended up with blurry leaves—José just grinned and said that’s how you know you’re really here.

The walk itself is easy—no big hills or anything, just soft earth underfoot and that kind of humid air that sticks to your arms. We saw two types of sloths (José called them dos dedos y tres dedos—I probably butchered that), plus these tiny red poison frogs that looked almost fake. A toucan flew overhead at one point; its colors were so bright against the gray sky I almost laughed out loud. There were families with kids, older couples too—everyone seemed to find their own pace. Sometimes we’d stop for five minutes just listening to rain drip through the canopy.

I didn’t expect how much I’d enjoy watching everyone react—the way people whispered when they spotted something or tried to pronounce the Spanish names José taught us. It wasn’t some big adventure day trip from La Fortuna to Machu Picchu or anything wild; just a couple hours moving slow through green shadows, looking up. I still think about that first sloth sometimes when things get hectic back home—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wildlife walk in La Fortuna park

• Meet guides at park entrance
• Walk through rainforest trails
• Spot sloths, birds, and frogs
• Enjoy easy nature walk

Top questions

What animals can I see on the La Fortuna sloth watching tour?

You may spot two- and three-toed sloths, poison frogs, toucans, and other bird species during the tour.

How long does the sloth watching tour last?

The activity is short—ideal if you don’t have time for longer excursions in Costa Rica.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

Yes, it’s an easy walk suitable for all physical fitness levels and families.

Does the tour operate in rainy weather?

Yes, tours run in all weather conditions—just dress appropriately for rain or humidity.

Are guides included on this wildlife experience?

A professional guide leads each group and shares information about local wildlife.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to a small rainforest reserve in La Fortuna with a professional guide leading your group through wildlife-rich trails; tours are available between 7am and 4pm so you can pick what fits your plans best.