Monteverde night walk: Nocturnal animals and insects

Walk the cloud forest after dark to see what only emerges at night

A guided night walk through Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve in Monteverde lasting 2 hours, where you spot nocturnal animals, insects and plants with a live guide and provided flashlights. The tour runs at 5:30 PM or 8:00 PM. Children from age 2 are welcome, and the guide speaks English and Spanish.

Step-by-step itinerary

Cloud Forest Night Tour

• Meet at designated point
• Begin night walk in cloud forest
• Observe animals, insects, and plants
• Explore Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
• Complete 2-hour guided tour

The experience

The walk starts in the cloud forest after sunset, when the animals and insects that hide during the day become active. A guide leads you through the reserve with a flashlight, pointing out species you would never see on a daytime hike. The 2-hour route stays inside Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, moving slowly enough to spot movement in the canopy and on the forest floor.

You choose between a 5:30 PM or 8:00 PM departure, both of which fit the hours when nocturnal activity peaks. Flashlights are provided, and the guide speaks English and Spanish. Meeting point details and directions arrive after you book. Children from age 2 can join, though infants must sit on an adult's lap.

What’s included

• Guide in English or Spanish.
• flashlights for the 2-hour walk through Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 20:00

AgesAdult (20 to 80 years) · Youth (13 to 15 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Infant (2 to 4 years)

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “i am Going To Be Waiting For You at the Wild Life Refuge Monteverde,”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Jose Pablo Castaing Gonzalez

Is this one for you?Small groups move through the forest at a slow pace, so this suits anyone who wants to spot nocturnal wildlife without rushing and prefers a guide who knows where to look. The early 5:30 PM departure works if you want to start before full dark. The 8:00 PM slot suits a later dinner schedule.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 15 years); Child (5 to 12 years); Infant (2 to 4 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What animals and insects will I actually see on the night walk?

The nocturnal species in Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve include tree frogs, insects, spiders and small mammals that are active after dark. The guide points out what appears along the route. Sightings depend on the season and the night's conditions.

How difficult is the 2-hour walk through the cloud forest?

The walk is suitable for all physical fitness levels. It moves at a slow pace to allow spotting, and you stay on established routes inside the reserve. Uneven terrain and tree roots are part of the forest floor, so sturdy shoes help.

What is included in the tour price?

The guide and flashlights are included. You bring sturdy shoes and wear layers, as the cloud forest is cool and humid at night.