Night Walk in Tortuguero: Spot Snakes & Frogs After Dark

Hunt for nocturnal wildlife on forest trails you navigate yourself

A night walk through Tortuguero National Park's open trails where you search for snakes, frogs, small mammals and plants under guide supervision. The 2 to 2.5 hour activity operates in all weather, and a local guide fluent in English or Spanish leads the search. Children under 4 are not recommended. Moderate fitness and comfort with uneven terrain after dark are needed.

Step-by-step itinerary

Night walk in Tortuguero forest

• Enter public trail at night
• Look for snakes and frogs
• Spot small mammals and reptiles
• Appreciate forest animals and plants

The experience

Two to two and a half hours into the forest after sunset is when Tortuguero's nocturnal animals move. You walk the public trails with a local guide who knows where to look: snakes draped across branches, frogs calling from the canopy, opossums and sloths moving through the understory. The guide carries a light and points out what the darkness would otherwise hide, but you are the one moving through the forest, stepping over roots and scanning the trees. Lizards, tamanduas and smaller creatures emerge as the guide narrates what you are seeing.

The trails stay open to weather, so rain, humidity and occasional insects are part of the night. Wear closed shoes with grip, long pants and a light layer you can move in. The guide will tell you what to bring. Children must have an adult with them, and anyone with a spinal injury should skip this one: the uneven ground and the need to look up constantly while walking make it unsuitable. If you have moderate fitness and do not mind walking in the dark, the activity works in any conditions the park operates.

What’s included

• Local guide fluent in English or Spanish.
• 2 to 2.5 hours of guided night walking through Tortuguero National Park's open trails.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 18:00

AgesAdult (35 to 50 years) · Senior (51 and older) · Youth (15 to 34 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for back problems

Operated by Green Tours

Is this one for you?At 2 to 2.5 hours, the walk fits into an afternoon or evening without consuming your whole day, leaving time for meals or other activities in Tortuguero. You need moderate fitness and comfort walking on uneven ground in darkness. Anyone with spinal injuries or children under 4 should choose a different activity.

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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 (15 to 34 years); Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What animals am I most likely to see on a night walk in Tortuguero?

Snakes and frogs are the most common sightings on night walks in Tortuguero National Park. You also have a good chance of spotting opossums, sloths, lizards and tamanduas, depending on what is active that evening and where the guide leads you.

How long does the night walk take?

The walk runs 2 to 2.5 hours from start to finish, which gives you time to cover the public trails and search for animals without rushing.

Do I need a guide, or can I walk the trails alone at night?

A local guide leads the walk and is included in the activity. The guide knows where nocturnal animals are most active and can identify what you encounter. Walking alone at night in an unfamiliar forest is not safe or permitted.

What should I wear for a night walk in Tortuguero?

Wear closed shoes with good grip, long pants to protect your legs, and a light layer you can move in comfortably. The forest is warm and humid at night, and the ground is uneven, so footwear with traction matters most. Bring a light jacket in case it rains. The activity operates in all weather.