Intensity: Light 
Enjoy a Nature Hike at Night
When the sun sets around six o’clock, the rainforest undergoes a transformation. What seemed quiet and calm during the day comes alive with movement and sound as nocturnal creatures begin their nightly routines. A guided night hike offers one of the most unforgettable ways to experience Costa Rica’s biodiversity, letting you step into a world that only emerges after dark.
Equipped with flashlights or headlamps, and guided by expert naturalists, you’ll set out on jungle trails that wind through regenerating forests, riverbanks, and shadowy clearings. The hike usually lasts two to three hours, an easy to moderate walk suitable for most ages and fitness levels. With a trained eye, your guide reveals camouflaged wildlife and shares fascinating details about each animal’s role in the ecosystem. You may spot red-eyed and glass frogs perched near water, brightly patterned insects glimmering in your light, or sleeping birds clinging to branches. Mammals such as kinkajous, sloths, or even coatis can appear, while owls, bats, and snakes remind you how active the forest becomes at night. On rare occasions, you might even glimpse elusive creatures like a margay or ocelot moving through the undergrowth.
The experience is as much about sound as it is about sight. The rainforest at night is a living symphony: frogs calling, insects buzzing, leaves rustling, and the occasional splash of water. With each step, your senses heighten, and you feel part of the forest’s hidden world.
Night hikes are offered in several of Costa Rica’s most famous regions, including Monteverde, the Arenal Volcano area, and Manuel Antonio. Wherever you go, the combination of mystery, wildlife, and expert interpretation makes for a truly unique adventure.
FAQs about Nighttime Nature Hikes
Some common questions about this activity:
How safe is it to hike at night?
Official guided tours are very safe. Walking alone in an unfamiliar rainforest after dark is not recommended, but with a professional guide you’ll not only stay safe, you’ll also see much more than you would on your own.
What should I wear for a night hike?
Closed-toed shoes, socks, and long pants are essential. Lightweight long sleeves help with insect protection, and insect repellent is a must. Dark colors work best, and it’s wise to avoid jewelry or noisy accessories that could scare animals away. Depending on the location, a light sweater may be useful if the evening is cool.
Why join a night hike instead of a daytime tour?
Many of Costa Rica’s most fascinating animals are nocturnal. From the famous red-eyed tree frog to bioluminescent insects and hunting owls, the forest reveals a completely different cast of characters after dark. It’s an intimate, exciting, and often unforgettable way to experience the country’s biodiversity.
