Spend two hours with a naturalist guide searching the canopy for sloths and scanning ponds for turtles and large reptiles at Ecogarden Arenal. This accessible, interpretive walk near La Fortuna focuses on slow wildlife viewing and local conservation.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Fog lifts off a shallow pond and the rainforest exhales: leaves drip, birds call from midstory, and a sloth—patient and slow—turns a lazy face toward the trail. The Ecogarden Arenal Sloth Tour places you in that quiet theater, a two-hour guided walk that prioritizes slow wildlife encounters over spectacle.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate mobility and the ability to walk short unpaved sections; accessible options available
Wildlife
History
La Fortuna pivoted from agriculture to ecotourism after volcanic activity transformed the region; private ecological gardens support conservation and local guiding livelihoods.
Conservation
Tours emphasize low-impact viewing—stay on trails, avoid feeding wildlife, and support local guides whose fees fund habitat protection.
Reserve your spot on the Ecogarden Arenal Sloth Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring binoculars or use the tour’s pair
Guides provide binoculars and a telescope, but bringing your own improves quick looks into the canopy and avoids sharing.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes
Trails are mostly flat but can be muddy and slippery after rain—supportive footwear keeps you steady.
Pack lightweight rain protection
The Arenal area receives daily showers during the wet season; a compact rain jacket keeps you comfortable without overheating.
Respect wildlife and keep distance
No-flash photography and quiet observation reduce stress on animals and increase your chance of sustained sightings.
Sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes
Provides traction on muddy trail sections and protects feet during pond-side viewing.
Light rain jacket or poncho
Useful during the wet season (May–November) when afternoon showers are common.
summer
Insect repellent
Reduces discomfort from mosquitoes and biting insects in humid rainforest edges.
Camera with zoom lens or telephoto
A zoom lets you photograph canopy wildlife without disturbing animals with close approach.