Discovering Costa Rica After Dark: Exploring Nocturnal Wildlife

When the sun sets over Costa Rica, an entirely different world wakes up. Many travelers focus their adventures on sunny beaches and lush rainforests during daylight hours. Still, as a guide passionate about showcasing the richness of my country, I've found that some of the most extraordinary wildlife encounters happen after dark.

Nighttime in Costa Rica is a sensory feast: the air fills with the chorus of frogs and insects, bats begin their aerial ballet, and many elusive creatures become active under the cover of darkness. Approximately 60% of Costa Rica’s wildlife is nocturnal, making a night walk one of the most immersive experiences you can have here.

Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystems—ranging from dense rainforests and cloud forests to coastal mangroves and wetlands—provide habitats for a remarkable variety of nocturnal species. Each region offers its unique wildlife encounters: the Papagayo Peninsula and Guanacaste area are excellent for spotting bats and nocturnal reptiles like tree frogs and iguanas, while the forests around La Fortuna and Arenal boast abundant sloths, kinkajous, and unique bird species like owls and nightjars.

Understanding when and where to spot these animals enhances your experience and helps you appreciate the complex ecosystems of our beautiful country. Whether you're near the beaches of Guanacaste or exploring the lush volcanic terrain of Arenal, nocturnal wildlife can be found almost everywhere if you know how to look. It's my pleasure to share tips to help you respectfully and responsibly experience these wonders, ensuring these fascinating creatures remain protected and undisturbed.

Here's an in-depth look at Costa Rica’s incredible nocturnal wildlife, with tips on where and how to spot them, making your nights as memorable as your days.

Mammals

Sloths: Both two-toed and three-toed sloths inhabit Costa Rica, but two-toed sloths are primarily nocturnal. They spend the daytime sleeping high in the trees, descending slowly at night to forage on leaves, fruits, and flowers. You can often spot them in the dense canopies of La Fortuna, the Guanacaste forests, and around the Arenal region. Look carefully at mid-level trees where branches form dense foliage clusters.

Kinkajous: These arboreal creatures are active at night, seeking fruits, nectar, and insects in the rainforest canopy. Guanacaste and the Papagayo region, as well as the forests near Arenal, are great places to see them. Look for their bright reflective eyes high up in the trees during night walks.

Tamandua Anteaters: Known as the collared anteater, Tamanduas are nocturnal insect-eaters. They are commonly spotted near the forests of La Fortuna and Rincon de la Vieja, slowly climbing trees in search of termite nests and ant colonies.

Paca & Agouti: Pacas, Costa Rica's largest rodents, and the smaller agoutis are both nocturnal mammals. They inhabit dense forests near freshwater streams and rivers. Pacas can sometimes be spotted in the Guanacaste region at night, particularly in secluded forested areas with water sources.

Bats: Costa Rica is home to numerous bat species, such as the Common Vampire Bat, Fruit Bats, and the Fishing Bat. They inhabit caves, forests, and coastal areas. The caves near Guanacaste and the Papagayo area, as well as La Fortuna, offer excellent opportunities to observe their nightly activities.

Tapirs: These unique mammals, resembling a mix between a pig and a small elephant due to their distinctive snouts, are primarily nocturnal. In Costa Rica, the Baird’s Tapir is the species most commonly found, typically spotted in dense, humid forests near rivers or wetlands. They are excellent swimmers and use their flexible noses to forage for fruits, leaves, and aquatic vegetation at night. Your best chance to spot these elusive creatures is within protected reserves or national parks in the Osa Peninsula, such as Corcovado National Park or Tortuguero, especially along riverbanks and in wet areas during quiet, late-night hours.

Other Notable Mammals:

• Nine-banded Armadillo: Often seen foraging along forest floors at night.

• Mexican Hairy Porcupine: Arboreal and nocturnal, observed in Guanacaste and forested areas in La Fortuna.

• Raccoons & Opossums: Common throughout the country, often scavenging at night.

Birds

Owls: Costa Rica hosts numerous owl species such as the Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Tropical Screech-Owl, and Pacific Screech-Owl. Their haunting calls echo through forests at night. Guanacaste and the Arenal region are particularly good for owl spotting. Listen carefully for their calls, and search mid-level tree branches.

Nightjars: Nightjars are masters of camouflage, resting silently on the ground or low branches during the day, and becoming active at night. Their distinctive calls make them easier to find after dusk, especially near open fields and forest edges.

Reptiles and Amphibians

Red-eyed Tree Frogs: These vibrant, iconic frogs hide under leaves during the day, emerging after sunset to breed and hunt insects. Look for them near streams and ponds in humid forested regions such as Arenal and La Fortuna.

Glass Frogs: These delicate amphibians are famous for their translucent skin. Found in humid forests near small, clear streams in the Arenal region, they're often seen perched on wet leaves near water after nightfall.

Golfodulcean Poison Dart Frogs: These bright, tiny frogs are found on the southern Pacific slopes but can occasionally be seen on nocturnal tours in Guanacaste's more humid regions. Search lower vegetation and leaf litter for these stunning yet elusive creatures.

American Crocodiles & Caimans: Both crocodiles and caimans are nocturnal hunters, most active at night in rivers, lakes, and mangroves. Night boat tours near Guanacaste’s estuaries and mangrove areas provide a respectful opportunity to observe these impressive reptiles.

Geckos & Anoles: Common around buildings and forests, these small reptiles hunt insects at night. Often found on walls, trees, or vegetation in Guanacaste and throughout Costa Rica, they're easy to spot with a flashlight.

Snakes (e.g., Eyelash Pit Viper & Boa Constrictor): Nighttime is when snakes are most active, especially in warmer climates like Guanacaste. Professional guides will help you safely observe these fascinating reptiles in their natural habitat.

Freddy's Favorite: The Kinkajou

Personally, my favorite nocturnal animal is the Kinkajou. With its playful behavior, soft golden fur, and unique appearance, the kinkajou embodies the magic of Costa Rican nights. Spotting them high up in the trees while they feed on fruit or nectar is a special experience I treasure on every night tour.

Discover Nocturnal Wildlife With Me

As a proud Costa Rican guide, my mission has always been to share authentic and respectful experiences in nature. I offer specialized night walks designed to encounter our country’s incredible nocturnal wildlife safely.

My Rainforest Night Walk allows you to experience the incredible nighttime biodiversity firsthand. You’ll witness the rainforest come alive, learning fascinating facts and ecological insights from a local perspective. For an immersive experience combining culture and nature after dark, consider my Night Hike in La Fortuna, where we explore the amazing sights and sounds of the jungle at night.

Nocturnal wildlife tours are carefully curated to protect nature, keep disturbances minimal, and educate visitors about conservation. Together, we can ensure future generations continue to enjoy Costa Rica’s after-dark wonders.

Explore these incredible experiences here:

• Rainforest Night Walk

• Night Hike

If you're curious about creating a bespoke night adventure in Guanacaste or La Fortuna, don’t hesitate to contact me directly. Let's uncover Costa Rica’s hidden nightlife together!

– Freddy