The Night Tour is one of the main attractions of the cloud forest.
Pricing: $35 per person
Duration: Approximately 2 to 3 hours (depending on weather conditions, wildlife sightings, etc.)
Start Time: 5:30 PM
Inclusions:
- Accompanying Naturalist Guide equipped with a spotting scope and laser pointer
- Flashlights
- Park Entrance Fee
- Roundtrip Transportation to and from your hotel.
- Night Tour Meeting point
Monteverde Night Tour Itinerary (Approximate Schedule)
5:15 PM – 5:30 PM: Arrival and Sunset Prelude
- Arrive at the meeting point and immerse yourself in the early evening atmosphere.
- Gather around the firepit to cook marshmallows, savoring the sweet treats while relishing the onset of sunset.
- Enjoy the peaceful ambiance and await the arrival of the rest of the group.
5:30 PM – 5:50 PM: Sunset Briefing
- Receive a comprehensive briefing from our experienced tour guide, gaining insights into the upcoming adventure.
- Immerse yourself in the magical climax of the sunset, enhancing the anticipation for the night tour.
5:50 PM – 6:30 PM: Riverside Exploration
- Embark on a leisurely walk along well-maintained paths leading to the river, creating a tranquil setting for wildlife observation.
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM: Diverse Wildlife Encounter
- Navigate through carefully designed trails, each offering a unique perspective of Monteverde’s nocturnal biodiversity.
- Keep your senses alert as you encounter a variety of animals and insects, gaining insights into their behaviors and habitats.
7:30 – 7:45: Zompopas Ants Exploration
- Venture into the intricate world of Monteverde’s Leaf-cutter ants (Atta cephalotes), locally known as SP Zompopas, and Sompopa Ants.
- Explore ant trails and observe their teamwork, gaining a unique perspective on the importance of these tiny but remarkable creatures in the ecosystem.
Continue along various paths, such as the Banana Trail, to spot an array of fascinating creatures, including:
- Sloths: Both two-toed and three-toed sloths are known to be active during the night, making them a popular sighting.
- Tarantulas: These large spiders are often found on tree trunks or along the forest floor.
- Olingos: Arboreal mammals resembling a cross between a raccoon and a monkey, with big eyes and bushy tails.
- Kinkajous: Nocturnal mammals with prehensile tails, often spotted in the trees.
- Toucans: While primarily diurnal, some species of toucans may still be active during the early evening or night.
- Frogs: Various species of colorful frogs, including the iconic red-eyed tree frog, are often observed near water sources.
- Insects: The cloud forest comes alive with various species of insects, including beetles, moths, and other fascinating creatures.
- Bats: Monteverde is home to a diverse array of bat species that become active at night.
- Various Bird Species: While many birds are diurnal, some species, such as owls and nightjars, can be spotted during the night.
- Snakes: like the Parrot Snake (Leptophis ahaetulla): A slender, non-venomous snake with bright green coloration, often found in trees.
- Amphibians: As part of the amphibian discovery at the pond, you may encounter different species of frogs and salamanders.
- Remember that wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, as animals in their natural habitats can be elusive. The experience can vary depending on factors like weather conditions, the season, and the specific location within the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Knowledgeable guides play a crucial role in enhancing the chances of encountering and identifying various species during the night tour.
8:00 PM: Amphibian Discovery at the Pond
- Navigate through the captivating forest trails guided by the soft glow of lanterns, creating a serene ambiance.
- Reach our tranquil pond area, specially curated for an immersive experience with Monteverde’s diverse amphibian population.
- Engage with our knowledgeable guide, who will introduce you to the fascinating world of amphibians, sharing insights about their unique behaviors and ecological significance.
Highlights:
- Witness a variety of amphibian species in their natural habitat, from colorful frogs to intriguing salamanders.
- Learn about the crucial role amphibians play in maintaining the delicate balance of the cloud forest ecosystem.
Note: This interval provides an intimate encounter with the nocturnal amphibians, adding an educational and captivating dimension to your Monteverde Night Tour.
Note: The itinerary provides flexibility for the exploration of diverse paths and wildlife encounters, offering an engaging and enriching night tour experience.
The following videos are not intended to showcase wildlife but rather to give you an insight into the schedule and procedures you can expect during our night tour. Below, you’ll discover wildlife videos and pictures from our night tour, and for additional content, you can visit our YouTube channel.
Our night tour at Monteverde Travel & Adventure starts at 5:30, but feel free to arrive earlier and enjoy the sunset by our fireplace. You can also cook marshmallows during this time
Discover the Enchantment of Monteverde: Night Tour Adventure
Embark on an extraordinary nocturnal journey through the mystical Monteverde cloud forests with our captivating Night Tour. As the sun sets and darkness descends, the forest transforms into a magical realm where unique creatures come to life under the glow of the moon and stars.
Tour Highlights:
- Nocturnal Symphony:
As the day creatures retire, the night chorus begins. Explore the symphony of sounds created by the diverse nocturnal inhabitants, from the rhythmic calls of tree frogs to the haunting melodies of night birds. - Guided by Moonlight:
Our experienced naturalist guides will lead you through the trails, armed with specialized flashlights to uncover the secrets of the night. Witness the cloud forest in a completely different light, as shadows dance amid the ancient trees. - Bioluminescent Wonders:
Encounter the mesmerizing world of bioluminescent organisms. Watch in awe as the forest floor comes alive with the soft glow of fungi, revealing a hidden and enchanting side of Monteverde’s biodiversity. - Nighttime Wildlife Spotting:
Monteverde’s nightlife is teeming with elusive creatures. Keep your senses sharp to spot nocturnal mammals such as kinkajous, olingos, and maybe even the elusive two-toed sloth. Discover how these creatures adapt and thrive in the darkness. - Celestial Stargazing:
Step into an open clearing to gaze at the star-studded Monteverde sky. Away from city lights, you’ll have a clear view of constellations and celestial wonders. Our guides will share fascinating stories and folklore associated with the night sky. - Educational Insights:
Gain insights into the importance of the cloud forest’s nocturnal ecosystem. Learn about the unique adaptations of the creatures that come to life after dark and the critical role they play in maintaining the balance of this delicate environment.
Practical Information:
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours
- Meeting Point: Gather with our guides at the designated meeting point, where they’ll provide essential equipment such as flashlights and share important safety information.
- What to Bring: Comfortable closed-toe shoes, insect repellent, a light jacket, and a sense of adventure.
Immerse yourself in the enchanting mysteries of Monteverde’s night on our Night Tour, where the forest reveals a magical world hidden from the daytime eye. Book your night adventure today and let the nocturnal wonders of Monteverde captivate your imagination.
Recommendations: Comfortable clothes, Walking shoes or sneakers, a Camera or smartphone, Bug repellent, a Jacket or rain-poncho.
Monteverde Night Tour Details:
We take this walk in a small private reserve that, due to its privileged location right in the transition forest by Monteverde downtown, is the ideal place for the sighting of different species of flora and fauna. 60% of the tropical wildlife is nocturnal this is why The night tour gives you the opportunity to see a lot of different animals such as sloths, armadillos, porcupines, possums, coatis, bassaricyon (olingos) y kinkajous (martillas).
We will visit different points within the property where we know we have high opportunities to find recurring species, we will talk briefly about the history of the forest and its inhabitants, about the amazing history of the property itself that has been owned by Quakers since they first arrive to Monteverde, and we will take a few minutes to see the starry sky if the weather permits.
