If you are visiting Arenal, there is one “must-do” on your bucket list: seeing a sloth in the wild. But here is a local secret: you don’t need to drive an hour into the deep jungle to find them.
At La Fortuna Hikes and Trails, we’ve preserved a lush, private sanctuary located just 1 kilometer from the center of La Fortuna. It’s the perfect spot for families and photographers who want a premium wildlife experience without the long commute.
Why Choose a Private Reserve for Your Sloth Tour?
While you might occasionally spot a sloth hanging from a power line in town, a guided tour in a private reserve is a completely different world.
Expert Spotters: Sloths are masters of camouflage. Our guides know the exact Cecropia trees where our resident two-toed (Choloepus hoffmanni) and three-toed (Bradypus variegatus) sloths like to nap.
Photography Friendly: For the photographers out there, we provide the patience and the angles you need. We use high-quality spotting scopes, and our guides will even help you take “digiscoping” photos with your smartphone.
Family-Paced: Since we are so close to town, it’s the ideal activity for families with children. No long, grumpy car rides—just 100% nature, 5 minutes away from your morning coffee.
What to Expect on the Trail
Our trails are designed to be accessible yet immersive. As you walk through the secondary rainforest of La Fortuna Hikes and Trails, you aren’t just looking for sloths. Keep your eyes peeled for:
Colorful Toucans and Montezuma Oropendolas.
The tiny but vibrant Red-Eyed Tree Frog.
Tropical butterflies and exotic flora native to the Arenal region.
Pro-Tip for Visitors
The best time for a sloth tour is usually the early morning. Sloths are more likely to be moving or grooming before the midday heat kicks in. Plus, the morning light in La Fortuna makes for incredible photos of the volcano in the background!
Ready to Meet Our Neighbors? 🦥
Don't miss out on the most convenient and authentic wildlife experience in Arenal. Skip the long bus rides and join us at our private reserve.
Book your Sloth Tour via WhatsApp today! Click the link below to check availability and get a direct quote from our local team:
Whatsapp