Ever dreamed of spotting a sloth in the wild? If you’re planning a trip to Arenal, Costa Rica, you’re in the right place. A Sloth Tour in Arenal offers the perfect blend of rainforest magic, slow-moving wildlife, and unforgettable photo moments. But what exactly happens on one of these tours? What should you bring, and when is the best time to go? Keep reading — the rainforest is full of surprises.
Why Choose a Sloth Tour in Arenal?
Arenal is one of Costa Rica’s top destinations for eco-tourism, thanks to its lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, and easy access to nature. Sloths — both the two-toed and three-toed varieties — thrive here. On a Sloth Tour in Arenal, you don’t just get the chance to spot these adorable creatures; you step into their natural habitat and learn how they live, eat, and move through the jungle canopy.
Many travelers search for the Best sloth tour La Fortuna and land in Arenal for a reason: here, the conditions are ideal for wildlife sightings. Plus, tours are led by experienced local guides who know exactly where to find sloths and how to spot other hidden animals along the way.
What You’ll See on a Sloth Tour
Sloths in Their Natural Habitat
The highlight of any sloth tour, of course, is the sloths themselves. These calm, slow-moving mammals spend most of their lives high in the trees. You’ll likely see them:
Hanging upside down from branches
Sleeping curled up in the canopy
Munching on leaves or grooming slowly
Unlike zoos or sanctuaries, sloth tours in Arenal are 100% natural. There’s no touching or feeding involved—just respectful observation and plenty of opportunities to take pictures.
More Than Just Sloths: Other Wildlife You May Encounter
Don’t be surprised if your sloth tour feels like a full wildlife expedition. Depending on the time of day and season, you might also spot:
Howler monkeys and capuchin monkeys
Iguanas and colorful lizards
Tree frogs, including the iconic red-eyed tree frog
Birds like toucans, motmots, and hummingbirds
Butterflies and insects of all kinds
The rainforest is alive with sound and movement, and even if a sloth is hiding (which happens occasionally), there’s still plenty of wildlife to enjoy.
Tours in La Fortuna
The Best Time for a Sloth Tour in Arenal
Costa Rica has two main seasons: the dry season (December to April) and the green or rainy season (May to November). Both offer unique experiences:
Dry Season: Clearer skies, easier hiking conditions, and good visibility.
Rainy Season: Lush green landscapes, fewer tourists, and more active wildlife.
Most sloth tours happen in the early morning or late afternoon, when animals are most active and temperatures are more comfortable. Guides often adjust the timing slightly depending on recent sightings.
How Long Is the Tour and What’s Included?
Most Sloth in Tour La Fortuna experiences last about 2–3 hours. They’re designed to be easy and family-friendly, with flat trails and slow pacing to maximize your chances of spotting animals.
Tours usually include:
Certified bilingual guide
Transportation to and from your hotel in La Fortuna
Entrance fees to private trails or viewing spots
Binoculars or telescopes for better viewing
Water or light snacks (depending on the provider)
Some packages even include combo experiences — like a sloth tour
Ready to meet the slowest — and cutest — residents of the rainforest?
Join us on a guided Sloth Tour in Arenal and experience Costa Rica’s wildlife like never before.
Book Now and get a free Tortillas cooking class