Arenal Volcano rising over the green farmland around La Fortuna
Wildlife and nature

Sloth watching walk

The easiest wildlife win in Arenal

Sloths are hard to find on your own. They sit still, high up, and look like a clump of leaves. On a sloth walk the guide knows which trees they are using, so everyone in the group gets a proper look, toddlers included. One operator reports four to six sloths on a typical walk.

The trails are flat and short, which makes this the walk we suggest for mixed ages, for the afternoon you arrive, and for anyone who wants wildlife without a hike. The trail we like best is walkable from town and keeps it to ten guests per guide, even on a busy departure.

If you have a free morning, the three hour version adds a small farm with coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane tastings at the end.

Ways to do it

  • Guided sloth walk from town: From $45 adult, $30 child. About two hours, all ages. Child rate 4 to 12, under 4 free. Ten guests per guide.
  • Sloth walk with hotel pickup: From $53 adult, $30 child. About an hour and a half, all ages, La Fortuna hotels.
  • Sloths plus coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane: From $92 adult, $55 child. About three hours with hotel pickup, all ages.

What to bring. Comfortable shoes, insect repellent, a light rain jacket, and a phone or camera.

Good to know

  • Published prices add sales tax on top.
  • A cheaper self-guided trail ticket exists. Without a guide you will walk past most of the sloths, so we do not recommend it.
  • The farm tastings are not kosher or halal certified. Tell us about any dietary rule and we will plan around it.

Before you book, one honest note. These prices are each operator's own published rates, which we last checked in October 2026, and they move with the season. We book this with a local operator we trust, and their confirmation is the final word on price, timing, pickup, and what you get. If a detail matters to your trip, whether that is a dietary need, a mobility question, a birthday, or a tight flight, ask us before you book and we will confirm it with them directly rather than guess.

More to do around Arenal

All Arenal tours · Private villas near La Fortuna · Costa Rica hot springs guide