On this visit to DreamTree XP, we’ll dive into the magic of La Fortuna’s forest through hiking and spotting amazing species that reveal pure life!
What to Do at the DreamTree XP Farm?
When booking, you’ll be able to choose between several activities. All of them start and end at the entrance to the DreamTree XP farm and include an English-speaking guide. Ready to venture deep into La Fortuna?
Birdwatching (2 Hours)
Once we’re ready early in the morning, we’ll lace up our shoes and walk along trails lined with ferns typical of La Fortuna’s rainforest. As we move forward, we’ll learn how to sharpen our gaze to spot the curved silhouette of toucans and the fluttering of hummingbirds. Did you know these tiny creatures can flap their wings up to 80 times per second?
We’ll continue among parrots, flycatchers and, if luck is on our side, a quetzal. With every step, we’ll understand why Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet. Did you know more than 800 bird species live here? We'll also make a short stop to recharge with fruit.
At the end of the route, we’ll take in the scenery from an elevated viewpoint within the protected area of DreamTree XP.
Night Hiking (2 to 2.5 Hours)
We’ll turn on our flashlights and begin the experience at the butterfly garden, where we’ll learn about nocturnal species that are rarely seen. Did you know some butterflies activate fluorescent patterns at night?
We’ll then enter the private reserve, where we’ll look for tiny frogs, reptiles and, with a bit of luck, an armadillo crossing the path. We’ll explain how the forest changes after dark. For example, we’ll learn about the species that wake up, those that hide, those that sing to attract mates and those that vibrate to survive. We’ll also take a short break to enjoy some fruit and round off the experience.
As we move forward, we’ll realize that darkness isn’t silence, but rather a concert in harmony. We’ll finish the hike wrapped in tropical twilight, feeling like we’ve explored the most intimate and mysterious heart of La Fortuna.
Sloth Spotting (2 to 2.5 Hours)
In this option, we’ll take a route focused on sloths. We’ll set off while showing you how to recognize those gray patches of fur that blend into trunks and branches. We’ll observe their slow, almost meditative movements as they sway among leaves and nests.
They won’t be alone. We may also spot exotic birds, monkeys, plants of countless shapes and frogs that look straight out of a tropical dream. All of this with Arenal Volcano’s silhouette in the distance. To complete the experience, we’ll enjoy some fruit.
As added value, we’ll briefly visit the farm’s butterfly garden, where we’ll reveal the secrets of these ethereal creatures’ life cycle, from cocoon to the glorious moment they open their wings.
Night Amphibian Spotting (1.5 to 2 Hours)
When night covers La Fortuna’s forest with its dark cloak, we’ll head out in search of the DreamTree XP amphibian sanctuary. There, we’ll walk among tropical gardens where every leaf hides a story and every drop of moisture is key to this ecosystem. From the very first moment, using flashlights, we’ll show you diurnal and nocturnal frogs.
We’ll see everything from tiny blue and yellow dart frogs to translucent species that look like they’re made of glass. Did you know some frogs can slightly change color to regulate their temperature? We’ll also take a break to recharge with fruit.
We’ll move through the vegetation, listening to a chorus of croaks rising and falling, as if the forest were offering us a concert of subtle melodies. This sanctuary allows us to observe amphibians that would otherwise be almost impossible to find. We’ll learn about their life cycles, ecological importance and the threats they face.
Guided Visit to the Butterfly Garden (1 Hours)
Ready to enter a garden that feels like a dream? Among impossibly colorful flowers, giant leaves and warm air, we’ll watch dozens of butterflies flutter as if painting the air with every beat of their wings. The guided visit will begin by observing the full life cycle of these fascinating creatures. We’ll see microscopic eggs attached to leaves, voracious caterpillars with hypnotic patterns, pupae and finally adults spreading their newly formed wings.
We’ll explain how they feed, how they choose specific plants to lay their eggs and how they detect colors we can’t even imagine. As we move forward, we’ll discover endemic species, transparent butterflies, iridescent wings and patterns that work as camouflage or warning. Did you know some imitate poisonous species to avoid predators?
Activity Schedule
- Birdwatching: 6 am
- Night hiking: 5 pm
- Sloth spotting: 9 am
- Night amphibian spotting: 6 pm
- Guided butterfly garden visit: 1 pm
Children Under 12
Please note that children under 12 years old must be accompanied by 2 adults.