Have you ever wondered what happens in the forest at night? Monteverde, Costa Rica, is home to one of the most unique night tours on earth, where the jungle becomes a realm of nocturnal creatures. If you're looking for an experience of a lifetime, the Night Tour at Finca Lantana is an absolute must do adventure! If you don’t like Night tours, Finca Lantana also offers bird watching tours, a natural history tour, and a newly integrated day tour for you to explore the beauties of Monteverde.
Monteverde cloud forest is renowned worldwide for its biodiversity, but it's real magic begins after dark. The majority of the forest dwellers, including frogs, bats, and nocturnal mammals, are active only at night. Darkness sets in a completely new world where glowing fungi, stealthy predators, and timid animals take center stage.
A guided night tour is not a only walk in the dark, it's a sensory adventure. The stillness of the forest is pierced by the symphonic croak of frogs, the distant hoot of an owl, and the rustling of leaves as hidden creatures flee. Flashlights cast a glow on sparkling spiderwebs and tiny glowing lights flicker on and off thanks to the fireflies. For nature lover's it’s an awesome experience. As a solo traveler, you can see many different creatures that lurk in the night.
Finca Lantana is a newly established conservation area in Monteverde. This former cattle farm has been transformed into a biological corridor to preserve and restore native cloud forest ecosystems. This private refuge protects native flora and fauna and allows guests to explore its winding trails sustainably. With their aim to preserve, they have managed to plant 800 trees annually, build ponds where frogs can breed, and dig small wells for animals to get clean water to drink. They also support a project called Bandera Azul that promotes nature and tourism in Costa Rica by keeping the country clean. What they do to help with Bandera Azul is to purify the river that passes through Monteverde which has been contaminated many years ago.
What differentiates Finca Lantana is the fact that it's a conservation oriented place. By doing a tour there, you directly support reforestation, scientific research, and environmental education locally. Finca Lantana is managed with great respect for nature, and visitors can get an authentic, low impact experience while enjoying the biodiversity of Monteverde.
The night walk is led by experienced naturalist guides who know exactly where to look for wildlife. They spot animals that most visitors would never encounter alone with flashlights and years of experience. The guides also offer insightful commentary on the behavior and adaptations of Monteverde's nighttime creatures.
Frogs & Amphibians – Monteverde is home to incredible creatures like the red eyed tree frog and glass frogs that are see through. Their distinctive calls echo through the forest.
Bioluminescent Insects & Glowing Fungi – Tiny fireflies sparkle in the darkness, and certain fungi emit an otherworldly light, like a fairy tale unfolding.
Mammals – Look out for tree dwelling animals like kinkajous, armadillos, and even sloths sleeping with tucked up claws high in the tree tops.
Owls & Nocturnal Birds – Monteverde skies echo with the calls of spectacled owls, nightjars, and other skilled nocturnal hunters.
There are incredible ways that many animals have adapted to survive in the dark, frogs communicate with each other in chirps and trills, bats use echolocation to hunt insects, and spiders patiently wait in nearly invisible webs for prey to ensnare.
This is more than just a wild life sighting excursion, an adventure to understand the unique role that each and every one of them serves within this fragile ecosystem. Every encounter adds a new layer of admiration for the forest's harmony.
Monteverde is a dream destination for birdwatchers. Over 400 bird species call this region home, making it one of the best places in Costa Rica for birdwatching. Whether you’re an experienced birder or a beginner, the bird watching tour in Finca Lantana provides an extraordinary opportunity to see some of the world’s most breathtaking birds.
The Resplendent Quetzal – One of the most sought after birds in the world, known for its striking green and red hues. Seeing one in the wild is an experience not to be missed. They are perfect to look for when Costa Rica is in dry season since they become more active then.
Colorful Toucans – Including the chestnut mandibled toucan and emerald toucanet, both of which are frequently spotted in the area.
Hummingbirds & Tanagers – Get close to these fast paced, shining birds with guests as they flit from flower to flower in the high energy action that keeps everyone guessing.
Monteverde’s Expert Guides – Learn about bird migration, nesting habits, and conservation efforts while observing these stunning species up close. These guides will help you find more birds hidden in the trees of Finca Lantana.
For those looking to explore Finca Lantana during the day, a new self guided tour is now open daily from 8 AM to 4 PM. This immersive walk allows visitors to experience Monteverde’s incredible scenery without any restrictions! You can walk any of the trails you want to inside of Finca Lantana. The tour offers a unique opportunity to learn about the region’s diverse ecosystems.
Frog Ponds – Specially built by Finca Lantana to support local amphibian populations, these ponds are a great spot to observe frogs in their natural habitat.
Stunning Landscapes – Enjoy breathtaking views of Monteverde’s rolling hills, lush forests, and the serene beauty of the cloud forest.
Daytime Wildlife – Encounter a variety of butterflies, reptiles, and mammals that are active during daylight hours.
Beautiful Flowers – Marvel at Monteverde’s vibrant flora, including rare orchids and other tropical blooms that thrive in this unique climate.
Sendero de la Mano - Built many years ago by the owners of Monteverde there is a hand by taking a beautiful walk through Finca Lantana's beautiful trails. This Hand covered in bushes and plants completely blends in with nature making it beautiful and a sight to never forget.
The Natural History Forest Walk at Finca Lantana is a guided three hour trek through 1 to 4 km of beautiful cloud forest trails. Blending primary and secondary forests, the walk offers a dynamic experience of Monteverde’s rich biodiversity.
Led by seasoned guides, tourists explore through giant strangler figs, delicate bromeliads, and vibrant wildlife like birds and monkeys and discover the intricate symbiotic relationships of the forest. This hands on tour also addresses Finca Lantana's conservation activities, allowing participants to appreciate nature more while helping conserve ecosystems. Suitable for nature lovers, it's an informative and inspiring experience.
Finca Lantana also prioritizes the preservation of the environment, giving guests a chance to become educated on ecotourism, reforestation, and the conservation of biodiversity. The finca partners with local scientists, conservationists, and schools in an attempt to enhance the understanding of Monteverde's special ecosystems in an open ended project. As mentioned before they also help with a project called Bandera Azul for the good of the country.
Finca Lantana's best kept secret is the breathtaking view of the Gulf of Nicoya. At the top of the day trail you can take nice photos of the Gulf of Nicoya. Photographers and nature lovers will appreciate the views of the sparkling waters, which make an excellent background for nice photos. Whether you're taking pictures of the fog covering the mountains or the lush vegetation against the deep blue sea, this spot is a nice place to stop for any visitor.
From Santa Elena Center – A short 5 minute drive through the scenic city of Santa Elena.
From San José – A scenic 3.5 to 4 hour drive through rolling mountains and lush countryside.
From La Fortuna (Arenal) – Approximately 3 hours via a combination of paved and gravel roads.
From Tamarindo or Guanacaste – Around 3.5 to 4 hours through some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful landscapes.
For more specific coordinates, you can use either Waze or Google Maps to guide you to Finca Lantana once you are near the area.
Visitors love talking about the incredible experiences at Finca Lantana. Here’s what some of them had to say:
“As a first time tourist in Monteverde, Finca Lantana was one of the best tours I had. From the stunning views to the many different animals and plants I saw, this was one of the best experiences and their conservation projects were amazing since they are helping the nature of monteverde.” – Antonio A.
"The night tour at Finca Lantana was absolutely mesmerizing! We saw glowing fungi, colorful frogs, and even a kinkajou! The guides were fantastic and so knowledgeable." – Emily R.
"Birdwatching here was beyond expectations. Seeing a quetzal in the wild was a dream come true!" – James M.
Monteverde's cloud forest is an enchanted realm, where nature exists in its most natural form. Whether you prefer the thrill of a night tour, when nocturnal wildlife stirs to life in the forest, or a leisurely day walk, when sunlight filters through towering trees and multicolored birds pass overhead, Finca Lantana offers something for all tastes. Each tour offers a sense of being at one with nature, the opportunity to see incredible biodiversity, and the ability to contribute to valuable conservation work.
Whatever your choice, Finca Lantana assures you of an experience that would motivate and leave you in awe of Monteverde's wonders. In case you wish to learn more on the tours visit our page with a brief overview of Finca Lantana and their tours.