To answer your question—yes, they are. Night walks are very safe.
I would not recommend walking alone in a forest in Costa Rica. It’s not something I would even recommend to a local. Night walks are safe as long as you have a professional, experienced certified guide with you—someone who not only knows the trail you’re walking on, but also the different species you might find along the way.
It’s very common to see a lot of insects, amphibians, reptiles, some mammals, and many fascinating creatures during these tours. What most people don’t know is that once the sun sets, a whole new world wakes up. And we can experience all this beautiful nature in a very professional and respectful way on one of our guided night tours.
Of course we can´t control nature but we follow safety protocols to minimize risks, a guide will give you all the recommendations you need for your safety and as long as you hear them and follow their instructions, we will have a good time amazed by the experience of the Costa Rican rainforest at night.
Some people say, “But I’m very afraid of snakes.” This is a very common fear and something I hear all the time. I don’t intend to convince you, but I would like to be completely honest about how snakes are often perceived versus how they really are.
First of all, I want to validate your feelings. It is completely normal to be afraid of something. When it comes to snakes, there are venomous and non-venomous species, and of course, a venomous snake can cause problems. However, Hollywood has added a lot of fuel to that fire with movies like Anaconda, Snakes on a Plane, and many others that make people believe snakes are extremely dangerous—when in reality, they are not.
Snakes are usually very passive and relaxed animals. They are more active at night because their main purpose is to feed. Their diet includes animals like mice, small birds, and other species of similar size. Humans are not part of their diet, and they will not attack unless they feel threatened—such as being stepped on or touched. This is exactly why having a guide is so important. The guide walks in front, scanning the trail and giving you clear instructions to follow, which is why night walks are a safe activity.
We’ve had babies, children, and seniors on these tours, and we can confidently say that anyone can enjoy them. All it takes is an open mind and curiosity to discover the secrets the night has for us. So give yourself the opportunity to experience a night walk.
Another possible safety concern is insects—ants or crawling animals. That’s why we recommend, and actually require, closed-toe shoes such as hiking boots or tennis shoes, along with long pants. This helps prevent insect bites. While an ant bite may not be dangerous, it could make the rest of the walk uncomfortable.
Night walks are usually very easy, with well-maintained trails. We focus on observing nature and discovering what comes alive after dark. It’s a wonderful activity to be present, awaken your curiosity, and see things we normally miss because we’re asleep when they are awake.
Closed toe shoes and long pants are super important for protection, let us take you on this tour and show you the beauty of the area.
Ready to explore the rainforest after dark? Join our small-group or private guided night walk with a certified guide. Check availability and we’ll tell you exactly what to wear and what you can expect to see.
