Tortuga Lodge
Discover the magical twilight hours of the rainforest on this two-hour walk through Tortuga Lodge’s private 26-hectare nature reserve. Join your fellow guests and the local naturalist guide at the front desk to be fitted with rubber boots and receive a rain poncho and flashlight. Be sure to dress accordingly for the jungle elements. We recommend long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and a good dose of insect repellent from head to toe (the mosquitos are abundant). It is fairly common to see snakes during the twilight tour. These generally shy creatures shouldn’t pose any threat as long as you stay on the trail and wear the allotted rubber boots and suggested clothing.
Upon entering the coastal rainforest, you will have the rare opportunity to witness the twilight bedding-down rituals of several types of animals in Costa Rica, as well as the first stirrings of dozens of nocturnal species whose days begin when nighttime descends. Your knowledgeable guide will reveal several of the forest’s treasures – rare species unique to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica that are otherwise hidden to the untrained eye. It’s common to see several species of reptiles, including the Strawberry Poison Dart Frog or troupes of Howler monkeys preparing their treetop nests. Many local birds will be settling into their favorite roosts accompanied by bouts of squawking and wing flapping as each chooses the night’s particular branch. Once darkness has settled over the forest, close your eyes and listen to the mystical music of a tropical rainforest symphony. Return to the lodge by 7 p.m. with plenty of time to bathe before dinner.
• Company: operated by Tortuga Lodge
• Min pax: 2 guests
• Minimum age: 7 years old
• Duration: approximately 2 hours
• Schedule: at 5:30 p.m.
• Difficulty: easy
• Includes: Bilingual naturalist guide, flashlight, and rain poncho.
• What to bring: Rubber boots, tennis or hiking shoes, a long-sleeved shirt and pants (recommended), and mosquito repellent.