Twilight Walk, Children's Eternal Rainforest

The Monteverde Conservation League (MCL) offers a daily night hike on its trail system at Bajo del Tigre, located in Monteverde.

This is a wonderful opportunity to explore the mysteries of the nocturnal forest while learning about one of Costa Rica's most important environmental conservation projects.

Bajo del Tigre is part of the Children's Eternal Rainforest, Central America's largest private reserve, encompassing 22,500 hectares of virgin and secondary forest. The reserve is managed by the MCL, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and rehabilitation of the region's tropical biodiversity.

The trails are situated in the transition zone of the forest, traversing from pre-mountain wet to seasonal moist forest. This location and specific altitude on the Pacific slope make the area a unique habitat, distinct from other reserves in the area and home to a range of unusual flora and fauna, including thirty species of tree recently identified as new to science. The Bajo del Tigre trails are one of the best sites in the region for observing wildlife.

About the Tour

The Twilight Walk utilizes a separate system of trails within the reserve, most accessible only with a guide. The tour begins daily at 5:30 pm, just before sunset, giving visitors the chance to observe species preparing for nightfall and the activity of nocturnal species.

After meeting your guide at the reserve entrance, you will walk to the visitor center where you will hear the inspiring story of the reserve, as well as learn about the MCL and its projects. You will then be taken into the forest to explore the nighttime wonders.

All guides working with the MCL are bilingual, professionally trained and very experienced. Most are local to the region and all have extensive knowledge of Costa Rica's natural and cultural history. They are willing to answer any questions and have well-versed eyes and ears for spotting hidden forest creatures.

On the Bajo del Tigre Twilight Walk, visitors are likely to see snakes, tarantulas, beetles, fireflies, walking sticks, sleeping birds, bats, agoutis, coatimundis, frogs and owls. If you're lucky you may see a sloth, wide-eyed kinkajou, armadillo or a porcupine. You may even spot Monteverde's famous bat specialist, Richard Laval, as he goes about his research.

Of course, nothing is guaranteed, but dusk is one of the busiest times in the forest dwellers' schedule and the Twilight Walk provides the best chance to see a range of species and to experience the vastly different sights and sounds of the forest after dark.

The Twilight Walk is a great family activity. All trails are well maintained and easy to navigate, even in low light. Visitors are advised to wear long pants, covered footwear and to bring a light jacket or raincoat, as temperatures can get fairly cool at night. Flash lights are provided.

The tour leaves at 5:30 pm daily and lasts approximately two hours. Visitors should meet at the entrance to Bajo del Tigre. Transport from your hotel can be arranged.

A percentage of all proceeds from the Twilight Walk goes to support the Children's Eternal Rainforest. By participating in this tour, you are directly contributing to the protection of the forest.