Ecocentro Danaus
A vibrant biological reserve near La Fortuna, offering sanctuary to diverse wildlife and a deep dive into conservation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See nocturnal animals come alive
Ecocentro Danaus
Best Time
See nocturnal animals come alive
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant biological reserve near La Fortuna, offering sanctuary to diverse wildlife and a deep dive into conservation.
"The night tour is a must-do, offering a magical glimpse into the rainforest's nocturnal world."
🎯 Book Night Tour Early
Highly recommended! Spots fill up fast. :ticket:
🥾 Wear Closed-Toe Shoes
Essential for night tours to protect your feet. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Night Wildlife Tour
Discover nocturnal creatures like sloths, frogs, and sleeping butterflies with expert guides. A truly magical experience!
Diverse Flora and Fauna
Explore a living classroom with abundant birds, butterflies, reptiles, and unique plants.
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Conservation and Education Focus
Learn about regeneration and sustainable tourism at this preserve, a labor of love for conservation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Night Tour in Advance
Daytime Visit for a Different Perspective
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Night Tour Early
Highly recommended! Spots fill up fast. +1 :ticket:
🥾 Wear Closed-Toe Shoes
Essential for night tours to protect your feet. :athletic_shoe:
🦟 Bring Bug Spray
Especially important for the evening and night tours. :bug:
📸 Ask for Elias!
An exceptional guide for photography and wildlife spotting. :camera:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Night Tour Early
Highly recommended! Spots fill up fast. +1 :ticket:
🥾 Wear Closed-Toe Shoes
Essential for night tours to protect your feet. :athletic_shoe:
🦟 Bring Bug Spray
Especially important for the evening and night tours. :bug:
📸 Ask for Elias!
An exceptional guide for photography and wildlife spotting. :camera:
🌿 Free Day Pass After Night Tour
Your night tour ticket often includes free entry the next day. :sun:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ecocentro Danaus is highly praised for its incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, especially during the popular night tours. Visitors rave about the knowledgeable and passionate guides who enhance the experience with their expertise and photography skills. While the daytime visit is also enjoyable, the night tour is frequently cited as a highlight, offering a magical glimpse into the rainforest's nocturnal life. +2
"Highly recommend the night tour!
Melvin was absolutely amazing—patient, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about the wildlife. Even in the off-season, we spotted so many creatures: amphibians, sloths, a kinkajou, sleeping butterflies (so much easier to see at night!), and even some incredible spiders.
I also visited the facility during the day which was great too, though I was a bit distracted by hunger and rushed through it.
If you get the chance, don’t miss the night tour—it’s such a unique experience!"
Monica Schulz
"This tour was amazing. Melvin was an excellent guide. He was able to spot wildlife and plants of interest quickly. His knowledge of all we saw was encyclopedic. The facility as a preserve is well laid out. This is a "must-see" if you are in the area. Thank you."
Bill Satterlee Red Cross
"Wow. What can I say??
Ecocentro Danaus is an incredible private preserve, more than 50 years in the making — a true labor of love for conservation and education. It’s not just a walk through nature, it’s a living classroom where every step reveals something extraordinary.
We had the privilege of exploring with Elias Peña, an exceptional guide whose deep knowledge of birding, wildlife, and native plants is matched only by his kindness and enthusiasm. What sets Elias apart is his remarkable gift for photography — his awareness of light, movement, and composition is phenomenal, and he shares tips generously with photographers of all levels. His ability to anticipate behavior in the birds and wildlife made the experience even more special.
The variety of birds, plants, and flowers here is breathtaking. In just one visit, we observed:
• Black-cheeked Woodpecker launching from a branch in full flight
• Broad-billed Motmot, perched regally with its signature racket tail
• Spectacled Owl, wide-eyed and unforgettable
• Collared Aracari, colorful and mischievous with its oversized bill
• Green Basilisk Lizard, the famous “Jesus Christ Lizard” known for running on water
• Boat-billed Heron, poised dramatically over mirrored waters
• Torch Ginger, glowing like jungle fire in bloom
• Green Honeycreeper (female), caught mid-flight with a flash of yellow wings
And that’s just the beginning — everywhere you look, there is life and beauty waiting to be discovered.
This was a five-star experience from start to finish (and Elias is worth 11 stars). If you are in La Fortuna, I cannot recommend Ecocentro Danaus highly enough. Whether you are a birder, photographer, nature lover, or simply curious, you’ll leave inspired and deeply grateful for places like this that protect and celebrate Costa Rica’s natural wonders.
Ask for Elias… he’s amazing."
Patrick Grady
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ecocentro Danaus is located near La Fortuna de San Carlos. You can reach it by taxi, rental car, or potentially local bus services. Many visitors combine a visit with other attractions in the La Fortuna area. +1
Yes, there is ample parking available at Ecocentro Danaus, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car.
For exploring nature reserves like Ecocentro Danaus and other attractions around La Fortuna, renting a car offers the most flexibility. Taxis are also readily available, and some tours may offer transportation. +1
Yes, there are several viewpoints on the road to La Fortuna, including some offering views of the Arenal Volcano and surrounding landscapes.
Absolutely! Ecocentro Danaus is a great addition to a La Fortuna itinerary, fitting well with visits to the Arenal Volcano, hot springs, or waterfalls.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ecocentro Danaus is typically open daily, with specific hours for day and night tours. It's best to check their official social media or website for the most current operating times.
Admission fees vary for day and night tours. The night tour is particularly popular and highly recommended. Prices are comparable to other night tours in the area.
While not always mandatory for daytime visits, booking the popular night tour in advance is strongly advised to secure your spot and ensure a guide. +1
Yes, often your night tour ticket includes free entry to visit the park again during the day.
Admission typically grants access to explore the reserve. Guided tours, especially the night tour, are highly recommended and may have separate fees or be included in specific packages.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
You can see a wide variety of wildlife, including sloths, frogs, lizards, snakes, caymans, toucans, various birds, butterflies, and insects. The night tour offers a chance to see nocturnal species. +1
Yes, guided tours are highly recommended, especially the night tour. Guides like Melvin, Paz, and Elias are known for their extensive knowledge and ability to spot wildlife. +2
The night tour typically lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, covering a short trail at a slow pace to allow for wildlife spotting. Daytime guided walks are also available.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic spot for nature photography. Guides like Elias are particularly skilled at helping photographers capture amazing shots.
For daytime visits, comfortable walking clothes and shoes are recommended. For night tours, long pants and closed-toe shoes are essential, and bug spray is a must.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, Ecocentro Danaus is an excellent location for birdwatching, with a diverse range of species present. Guides can help you spot them.
Yes, visitors are encouraged to bring their cameras. The reserve is a photographer's paradise, especially with knowledgeable guides who can assist.
While not always explicitly advertised as 'photography tours,' guides like Elias are highly skilled and can tailor the experience for photographers, offering tips on light and composition.
You'll have opportunities to photograph sloths, various colorful birds like toucans and motmots, frogs, lizards, and butterflies. The night tour also offers unique subjects.
Both day and night offer unique photographic opportunities. Early morning and late afternoon can provide softer light for daytime shots, while the night tour reveals a different world. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
During the day, kids can marvel at the butterflies, frogs, and birds. The trails are generally easy to navigate, making it accessible for younger children. Consider bringing snacks and drinks, and ensure everyone is prepared for potential insects, especially for evening visits. The chance to see sloths and other fascinating creatures up close is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
📸 Photographers
Guides like Elias Peñá are invaluable for photographers, possessing an uncanny ability to spot wildlife and understand their behavior. They can also offer tips on composition and lighting, helping you capture truly memorable images. The night tour presents a unique challenge and reward for photographers seeking to document nocturnal species.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Eco-Tourists
+1The guided tours provide in-depth insights into the local flora and fauna, as well as the conservation work being done. It's an opportunity to learn from passionate experts and contribute to a place that actively preserves the environment. The reserve's commitment to recycling and eco-friendly practices further enhances its appeal to conscious travelers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of the Night Tour
Guides like Melvin and Paz are praised for their patience, extensive knowledge, and passion for the wildlife. They expertly navigate the trails, pointing out creatures you might otherwise miss. The tour is about 1.5 to 2 hours long, covering a relatively short distance but at a pace that allows for thorough observation and learning.
It's crucial to be prepared for the night tour. Wearing long pants and closed-toe shoes is essential for protection against insects and the terrain. Ample bug spray is also a necessity. The experience is often described as magical and unforgettable, offering a unique perspective on the rainforest ecosystem.
Conservation and Community at Ecocentro Danaus
The organization actively engages in recycling and creative reuse, transforming waste materials into art. This commitment to sustainability extends to their operations, making it an exemplary model for eco-friendly tourism. Visitors often express gratitude for places like Ecocentro Danaus that actively protect and celebrate Costa Rica's natural wonders.
Ecocentro Danaus also relies on and welcomes volunteers, further strengthening its community ties and conservation efforts. This collaborative approach ensures the long-term preservation of the reserve and its inhabitants, offering a deeply inspiring experience for visitors.
Photography Opportunities
With Elias or other knowledgeable guides, you can anticipate capturing stunning shots of species like the Black-cheeked Woodpecker in flight, the Broad-billed Motmot, Spectacled Owls, Collared Aracaris, and even the 'Jesus Christ Lizard' (Green Basilisk) running on water. The reserve's well-maintained trails and Elias's ability to anticipate animal behavior create ideal conditions for capturing remarkable wildlife images.
Whether you're a seasoned professional or an amateur enthusiast, the photographic potential at Ecocentro Danaus is immense. The combination of abundant wildlife, a dedicated conservation space, and expert guidance makes it a prime location for capturing the essence of Costa Rica's biodiversity.
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