Exploring the tropical rainforest is a fundamental part of life at Chachagua Rainforest Hotel. And every single morning you’re staying with us, you can join us for our daily guided tour to come face-to-face with the remarkable biodiversity within the Chachagua Rainforest Reserve.
Home to an astonishing half a million species, around 5% of the world’s total, this exclusive destination has multiple microclimates where neighboring reserves like the Children’s Eternal Rainforest, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, and the Arenal Volcano National Park converge.
This grants visitors a privileged glimpse into one of the Earth’s most biologically diverse regions. Led by knowledgeable naturalists, your adventure navigates every layer of the forest, from the dimly lit floor to the sun-drenched treetops — revealing fascinating creatures and mesmerizing plant life at every turn.
The most immediately apparent section of the rainforest is the forest floor, a habitat of light and shadow under the immense canopy overhead.
Although it receives only a fraction of the sunlight of some other parts of the forest, this layer buzzes with life. Watch your step as you might see leaf-cutter ants carrying fragments of foliage to their hidden nests. Keep your eyes peeled for tiny frogs, camouflaged lizards, and the occasional larger reptile seeking cover under rotting logs.
Decomposing leaf litter enriches the soil, acting as a nutrient factory for the entire rainforest. Here, your guide will talk about the crucial role of fungi and insects in breaking down organic matter and helping to recycle nutrients that support the rest of the forest while you keep an eye out for the roaming terrestrial life that lives here.
Ascending slightly, your guide will help you move your focus into the understory, the middle level of the rainforest. With dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy, this layer is home to shade-tolerant plants and shrubs.
Vines twist their way up tree trunks, while broad-leafed plants capture every stray beam of light. Bird enthusiasts might glimpse species like trogons or motmots perched on low branches, waiting to catch an unwary insect. Monkeys and sloths sometimes traverse this layer as they move between feeding spots.
Your guide can explain how certain flora have adapted to low-light conditions, offer a fascinating look at nature’s resourcefulness, and help you spot the life moving through the trees!
With the help of a spotting scope and a vantage point with a good view, the tour reveals the majestic canopy, arguably the rainforest’s main stage.
This “green roof” is packed with epiphytes such as orchids and bromeliads that cling to large branches, absorbing moisture from the humid air. Toucans, parrots, and other tropical birds often gather here, feasting on fruits and seeds.
If you’re lucky, you might hear the distant roar of howler monkeys echoing for miles around through the treetops.
The canopy accounts for a major portion of the forest’s biodiversity, harboring countless species that never descend to the ground. At this stage, you’ll learn about the ecological significance of the canopy, how it regulates the local climate, provides habitats, and captures carbon dioxide, and the fascinating cycles of life above the forest floor.
One of the most enlightening parts of the daily rainforest tour is learning how Chachagua Rainforest Hotel integrates conservation efforts into its operations. Your guide will detail all of the work that goes into protecting it, including local reforestation projects, sustainable farming initiatives, and responsible waste management.
Preserving an irreplaceable ecosystem is so important to us, and sharing it with our many visitors helps others leave with a renewed sense of responsibility. You’ll gain a deeper understanding that the health of the rainforest affects climate regulation, water cycles, and the livelihoods of local communities.
To make the most of your rainforest excursion, come prepared. Wear lightweight, breathable clothing, and pack a rain jacket just in case the skies decide to open up, as Costa Rica’s weather can be unpredictable. Sturdy footwear is essential for navigating the trails, which are left as untouched as possible.
Binoculars can help you spot wildlife perched high in the canopy, a small notebook is handy for jotting down interesting facts shared by your guide, and don’t forget your camera or smartphone with ample battery to capture memories of the vibrant flora and fauna you encounter!
The Daily Nature Walk at Chachagua Rainforest Hotel offers an unparalleled opportunity to see, smell, and feel the vibrancy of Costa Rica’s ecosystems. Each layer of the rainforest reveals a new facet of life, all of which are interconnected and endlessly fascinating. Whether you’re an avid birder, aspiring photographer, family looking for adventure, or simply in search of natural beauty, this guided walk will leave you enriched and inspired.
And with the forest changing daily, there’s something new to discover every time you venture out!
Book this complimentary experience through the Chachagua Rainforest Hotel front desk or concierge, and prepare to embark on a journey that captures the essence of the Chachagua Rainforest from the ground up.