The Mariolas Sloth Trail is a family-run private reserve on the outskirts of La Fortuna that has quietly become one of the most productive sloth-viewing spots in the Arenal region — a quieter, less crowded alternative to the more famous trails and a favorite for photographers and small groups. The property protects roughly 6 hectares of secondary rainforest and old cacao/citrus edges, exactly the kind of mixed canopy that Brown-throated Three-toed Sloths (Bradypus variegatus) and Hoffmann's Two-toed Sloths (Choloepus hoffmanni) prefer. Trails are flat, well-maintained, about 1.2 km in a loop, and the tour runs 2 hours at a slow pace. Your naturalist guide checks the current-day sloth locations with the property staff before starting, so encounters are consistent — most tours see 2–5 sloths on a single walk, often at closer eye-level heights (4–7 m) than at busier reserves. Beyond sloths, expect Keel-billed Toucans, Collared Aracaris, Chestnut-headed Oropendolas, Passerini's Tanagers, Rufous-tailed Hummingbirds, Great Kiskadees, Long-tailed Manakins in season, and White-nosed Coatis and Central American Agoutis on the ground. The site is excellent for macro and telephoto work because light gaps are open and the trail edges give clean backgrounds. Park entrance and bilingual naturalist guide are included. Transport is not included — we quote it separately by hotel and zone. Pair it with Bogarín Trail for a double-sloth day, or with the Safari Float in the afternoon for a full wildlife itinerary.
