When Sandy and Doug Guenter left upstate New York for their first visit to their villa in Arenal Hills, they expected the postcard version of Costa Rica: volcano views, lush rainforest, and warm evenings under the stars.
What they didn’t expect was to spend their mornings as wildlife spotters, and their evenings as accidental photographers, capturing creatures they had only ever seen in nature documentaries.
“We were just sitting in our hot tub yesterday,” Sandy recalls with a laugh, “and I saw this animal slowly making its way across the field. At first, I thought, in New York, it would’ve been a woodchuck… but here, it was a sloth!”
That quiet, almost surreal moment, just steps away from their villa, isn’t unusual in January. It’s the heart of Costa Rica’s dry season, when Arenal Hills transforms into a front-row seat to some of the most spectacular wildlife encounters in the country.
A Day in the Life: Wildlife at Arenal Hills
The Arenal Hills property spans 600 acres, essentially doubling as a private wildlife reserve. Villas are tucked thoughtfully into the landscape, so every homeowner has a chance to witness Costa Rica’s biodiversity firsthand.
Here’s what residents often see without ever leaving the property:
- Sloths (both three-toed and two-toed) lounging or making their slow-motion treks across the canopy
- Scarlet macaws and toucans swooping through in the early morning light
- Howler and spider monkeys calling out as they swing across the forest corridors
- Blue jean poison dart frogs tucked near water features, their tiny red bodies vibrant against green leaves
- Over 200 bird species, from hummingbirds to the striking crested caracara
Doug puts it simply: “The birds here are absolutely incredible. Toucans, parrots, caracaras—we’ve seen more species in one week than we have in years of travel.”
Tips for Homeowners and Visitors!
If you’re planning a trip or settling in for your first winter in Arenal Hills, here are some simple ways to make the most of peak season:
Best viewing times:
- Dawn (6:00–8:00 AM): Sloths on the move, birds feeding
- Late afternoon (4:00–6:00 PM): Monkeys and other mammals become active again
- Evening (7:00–9:00 PM): Nocturnal species emerge
Useful gear:
- Binoculars (the concierge can provide recommendations)
- A camera with a decent zoom lens
- A Costa Rican wildlife field guide (or the iNaturalist app)
- Patience. Quiet observation often rewards you with the best encounters
More Than Wildlife: An Investment in Nature
These encounters aren’t just magical. They’re meaningful. Arenal Hills’ commitment to preserving rainforest habitats has created an environment where both wildlife and homeowners thrive.
This reputation also adds tangible value. Rental guests consistently rank wildlife encounters as their top highlight, and many return year after year during peak season to relive it. For homeowners, it means not only unforgettable memories but also strong rental potential.
The Magic at Arenal Hills
Sandy and Doug’s story isn’t unique. Dozens of homeowners in Arenal Hills could share their own version of a “sloth sighting from the hot tub” or “toucan outside the kitchen window.”
What makes January special is that these encounters feel both everyday and extraordinary. They happen naturally, woven into the rhythms of life here, reminding residents that Arenal Hills is more than a place to live. It’s a place to connect deeply with the natural world.
If you’re considering visiting or making Arenal Hills your home, there’s no better time than now to experience the magic.
“We came for the views. We stayed for the wildlife. Every day here feels like a gift.”
Sandy and Doug Guenter