Spotting a sloth hanging from a branch or hearing a howler monkey roar at dawn are moments many travelers remember forever. Costa Rica packs enormous wildlife diversity into a small territory, which makes it possible to see very different species on a single trip. This guide tells you where to look and how to improve your odds.
Sloths
Costa Rica is home to two species: the two-toed sloth, more active at night, and the three-toed sloth, often seen during the day and known for an expression that looks like a smile. They spend most of their time high in the trees and move very slowly to save energy, coming down to the ground roughly once a week.
- Where to see them: Manuel Antonio, La Fortuna, the South Caribbean and Tortuguero.
- Tip: their fur blends into the branches, so a guide with a spotting scope is almost essential.
Monkeys
The country is home to four monkey species, each with its own personality.
- Howler monkey: its powerful call carries for miles. Common in Guanacaste and across much of the country.
- White-faced capuchin: clever and curious, frequently seen in Manuel Antonio and along the Pacific.
- Squirrel monkey: small and nimble, found only in the Central and South Pacific, especially Manuel Antonio and the Osa Peninsula.
- Spider monkey: long-limbed and acrobatic, harder to find; it lives in well-preserved forests such as Corcovado.
Never feed monkeys: it disrupts their diet and behavior and can make them aggressive.
Resplendent quetzal
Considered by many one of the most beautiful birds in the Americas, the male quetzal displays iridescent green plumage, a deep red breast and long tail streamers. It lives in highland forests and feeds largely on fruits from the avocado family.
- Where to see it: Monteverde and San Gerardo de Dota.
- Best time: February through May, during nesting season.
- Tip: head out early with a specialized guide who knows the trees where it feeds.
Toucans
With their colorful bills, toucans are a symbol of the tropics. Costa Rica’s standouts include the keel-billed toucan, with its rainbow bill, and the yellow-throated toucan, the country’s largest. The collared aracari is also common, and in the highlands you may see the emerald toucanet.
- Where to see them: La Fortuna, the Caribbean, the Central and South Pacific, and Monteverde for the emerald toucanet.
- Tip: they are often spotted early in the morning in fruiting trees and in many hotel gardens.
Sea turtles
Costa Rica is one of the world’s most important sea turtle nesting areas.
- Green turtle: nests in Tortuguero, roughly from July to October.
- Leatherback: the largest turtle on Earth; nests on the Caribbean coast around March to May and on the North Pacific at Playa Grande, roughly from October to March.
- Olive ridley: famous for the spectacular mass nestings, or arribadas, at Ostional, most active in the second half of the year.
- Hawksbill: rarer, found around reefs and on some Caribbean beaches.
Nesting should only be observed with authorized guides, without regular flashlights or flash photography, and following each beach’s rules.
Other animals you might see
- Scarlet macaws in Carara and on the Osa Peninsula.
- Red-eyed tree frogs and colorful poison dart frogs on night walks.
- Coatis, sloths and armadillos in forests and gardens.
- Humpback whales and dolphins in the South Pacific.
- Crocodiles in the Tárcoles River.
How to watch wildlife responsibly
- Hire certified naturalist guides.
- Always keep a safe distance and never touch the animals.
- Do not use flash or make noise to attract their attention.
- Avoid places that let you handle wild animals for photos.
- Respect national park hours and rules.
Our recommendation
The early morning hours are the best time for wildlife watching. Schedule your tours early, combine different ecosystems and travel with an expert guide. We can arrange private nature tours in every destination and coordinate your transfers so you arrive just when the animals are most active.
