The Ultimate Guide to Wildlife in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the best wildlife destinations in the world and there’s nothing quite like experiencing it first-hand; imagine the call of monkeys as they swing through the jungle, witness unique birds among the treetops with their colourful plumages and encounter relaxed sloths hanging from branches.

This vibrant Central American nation is renowned for its incredible wildlife and national parks, and the impressive efforts made by the government to protect its biodiversity. Despite its small size, Costa Rica is estimated to hold somewhere around 5% of the world’s terrestrial species, nearly 1,000 species of birds and a rich marine life.

View our Costa Rica suggested tours, all of which incorporate wildlife experiences

Sloths

Sloths are probably the most iconic of Costa Rica’s species, with both two and three-toed species present. They can be difficult to spot at times, as they move so slowly and are often well camouflaged high in the trees, but a good guide knows exactly where to look for them and once spotted they are easy to follow with your camera or binoculars and are truly an unforgettable sight.

Sloths can be found throughout much of Costa Rica, but some areas offer particularly reliable sightings. The rainforest around Arenal Volcano is one of the best places to spot both two-toed and three-toed sloths, often seen resting high in Cecropia trees. The Caribbean lowlands, including Tortuguero National Park and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, are also excellent, with sloths commonly encountered along forest edges and waterways. Further south, Manuel Antonio National Park is a great option and even offers a dedicated sloth trail.

Monkeys

Costa Rica is home to four species of monkey, all of which can be seen in the country's forests and national parks. The most common is the mantled howler monkey, famous for its deep, roaring calls that can be heard for several kilometres through the rainforest. White-faced capuchin monkeys are highly intelligent and curious, often seen foraging in groups around Manuel Antonio and other coastal forests. The agile Geoffroy's spider monkey is typically found in larger tracts of primary rainforest, particularly on the Osa Peninsula and in Corcovado National Park and the smallest species is the Central American squirrel monkey, which lives only in the Pacific south of the country.

It is very likely you will encounter at least one species of monkey during a tailor-made tour to Costa Rica and there is something magical witnessing these lovely creatures hanging by their tails, foraging fruit and nuts and playfully calling out to one another. Corcovado National Park is the only place where you can see all four of Costa Rica’s native monkey species.

Big Cats

Costa Rica is home to six species of wild cat, although most are rarely seen due to their elusive and predominantly nocturnal behaviour. The largest is the jaguar, followed by the puma, both of which roam remote forests such as those of Corcovado National Park and Tortuguero National Park. Smaller species include the ocelot, margay, jaguarundi and oncilla (little spotted cat).

While it is possible to see wild cats in Costa Rica, sightings are exceptionally rare. Jaguars in particular are highly secretive, and most visitors only encounter them through camera trap images or tracks left on remote beaches and forest trails. Pumas are occasionally spotted in wilderness areas, while ocelots are the species most likely to be seen, especially on guided night walks in private reserves. For most travellers, the excitement comes from knowing these remarkable predators inhabit the forests rather than expecting a direct encounter. Nevertheless, Costa Rica remains one of the best places in Central America to visit habitats that support healthy populations of these magnificent cats.

Coatis

White-nosed coatis are among the most commonly seen mammals in Costa Rica and are often a highlight for visitors exploring the country's national parks. Closely related to raccoons, coatis have long, flexible snouts and distinctive ringed tails, which they frequently hold upright as they move through the forest. Coati’s also share raccoons’ mischievous nature and are often seen sniffing around the forest floor or climbing trees.

They are highly adaptable and can be found in a wide range of habitats, from dry forests and rainforests to coastal areas. Some of the best places to see coatis include Manuel Antonio National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest and Corcovado National Park. Unlike many rainforest mammals, coatis are active during the day and are often seen in family groups known as bands, sometimes numbering more than 20 individuals. Their curious nature and lively behaviour make them one of Costa Rica's most entertaining wildlife encounters.

Reptiles and Insects

Costa Rica is home to a remarkable variety of tree frogs, with more than 30 species found across its rainforests, cloud forests and wetlands. The most famous is the red-eyed tree frog, renowned for its vivid green body, bright red eyes and orange feet, making it one of the country's most iconic wildlife species. Tree frogs are most active at night, particularly during the rainy season from May to November, when their calls fill the forest and breeding activity peaks. Some of the best places to see them include Tortuguero National Park, Arenal, the Osa Peninsula and the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Guided night walks offer the greatest chance of spotting these colourful amphibians.

Costa Rica is rich in other reptiles and insects too, from colourful iguanas and basilisk lizards to spectacled caiman, turtles and harmless snakes. The country is also famous for its dazzling butterflies, including the brilliant blue morpho, often seen fluttering through rainforest clearings with its iridescent wings.

Experience Costa Rica’s iconic wildlife and biodiversity on our two-week wildlife tour that combines pristine national parks and reserves, remote peninsulas and enchanting lodges.

Costa Rica is also known for its abundant birdlife where its diverse ecosystems boast almost 1,000 different species of bird. The most sought-after bird is the spectacular resplendent quetzal where its iridescent emerald green plumage, crimson breast and long flowing tail lives up to its name. Whilst it can be found throughout Central America, Costa Rica is one of the best places to see this spectacular bird with the best chances in Monteverde Cloud Forest and Los Quetzales National Park.

Costa Rica also boasts more than 50 species of colourful hummingbird, all of which are a delight to watch and photograph, six different species of toucan including the keel-billed toucan and yellow-throated toucan, and seventeen species of macaw with the most iconic being the scarlet macaw known for their striking red plumage. Other notable species found in Costa Rica include tanager, motmot, caracara, falcon, heron, eagle and hawk.

Our 16-day birdwatching tour of Costa Rica explores the country’s diverse ecosystems from rainforest, cloud forest and grassland to coastal reserves, wetlands and mountains, and stays in seven unique lodges all offering excellent birding opportunities.

Costa Rica is one of the best wildlife destinations in the world, with excellent sightings possible throughout the year. However, the dry season from December to April is often considered the best time for general wildlife viewing, as animals are easier to spot around water sources and trails are more accessible. The green season from May to November brings lush landscapes, fewer visitors and excellent opportunities to see migratory birds, amphibians and nesting sea turtles. Different species are active at different times of year, so the ideal time to visit will depend on the wildlife you hope to see. Fortunately, on a tailor-made holiday, it is possible to plan your itinerary around seasonal wildlife highlights across the country.