Costa Rica Wildlife Challenge

Capuchin monkeys may be seen almost everywhere in Costa Rica. They are fond of wet lowland forests with high levels of humidity. You will likely witness these monkeys relaxing in Manuel Antonio National Park. The best times to watch this animal are early and late afternoon.

These animals were abundant in Costa Rica, but habitat loss and hunting led to the decline of these species. If you don’t want to miss a chance to witness these beautiful monkeys, visit Colorado National Park early in the morning. They are also spotted at Manuel Antonio Park and some other protected areas.

It is possible to witness these monkeys almost anywhere in Costa Rica. Plan a trip to national parks like ‘Colorado National Park’ if you don’t want to miss the chance. Deep howling sounds make it easy to spot them while they’re chilling in the trees — so keep your cameras ready. However, they don’t like higher altitudes.

Costa Rica is famous for housing smiling sloths, but you might pass right through them as they’ve mastered the art of camouflage. It is easier to spot this species in comparison to other sloths. The guides at most national parks would help you witness these animals with the help of binoculars and experience. The dry tropical forest makes it almost impossible to see them in Guanacaste.

You’ll have to plan appropriately to see these nocturnal creatures even in the national parks of Costa Rica. Manuel Antonio, Corcovado, Monteverde, and Tirimbina are all excellent places for spotting sloths. Remember to bring binoculars or torches during night tours. The two Costa Rica sloth species differ in coloration; the two-toed sloth is more beige to brown, while the three-toed sloth is grayer. I know it’s a bit confusing given that another name for a three-toed sloth is “BROWN,” but tourists & locals just regard it as a “three-toed sloth.”

Many gardens in Costa Rica have dedicated hummingbird feeders, which increases the chance of spotting these fluttering birds. This species is most commonly spotted among all other hummingbirds in Costa Rica. You might spot them in the dry (Dec-April) and rainy seasons (May-Nov), but later, increase the chance. They are predominantly abundant at lower elevations and coffee fields — if there are flowers.

The forests in the Pacific side of Costa Rica are home to the biggest of 6 touch species that occur in Costa Rica, especially active during the severe dry season. Moreover, the woods with high water tables are more favorable as they’re the residents of humid lowland forested areas.

The population of these macaws has thrived in Carara and Corcovado National Parks in Costa Rica. You could spot healthy flocks along the entire length of the Pacific Coast. They roost in deep forests at sunset and fly inland soon after sunrise, so the best time to watch them would be early morning or late afternoon.

Many national parks in Costa Rica are home to this species, including Barra Honda National Park, Carara National Park, Tenorio Volcano National Park, and Corcovado National Park. They are seen in dry forests, rainforests, and cloud forests throughout Costa Rica. The rainy season and increased food availability increase your chance of witnessing these animals.

This species is easily seen throughout the lowlands or tropical rainy and dry forest rivers of Costa Rica. Also, hundreds of American crocodiles enjoy resting in Tortuguero natural canals. Plan an afternoon trip to Tarcoles River Bridge to spot them basking in the muddy river banks.