500K+
Species total
900+
Bird species
250+
Mammal species
6%
World biodiversity
Costa Rica covers just 0.03% of Earth's surface but contains nearly 6% of the world's biodiversity. With over 500,000 species crammed into an area smaller than West Virginia, wildlife encounters are not just possible — they are guaranteed.
After 15 years of guiding wildlife tours, we have learned exactly where and when to find Costa Rica's most sought-after animals. This guide shares our insider knowledge so you can maximize your wildlife sightings.
Animals You Will See in Costa Rica
Three-Toed Sloth
Perezoso de tres dedos
Costa Rica's most beloved animal. These gentle creatures spend 15-20 hours a day sleeping and move so slowly that algae grows on their fur, giving them a greenish camouflage.
Where to See Them
Manuel Antonio, Caribbean coast, Arenal area
Best Time
Early morning or late afternoon when they feed
Pro Tip
Look for round shapes in cecropia trees — their favorite food source. Guides can spot them instantly.
White-Faced Capuchin Monkey
Mono carablanca
The most commonly seen monkey in Costa Rica. Highly intelligent and curious, they often approach tourists. Watch your belongings — they are known to grab bags looking for food.
Where to See Them
Manuel Antonio, Guanacaste dry forests, Arenal
Best Time
Active throughout the day, especially mornings
Pro Tip
Never feed them — it makes them aggressive and dependent on humans. Keep food in closed bags.
Howler Monkey
Mono congo
You will hear them before you see them. Their howl travels 3 miles through the forest and is one of the loudest sounds made by any land animal. Despite the fearsome sound, they are vegetarians eating leaves and fruit.
Where to See Them
Throughout Costa Rica, especially Guanacaste and Osa Peninsula
Best Time
Dawn and dusk when they vocalize most
Pro Tip
Do not stand directly under them — they sometimes drop branches on perceived threats.
Resplendent Quetzal
Quetzal resplandeciente
Considered one of the world's most beautiful birds. Males have iridescent green plumage and tail feathers up to 3 feet long. The Aztecs and Mayans considered them sacred — their feathers were worth more than gold.
Where to See Them
Monteverde Cloud Forest, San Gerardo de Dota, Los Quetzales National Park
Best Time
March to June (breeding season), early morning
Pro Tip
Hire a local guide — they know the nesting trees and can spot quetzals that visitors walk right past.
Keel-Billed Toucan
Tucan pico iris
The iconic rainbow-billed toucan is Costa Rica's most recognizable bird. Despite its large bill, it is surprisingly light — made of keratin with hollow chambers inside. They use it to reach fruit on thin branches.
Where to See Them
Arenal, Caribbean lowlands, Sarapiqui region
Best Time
Morning and late afternoon near fruiting trees
Pro Tip
Listen for their croaking call — it sounds like a frog, not what you would expect from such a colorful bird.
American Crocodile
Cocodrilo americano
American crocodiles can grow up to 16 feet long. The Tarcoles River bridge on the road to Manuel Antonio is famous for guaranteed sightings — some of the largest individuals in Costa Rica live below.
Where to See Them
Tarcoles River, Tempisque River, Tortuguero canals, Damas Island
Best Time
Midday when they bask in the sun on riverbanks
Pro Tip
Never swim in river mouths or estuaries — crocodiles are always present even if you cannot see them.
Green Sea Turtle
Tortuga verde
Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast is one of the world's most important nesting sites — the name literally means 'place of turtles.' Females return to the exact beach where they were born to lay their eggs.
Where to See Them
Tortuguero (Caribbean), Ostional, Playa Grande, Las Baulas (Pacific)
Best Time
July to October (Caribbean), September to March (Pacific)
Pro Tip
Night nesting tours must be with certified guides. Flashlights and flash photography are prohibited.
Scarlet Macaw
Lapa roja
These stunning red, yellow, and blue parrots mate for life and can live up to 75 years. Once endangered in Costa Rica due to habitat loss and poaching, conservation efforts have helped populations recover significantly.
Where to See Them
Carara National Park, Osa Peninsula, Central Pacific beaches
Best Time
Early morning when they fly to feeding areas, evening return flights
Pro Tip
Look for almond trees along beaches — macaws love the nuts and gather in large flocks to feed.
Wildlife Watching Tips From Our Guides
Always Hire a Local Guide
This is our number one tip. A trained naturalist guide will help you see 10-20 times more animals than going alone. They know the trees, the calls, the behavior patterns. Worth every dollar.
Start at Dawn
Most animals are active between 5:30-8:00 AM. If your tour starts at 9 AM, you have already missed the best wildlife activity. We start most tours at sunrise.
Bring Good Binoculars
Essential for birdwatching and spotting sloths in the canopy. 8x42 binoculars offer good magnification without being too heavy. Your guide will have a scope for distant birds.
Move Slowly and Quietly
Quick movements and loud voices scare animals away. Walk slowly, speak in whispers, and wear earth-tone colors. Patience is rewarded.
Never Feed Wildlife
Human food harms animals and makes them aggressive toward tourists. Monkeys that are fed become bold enough to steal bags and bite people. It is also illegal in national parks.
Respect Distance
Use zoom lenses for photos instead of approaching animals. Getting too close causes stress and can be dangerous. A 200-400mm lens is ideal for wildlife photography.
Best Wildlife Tours in Costa Rica
Based on our experience, these tours offer the best wildlife encounters:
- Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge: Boat safari through wetlands teeming with caimans, monkeys, sloths, and hundreds of bird species
- Tortuguero National Park: The best place in the world to see green sea turtles nesting (July-October)
- Manuel Antonio National Park: Small park with incredibly dense wildlife — you will see monkeys, sloths, and iguanas guaranteed
- Monteverde Cloud Forest: Best chance to see the resplendent quetzal, especially March-June
- Osa Peninsula: The most biodiverse place in Costa Rica with all four monkey species, scarlet macaws, and tapirs
Ready to See Costa Rica's Wildlife?
Our wildlife tours are led by certified naturalist guides who know exactly where to find the animals. Small groups only — maximum 8 people.
