Costa Rica is a small nation in Central America, however it’s residence to an extremely various vary of wildlife. In truth, it has been estimated that Costa Rica comprises round 6% of the world’s biodiversity, regardless of overlaying solely 0.03% of the planet’s floor space. This makes it one of many high locations on the planet for nature lovers and wildlife lovers.
Wildlife viewing is likely one of the largest attracts for guests coming to Costa Rica. With its many nationwide parks, reserves, and guarded areas, Costa Rica provides ample alternatives to see all kinds of animals of their pure habitats.
Through the years, we’ve spent a variety of time in Costa Rica, visiting lots of its nationwide parks, rainforests and jungles. We’ve been fortunate to identify lots of unique Costa Rica animals on our travesl, so listed here are a few of our favourites!
1. Mantled Howler Monkey
Howler Monkeys are native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America and are one of many best animals in Costa Rica to identify in your trip. They’re well-known for his or her loud howl (therefore the title howler) that may be heard for miles. Mantled Howler Monkies sometimes stay in teams of 10-30, so when you spot one, it is vitally possible that there are extra round.
They spend nearly all of their days resting and sleeping and appear to be most lively in early evenings. Don’t fear about protecting an eye fixed out for these guys, you’ll hear them earlier than you see them. They’re most prevalent in rural areas with a lot of timber and vegetation.
Mantled Howler Monkey, Costa Rica
2. White-Headed Capuchin Monkey
You received’t discover capuchin monkeys of their true habitat wherever however in Central America. This Costa Rican animal is very smart and is fairly versatile, dwelling in several sorts of forests and consuming all types of meals. These monkeys typically hand around in teams of 20-40 and have a tendency to stay an extended lifetime of over 54 years previous.
These are rarer than the howler monkeys, however nonetheless simply noticed in areas like Manuel Antonio, Monteverde and different reserves and nationwide parks.
White-Headed Capuchin Monkey descended from the timber to seize a bit of deal with
3. Squirrel Monkey
Squirrel monkeys are one of many smallest species of monkeys in Costa Rica, however they’re additionally one of the agile and lively. These tiny primates are simply recognizable by their darkish fur and white faces, and they’re recognized for his or her playful and social conduct.
These monkeys will be present in varied areas of Costa Rica, together with the Osa Peninsula, Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park, and the Monteverde.
Squirrel monkeys are social animals and sometimes stay in teams of as much as 30 people. They convey with a spread of vocalizations and physique language, and they’re recognized for his or her acrobatic abilities and skill to maneuver rapidly by means of the timber.
Whereas the squirrel monkey isn’t thought-about endangered,it’s threatened by habitat loss and the unlawful pet commerce. It’s essential to watch them from a distance and never feed them, as this will disrupt their pure behaviors and result in well being issues.
Squirrel Monkey in Manuel Antonio Park
Squirrel Monkey in Corcovado Nationwide Park
4. Sloths
Referred to as the nationwide animal of Costa Rica, these tree-living mammals are native to South and Central America. Those in Costa Rica are available in 2 varieties: the two-toed sloths and three-toed sloths.
They spend nearly all of their days hanging the wrong way up, asleep for 16 to 18 hours every day. They will’t stroll, so in case you are hoping to identify one whereas in Costa Rica be certain that to search for excessive within the jungle cover.
Two-toed sloths
In the event you see two-toed sloths in Costa Rica, they’re going to be Hoffmann’s two-toed sloths. They’re sturdy and shaggy and, after all, extremely gradual. Their title truly solely applies to their entrance limbs, as they’ve three toes on their again limbs. They’re largely nocturnal, and so they can stay into their 40s.
Three-toed sloths
The three-toed sloth is a bit smaller and a bit slower, when you can imagine that. In the event you see a three-toed sloth in Costa Rica, then it’s going to be a brown-throated sloth. They’re lively throughout the day or at night time, however they do sleep for about 18 hours a day. They have an inclination to stay to be between 30 and 40 years previous.
A two-toed sloth hanging in a tree close to Santa Elena city in Monteverde Cloud Forest Area, Costa Rica
5. Pizote
The pizote is a member of the raccoon household and even though it doesn’t seem like your typical North American raccoon, it actually possesses a variety of the identical behavioural qualities. Pizotes vary between 30 and 70cm in size however weigh solely about 2-8kgs.
Regardless of their small body, they’ve robust jaws and sharp tooth and, identical to their North American cousin, can typically be discovered digging for meals in rubbish bins.
Exterior of Costa Rica, you’ve possible heard them known as a white-nosed coati or a coatimundi. Very similar to raccoons, they’re regularly seen as pests in cities. They’re omnivores and can eat something they’ll, even when the locals discover it inconvenient. Not like most raccoons, a coati is glad to make a nuisance of itself throughout the day or night time.
He’s cute, isn’t he?
Pizote, a member of the raccoon household, digging by means of the rubbish on the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Getting pleasant with pizotes on the facet of the highway in Arenal
6. Keel-Billed Toucan
Whereas completely different toucan species inhabit nearly all of the South and Central American continent, this particular sort is notably fashionable on the Caribbean facet of Costa Rica.
They aren’t simple to identify within the wild, however we beloved that we acquired an opportunity to see certainly one of these after we made a cease on the Las Pumas Rescue Heart close to Liberia.
This toucan was stunning, proving that the animals in Costa Rica are simply as shiny and vibrant in actual life as they’re in photos!
Toucan on the Las Pumas Rescue Heart close to Liberia, Costa Rica. Photograph Credit score: Max St John
Keel-Billed Toucan in Tortuguero
7. Ocelot
The Ocelot of Costa Rica, also called a dwarf leopard, is an extremely adorable-looking wild kitty that’s prevalent in most areas of South and Central America.
Regardless of being extraordinarily frequent and in no way endangered, these Costa Rica wild cats are elusive animals. Ocelots might spend their days resting in timber or different dense foliage, however seeing them within the wild, even within the animal sanctuaries of Costa Rica, is uncommon.
This little man within the photograph beneath was as soon as saved as a pet in a Costa Rican residence. When he grew up and proved he wasn’t a home cat his house owners gave him as much as the Las Pumas Rescue Heart the place he’s based mostly to today.
Nothing beats seeing a few of these superior animals within the wild, but when luck isn’t in your facet throughout your travels all through Costa Rica, you should definitely cease by the Las Pumas Rescue Heart positioned on the Inter-American Highways on the best way to Liberia for an opportunity to see the Toucan, the Ocelot and some different distinctive Costa Rican animals.
The Rescue Heart has completed a fantastic job at replicating the true habitat of those animals serving to them stay a greater life it doesn’t matter what their unique life story was.
Ocelot on the Las Pumas Rescue Heart close to Liberia, Costa Rica. Photograph Credit score: Max St John
8. Poison Dart Frog
Are you able to imagine that this little man is certainly one of essentially the most harmful animals in Costa Rica? They could be tiny and look fairly, however don’t be fooled. Their shiny colors are a warning: Look, however don’t contact! The biggest species of those little amphibians has sufficient toxin to kill as much as 20 males.
Equally to glass frogs, they’re fairly tiny, so seeing them within the wild will be mission unimaginable. However, when you’re eager there are various animal sanctuaries in Costa Rica the place you possibly can strive get a glimpse. The Arenal Natura Ecological Park has a unbelievable frog backyard the place you possibly can catch a glimpse of the small however lethal poison dart frogs.
One other good possibility for recognizing this harmful animal in Costa Rica is to plan a visit to Corcovado Nationwide Park. Situated within the southwest of the nation on the Osa Peninsula on the Pacific coast, and distinctive among the many nationwide parks, Corcovado Nationwide Park is residence to over 40 species of frogs, together with the poison dart frog.
Strawberry poison dart frog in Tortuguero, Costa Rica
Top-of-the-line locations to identify Costa Rica animals of their pure habitat
9. Crocodile
Maybe not certainly one of Costa Rica’s animals you need to come throughout in your travels! However in case you are inquisitive about this fascinating creature, then head to the Tarcoles Bridge, which is also called Crocodile Bridge, and for good motive! There, you possibly can see lots of of those guys stress-free within the Tarcoles River just under the bridge.
The common crocodile in Costa Rica will be 13 to 16 toes lengthy and weigh as much as 1200lbs, making them one of many Americas largest species of crocodile. In Costa Rica, they have a tendency to want the lowlands alongside the Costa Rican coasts however they’re principally restricted to the nationwide parks, however simply maintain your eyes open while you’re within the water!
Take a look at the damaging animals of Costa Rica! Type of cute in his personal means…
10. Tapir
The tapir is arguably one of many weirdest trying mammals we got here throughout in Costa Rica. These herbivores feed off Costa Rica’s flora, consuming principally fruit, grass, leaves and twigs. The light giants are normally round 6ft lengthy and 800 lbs, making them the largest Costa Rican animal roaming the tropical forests.
Nevertheless, tapirs are on the endangered species checklist so recognizing one within the wild is unlikely, though not unimaginable. To make certain you catch a glimpse of those superb creatures, we suggest visiting certainly one of Costa Rica’s Nationwide Parks.
We have been fortunate to identify a tapir taking a stroll alongside the seashore on our go to to the Corcovado Nationwide Park.
The tapir is likely one of the most unusual animals in Costa Rica
11. Sea Turtles
Amongst different wild animals, Costa Rica is well-known for its sea turtles. Their nesting seasons entice a variety of vacationers, and relying on the time of yr, guests may see tens or lots of of hundreds of them on a seashore to put eggs.
There are 5 sorts of sea turtles in Costa Rica: Inexperienced Turtle, Oliver Ridley turtle, Leatherback Turtle, Loggerhead Turtle, and Hawksbill tutle. Inexperienced turtles and Leatherback sea turtles are essentially the most well-known, although.
Surprising many guests, the leatherback sea turtle is gigantic. They’re over six toes lengthy and weigh practically half a ton. They will dive deeper and into colder water than different species of turtle, because of their softer shells and darker colours. They’re extra frequent alongside the Caribbean coast however can be seen throughout the nesting season in Playa Grande.
Inexperienced sea turtles can, on uncommon events, attain some actually spectacular sizes, however they have a tendency to common between 150 and 400 kilos. Relying on the time of yr, you possibly can spot them on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast or Caribbean coast.
The inexperienced sea turtles are endangered, so they could be scarce. For the perfect odds, strive Tortuguero Nationwide Park between July and October.
Turtle laying eggs on Playa Ostional throughout the Arribada
Turtles arrival throughout “Arribada” on Ostional Seaside
12. Purple Eyed Tree Frogs
There are numerous tree frog species on the planet, however the pink eyed tree frog is the most well-liked. The pink eye tree frog will be discovered all through Central and South America, and in Costa Rica you possibly can see them on the Caribbean or Pacific coast.
The red-eyed tree frog isn’t endangered, however they’re used as indicators of how the ecosystem is doing. It’s because amphibians, together with frogs, are likely to really feel the results of environmental decline earlier than many different species.
Whereas many different animals so brightly coloured are toxic or venomous, that’s not the case with the pink eyed tree frog. As a substitute, the brilliant coloring on these tiny carnivores is what’s often called startle coloration. They’re so brightly coloured it disorients their predators.
Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park and Osa Peninsula are some fo the locations have been you would possibly have the ability to spot a pink eyed tree frog in Costa Rica.
Evening time will be the perfect time to see some elusive Costa Rica creatures!
13. Humpback Whales
There are two types of humpback whale to see in Costa Rica. There are northern hemisphere whales and southern hemisphere whales, and whereas they’re very comparable, they’re not equivalent.
Northern hemisphere humpbacks sometimes present up in Costa Rica between December and April, as they migrate south from Canada and the North Pole.
Southern hemisphere whales are a bit larger and have a tendency to point out up in Costa Rica between July and November, as they migrate up from Antarctica.
Topping out at 50 tons, humpback whales are huge and majestic, and seeing them in particular person is an unbelievable alternative you received’t typically get. Top-of-the-line locations for whale watching is Marino Ballena Nationwide Park in Uvita.
14. Inexperienced and Scarlet Macaws
Identified for his or her shiny colours and chatty natures, scarlet macaws and nice inexperienced macaws are beautiful and clever birds. If you need the prospect to see them within the wild, although, chances are you’ll not have a lot time left.
Although passionate conservation efforts are underway, each species are endangered. With regards to the northern subspecies of the scarlet macaw, estimations are that there are about 3,000 left within the wild in Costa Rica. For the good inexperienced macaw, that quantity is barely 400.
In the event you’re a fan of birdwatching, then these birds might be a dream come true for you, and never simply because they’re stunning. They’re social and regularly journey in pairs or teams and are typically fairly calm when it isn’t mating season. Birdwatching is actively inspired, because the curiosity promotes conservation.
Macaws will be noticed in lots of elements of the nation, together with Guanacaste, South Pacific and the Caribbean Coast. They’re fairly frequent in Handbook Antonio and additional down the South Pacific Coast, locations like Uvita and Osa Peninsula.
Scarlet Macaw Fowl
15. Blue Morpho Butterflies
The blue morpho butterfly is commonly thought-about to be the most recognizable butterfly species in Costa Rica. Regardless of that, there’s fairly a putting distinction between the women and men of this species.
The males, because the title implies, are a vibrant, metallic blue. The females, in contrast, are brown. In both case, although, getting the prospect to see one fluttering by is like magic.
In the event you’re hoping to search out blue morpho butterflies whilst you’re in Costa Rica, you then’re in luck. It’s the proper excuse for a day journey to certainly one of Costa Rica’s Nationwide Parks. These butterflies are diurnal, so that they’re out and about throughout the day.
16. Basilisk or Jesus Christ Lizard
With regards to the wildlife in Costa Rica, few creatures are fairly as distinctive because the basilisk, although it’s extra generally often called the Jesus Christ Lizard. It’s a wierd nickname, nevertheless it is sensible when you see these little lizards in motion. There are just a few completely different subspecies in Costa Rica, however all of them have the same adaptation.
Because of their massive toes and small measurement, a basilisk that’s been startled can collect sufficient momentum to truly run on water. The smaller the lizard, the longer they’ll go earlier than lastly sinking, with some capable of run for as much as 20 metres.
In fact, being small and quick additionally means they are often very arduous to identify, so that you’ll must maintain your eyes open. They’re diurnal, so your greatest probabilities of seeing them are when you’re climbing or on the water throughout the day. We’ve been fortunate sufficient to identify them in Manuel Anotnio Nationwide Park in addition to in Corcovado Nationwide Park and in Tortuguero.
Jesus Christ Lizard in Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park
16. Inexperienced Iguanas
Inexperienced iguanas are one of many most recognizable reptiles in Costa Rica and will be noticed in lots of areas of the nation, together with forests, gardens, and even in city settings. These massive, colourful lizards can develop as much as six toes lengthy and are recognized for his or her distinctive, spiny crests alongside their backs. They’re typically seen basking within the solar on tree branches, rocks, or partitions close to water sources.
The place to See Animals in Costa Rica: Finest Wildlife Excursions
Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park
If you wish to see a lot of wildlife in Manuel Antonio, you need to get a information! For $60 an individual, you will get a guided tour by means of Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park. The information is supplied with a telescope and is aware of precisely the place to search for completely different species contained in the park.
In the event you’re hoping to identify wildlife in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park has a few of Costa Rica’s most iconic animals. You’ll see sloths, butterflies, frogs, snakes, bugs, toucans, squirrel monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, and probably even spider monkeys.
Entrance to Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park
Monteverde Cloud Forest
If you wish to spot some extra nocturnal animals, think about a Cloud Forest Evening Strolling Tour in Monteverde.
The tour gives you an opportunity to watch the habits of nocturne mammals, birds, bugs, reptiles and amphibians. The quantity of Costa Rica wildlife you possibly can spot in Monteverde is staggering. There are over 100 species of mammal, together with all the huge cats in Costa Rica, tapirs, three monkey species, coatimundis, sloths, kinkajous, and 58 species of bat.
For birdwatchers, there are 400 species of tropical birds, together with toucanets, quetzal, and hummingbirds.
Steps alongside the Wilford Guindon Path in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
La Fortuna
In the event you’re searching for Costa Rica wildlife in La Fortuna, you possibly can take a peaceable boat experience down the Penas Blancas River for $73, or you possibly can take a guided tour of the Ecocentro Danaus Organic Reserve for $42.
In La Fortuna, you possibly can see sloths, squirrel monkeys, spider monkeys, reptiles, butterflies, and birds, together with toucans.
Pizote in La Fortuna
Carara Nationwide Park
In case you are brief on time and are staying in San Jose, think about a day journey to Carara Nationwide Park and the Tarcoles River. This full day tour prices $150 and provides you an opportunity to see a number of reptiles, spider monkeys, and dozens of hen species, together with the endangered scarlet macaw.
Corcovado Nationwide Park
Corcovado Nationwide Park is a well-liked vacation spot for seeing wildlife in Costa Rica. It’s residence to a various vary of animals, together with monkeys, sloths, jaguars, tapirs, and a wide range of hen species.
You may discover the park on foot or by boat however solely on a guided tour. You may go to the park on a day journey from Drake Bay or an in a single day tour
The doorway of Corcovado Nationwide Park, Osa Peninsula