Animals in Costa Rica
What animals live in Costa Rica? With marine reserves and protected lands harboring roughly 5% of the world's biodiversity, there are too many to name them all – but there are several species many travelers search for when they arrive. There are the famously slow-moving sloths, four species of monkeys that clamber in trees and the solitary Baird's tapir. And that doesn't even begin to cover the birdlife that flourishes here, like the bright-colored toucans, vibrant scarlet macaws and the elusive resplendent quetzal. Learning about the right regions to find these creatures will help you on your search. Explore for yourself and see how many you can spot.
Two types of sloths
Sloths are one of the more iconic animals in Costa Rica. While you’re most likely to spot the three-toed sloth because they’re more active in the daytime, the two-toed sloth can also be found in our rainforests and cloud forests. Since they prefer the safety of tall trees, you’re unlikely to find them at eye level. One of their favorite foods is cecropia leaves, so scanning these branches might be a good place to start your search.
Howler monkeys
You’d think these forest dwellers want to be found. As the name suggests, they’re some of the loudest animals on land. In the early mornings and at dusk, you’ll hear their characteristic howl. Look for troops in lowland and mountainous forests including Corcovado National Park, Santa Rosa National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. To find them, look for their favorite food sources like young ficus leaves and fruit.
Resplendent quetzals
Of the 900 species of birds found in Costa Rica, resplendent quetzals are a birder's delight. Generally, these colorful birds seek out high-elevation cloud forests during breeding season (February through June), and they move to lower-elevation rainforests the rest of the year. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, San Gerardo de Dota and La Amistad International Park are some of the top places to see a quetzal. As you’re looking, it could help to remember that they love to eat pitted fruits, and they build their nests in soft, rotted wood.
Red-eyed tree frog
To spot a red-eyed tree frog in Costa Rica, you’ll have to take a night tour because this colorful amphibian is nocturnal. Look for them in Tortuguero National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park and in some regions of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. You'll spot them in trees hunting insects and moths.
Sea turtles
Five out of 7 of the world’s sea turtle species can be found in Costa Rica. Tortuguero National Park is home to one of the largest green turtle rookeries. Loggerhead turtles have also been seen at Tortuguero. Ostional and Nancite beaches are famous nesting sites for olive ridleys. Leatherbacks can be found in the Nicoya Peninsula, and hawksbill turtles stop over the rocky reefs around Cocos Island National Park. Each species nests at different times of year, and after about 45 to 70 days of incubating, baby hatchlings will make their trek out into the ocean. It's an incredible sight to watch, but remember to keep your distance, eliminate lights and minimize noise.
Humpback whales
Costa Rica is one of the best places to go to see humpback whales because its waters host two different whale populations on their migrations. From December to March, humpbacks come from the Northern Hemisphere to mate and give birth. Then from July to November, whales from the Southern Hemisphere come to the warm waters to do the same. The waters of the Pacific coast, specifically the southern Pacific, are the best places to see these beautiful giants.
Wildlife etiquette
Responsible viewing
Each wildlife-watching experience will have its own specific guidelines, but some parameters are always a good idea. Remember not to feed the animals, keep your distance and turn the flash off on your camera. We want to keep these remarkable creatures safe and happy in their habitats.
Where to see the most animals
Maybe you don’t have specific animals in Costa Rica on your viewing wish list and you just want to have the best chance to see the country's incredible wildlife. Manuel Antonio National Park, Guanacaste National Park, Tortuguero National Park and Gandoca-Manzanillo Natural Wildlife Refuge are full of interesting creatures and stunning scenery.
Discover More Wildlife
Wildlife on land
There are few natural spectacles more impressive than the massive arrival of sea turtles. Frog and toad concerts, crocodile nesting and more unfold with the seasons across the country.
Wildlife by sea
Costa Rica shelters more than 6,700 marine species, 90 of which are unique on the planet, across coral reefs, seagrass beds and an oceanic trench more than 4,000 meters deep.
Wildlife on the wing
An estimated five million birds migrate through Costa Rica every year, and the country acts as a funnel point for birds arriving from the Arctic Circle to the Great Lakes.
National parks
It’s an honor to be able to protect natural wonders as beautiful as ours. Majestic volcanoes, tranquil beaches, tropical forests, exhilarating jungles and incredible marine habitats are yours to explore.
Birdwatching
Costa Rica has long been famous among serious bird watchers and many people who never before had an interest change their mind when they encounter the country's spectacular avian diversity.
Sustainable tourism
Costa Rica is a global leader in environmental protection, decarbonization, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable tourism.
Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero was declared a national park on Sept. 24, 1970, and its boundaries were extended three times (1980, 1995 and 1998).
Plan Your Wildlife Adventure
Pick the regions, parks and seasons that give you the best chance to see Costa Rica’s animals.