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Costa Rica Wildlife: A Guide to the Animals You Can Find

Lush and green all year round, flora and fauna abound in Costa Rica and over 200 mammal species rustle stealthily through the undergrowth. Whilst many are elusive, jaguar, ocelot, margay, puma, jaguarundi, sloths, monkeys, bats and armadillo are all waiting to be spotted, particularly during night hikes. Reptiles and amphibians also thrive in this ecological haven, with over 170 amphibians, such as colourful tree frogs and dart frogs seen alongside snakes, caiman, lizards and iguanas.

Contact one of our Costa-Rica specialists today to experience these amazing creatures.

Mammals in Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystems are home to numerous mammal species. Here are some of the most notable ones:

Jaguars

  • Jaguars are elusive and primarily found in Corcovado National Park.
  • As powerful swimmers and skilled hunters, they often hunt in water, preying on a variety of animals.
  • Jaguars are characterized by their striking spotted coats, which provide excellent camouflage in the dense rainforest.
  • The best time to see Jaguars is during the early morning or late afternoon.

Baird’s Tapir

  • Baird's tapirs are large, herbivorous mammals with prehensile snouts, often found in the dense rainforests of Central America.
  • The best time to see Tapir is between dawn and dusk.
  • Found in the rainforests of the Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park.
  • Tapirs are the largest land mammals in Central America.

Howler Monkey

  • Known for their loud howls, which can be heard up to three miles away.
  • Common in lowland rainforests and along the Caribbean coast.
  • The best time to see howler monkeys is early in the morning

Sloths

Anteaters

  • Anteaters are insectivorous mammals known for their elongated snouts and sticky tongues used for catching ants and termites.
  • The best time to see Sloths is early in the morning and late afternoon.
  • Commonly found in Corcovado National Park and the Osa Peninsula.
COS St Costa Rica Corcovado National Park White Faced Capuchins Shutterstock Salparadis


Costa Rica Safaris

COS St Costa Rica La Fortuna Arenal Volcano National Park Shutterstock Fcg

Mangroves, Volcanoes, Wildlife & Rainforest

Wildlife watching in one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet. Explore tropical Tortuguero; home to tapirs, jaguars, monkeys, sloths and more. Witness and hike around the majestic, nearly perfectly conical, Arenal Volcano. Venture through the cloud forest and coffee plantations of Monteverde. Explore the wonders of the Osa Peninsula and relax overlooking the Golfo Dulce.

From 13000 per person
Alikaukas

Family Eco Adventure

A thrilling eco-adventure through the jungles & beaches of Costa Rica spotting an abundance of wildlife and doing exhilarating activities such as ziplining and white water rafting.

From 11000 per person
COS St Costa Rica Corcovado National Park White Faced Capuchins Shutterstock Salparadis

Ultimate Wildlife Safari

Taking in the wildlife highlights of Tortuguero and Manuel Antonio National Parks and the Osa Peninsula. Costa Rica is synonymous with rainforests and tropical beauty, and on this trip we take you to the renowned ‘land of the turtles’ Tortuguero National Park, whose canals, rivers, beaches and lakes are a working laboratory of rain forest, freshwater, and marine biology. Experience the contrasting Pacific region in Manuel Antonio and Corcovado National Parks, with marine reserves, pristine beaches, snorkeling amongst rays and turtles in an ancient Indian burial ground and excellent primate-spotting, before completing your adventure with a day of beautiful waterfalls and coffee estates.

From 8500 per person
Pacuare Lodge Aerial

Luxury Wilderness Adventure

Explore tangled primary rainforest in the Osa Peninsula and encounter Capuchins, tree frogs and sloths in Corcovado. Unwind away from the crowds and explore the best of the natural world.

From 15500 per person
Lapa Rios Wildlife1

Birds in Costa Rica

With over 900 bird species, Costa Rica is a birdwatcher’s dream.

Resplendent Quetzal

  • Known for its vibrant green plumage and long tail feathers, the Resplendent Quetzal is one of Costa Rica's most stunning birds.
  • The best time to see Quetzal is during breeding season (March to June).
  • Found in cloud forests, especially Monteverde and Los Quetzales National Park.

Scarlet Macaw

  • Scarlet Macaws are large, colorful parrots that are often seen flying in pairs or small flocks.
  • The best time to see Scarlet Macaw is the early morning and the late afternoon.
  • The can be found in Corcovado and Carara National Parks.
  • Scarlet Macaw mate for life and can live up to 50 years.

Keel-Billed Toucan

  • The Keel-Billed Toucan is known for its large, colorful bill, which it uses to reach fruit.
  • Common in lowland forests and near the Arenal Volcano.

Where to Stay

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What Wildlife to expect in Costa Rica

Reptiles and Amphibians in Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s warm climate is perfect for a variety of reptiles and amphibians.

Red-Eyed Tree Frog

  • The Red-eyed tree frog are famous for their striking red eyes and vibrant green bodies.
  • The best time to view the red-eyed tree frogs is at night.
  • You can find them common in lowland rainforests.

Eyelash Viper

  • Eyelash Vipers are small, venomous snakes known for the unique “eyelash” scales above their eyes.
  • The best time to see Eyelash vipers is early in the morning and the evening
  • They are found in rainforests and cloud forests.

Marine Life in Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s coastal waters are teeming with marine life.

Humpback Whale

  • Humpback Whales are known for their acrobatic breaches and complex songs.
  • The best time to see Humpback whales is July to November and December to April.
  • They are found off the Pacific coast, especially in Marino Ballena National Park.

Green Sea Turtle

  • Green Sea Turtles are large marine turtles known for their greenish-colored fat under their shell.
  • The best time to see green sea turtles is during nesting season (July to October).
  • They can be found in Found in Tortuguero National Park.
  • Females return to the same beach where they were born to lay their eggs.

Dolphins

  • Bottlenose Dolphins are the most frequently spotted species in Costa Rica, known for their playful behavior.
  • The best time to see dolphins is all year round
  • Commonly seen in Golfo Dulce and around the Osa Peninsula.

Contact a Costa Rica Safari Specialist