Sloths in the trees, monkeys in the jungle, and sea turtles on the beach - Experience the best of Costa Rica's wildlife
Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. Whether you're into colourful birds, jungle creatures, or marine life, this is the place to be. And the good news? You don’t have to spend a fortune or book fancy resorts to see it all. From national parks to local tours, we’ll show you where to go, what to do, and how to make the most of your wildlife adventure.
Wildlife You Can See in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is home to an incredible variety of wildlife. Keep your eyes open for sloths hanging in trees, several types of monkeys (like howler, capuchin, and spider monkeys), toucans flying overhead, and iguanas basking in the sun. Along the coasts, you might spot sea turtles and crocodiles, while in the jungle you could see scarlet macaws, tapirs, poison dart frogs, and more. Whether you’re hiking, relaxing at your hostel, or taking a boat tour, the chances of a wildlife encounter are high.
Where to See Animals in Costa Rica
You don’t always need a guided tour or a park ticket to see incredible wildlife. In Costa Rica, animals are everywhere – sometimes even right outside your hostel.
Manuel Antonio (the town, not just the park)
Even outside the park itself, this area is buzzing with wildlife. Expect monkeys trying to steal your snacks, sloths hanging lazily in the trees, and iguanas sunbathing on rooftops. A walk through town often feels like a mini safari. If you want the full-on experience, the national park is worth a day too – just go as early as you can for the most serene experience.
Puerto Viejo
On the Caribbean side, Puerto Viejo is surrounded by jungle. Expect howler monkeys, toucans, iguanas, and more, all within walking distance of your stay. It's a great area to unwind and spend time exploring on your own.
Osa Peninsula
This is one of the wildest areas in Costa Rica. To spot animals, you don’t even need to set foot in Corcovado National Park, but since you've come all this way you might as well! Here you'll see scarlet macaws flying in pairs, troops of monkeys crossing the roads, or coatis sniffing around. It’s remote, so travelling here takes time, but that’s also why the area is so untouched.
The Best National Parks in Costa Rica for Wildlife
If you do want to visit a national park (and you should!), these are some of the best national parks in Costa Rica that offer incredible wildlife and are doable on a budget.
Cahuita National Park
Probably the best deal in the country: it runs on donation basis. Walk the coastal trail and spot monkeys, sloths, raccoons, crabs, and even snakes if you’re lucky. Bring your own snorkel to explore the coral reef too.
Tortuguero National Park
Famous for turtle nesting season (July–October), but boat tours through the canals are affordable and full of wildlife year-round. This rainforest with mangrove swamps is home to plenty of animals, including caimans, toucans, monkeys, and tons of birds.
Rincón de la Vieja National Park
Less touristy, but full of volcanic activity and wildlife. You might see spider monkeys, tapirs, or even a puma (no promises). Entrance is affordable, and hiking trails are varied so no matter the skill level, you'll have a good experience.
Corcovado National Park
One of the most biodiverse places on Earth. It’s pricier than the others and you will probably need a guide, but worth it if you’re serious about seeing wildlife. Around Corcovado there is plenty of budget accommodation though, so you can at least save a little there. Read more about Costa Rica's hidden gems here.
Wildlife Tours in Costa Rica Worth Booking
Not every experience is free, and sometimes paying a bit adds huge value. Here are some tours that give you a lot of wildlife bang for your buck.
Night Walks
Costa Rica at night feels like a different planet. For $10–20, you can join a local guide and see glowing fungi, colourful frogs, and even tarantulas if you’re into that. Guides are amazing at spotting creatures you’d never see on your own.
Local Guides
The fancy resorts don’t have a monopoly on knowledge. Community guides are often way more passionate, know every sound in the forest, and charge way less. Plus, your money supports locals directly.
River Safaris
Hop on a boat in places like Palo Verde or Tortuguero and drift past crocodiles sunning themselves, monkeys swinging overhead, and endless birdlife. It’s super chilled and way more comfortable than hiking in the heat.
Wildlife Volunteering
If you’ve got a bit more time, volunteering is a great way to connect with nature and meet people. There are several sea turtle conservation projects, animal rescue centres, or nature conservation initiatives. You’ll leave with stories (and skills) you can’t get on a regular trip. Check out more about volunteering in Costa Rica here.
Talk to us if you need help figuring out how to organise your trip to include any of these activities in the best way possible!
Group Tours: A Stress-Free Way to See Wildlife
Joining a group tour makes things easier and often more affordable. You don’t have to plan every detail – your transport, stays, and activities are taken care of. Best part? You still get free time to explore on your own, whether that’s a hike in the jungle, a beach nap, or following a monkey trail you found.
Go Wild, Your Way
Whether you're travelling solo, with mates, or as part of a group tour, Costa Rica’s wildlife is waiting. You’ll find it on hiking trails, in treetops, down riverbanks, and sometimes chilling right outside your cabina. The country makes it easy to get close to nature, no matter the budget.
Ready to plan your wild adventure?