The Best Way To See Sloths When Visiting Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a paradise for nature lovers, offering stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. From the lush rainforests of Corcovado National Park to the exotic birds of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Costa Rica has something for everyone. Plus, if you're a fan of sloths, there's no better place to visit! With two types of sloths living in the La Fortuna area — the two-toed Sloth and three-toed Sloth — as well as many other species of animals and plants, you will have no shortage of opportunities to get face-to-face with the best of Costa Rica's wildlife.

If you're looking for the best way to see these amazing creatures, taking a guided tour with a certified naturalist guide is your best bet. Not only will you get to trek through La Fortuna's lush rainforests, but you'll also be able to observe tons of wildlife up close, from exotic birds to reptiles and amphibians. If all of that excites you, why not consider joining the La Fortuna: Sloth Tour in the Wild?

The La Fortuna area in Arenal, Costa Rica is one of the best places to explore and discover the country's amazing biodiversity. La Fortuna is not only home to two adorable species of sloths but also a variety of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and other wildlife. According to the Costa Rican Embassy, while the country only makes up .03% of the Earth's surface, the lush rainforests contain more than 6% of the world's biodiversity! Pretty incredible, right? This offers visitors an unparalleled chance to observe some of the world's most beautiful and iconic animals up close. Have you ever wanted to see a toucan? You might spot one outside your hotel window!

With so many lush rainforests that are teeming with life, you will certainly have no trouble spotting a few of these adorable creatures. However, if your main goal is to see sloths, you might have to venture off the resort property. This is because sloths are a bit harder to spot due to their amazing camouflage. World Animal Protection writes that sloths have an amazing symbiotic relationship with a type of algae that grows on their backs, which helps them blend in with their surroundings. So, to have the best chance of seeing sloths while in Costa Rica, My Tan Feet writes that you will definitely want to take a tour with a certified naturalist guide.

The best time of year to see sloths in Costa Rica totally depends on the kind of experience you want to have. According to Costa Rica Guide, December through April tends to be the dry season in most parts of Costa Rica which makes for a better viewing experience when searching for sloths. However, according to Costa Rica Travel Blog, the fewer people around the better chance you have of catching sight of a sloth. Despite this, you should consider that the dry season offers visitors plenty of other outdoor activities to do besides sloth sleuthing, such as hiking, riding ATVs, and bird watching.

If you decide to go in the rainy season, you can definitely still see sloths but you might be walking around some muddy paths since — according to the Costa Rica Guide — the months from May to November bring plenty of rain, making it difficult to get around in some areas. However, this means fewer people and therefore more sloths! Travelers will also get the chance to experience amazing waterfalls and an abundance of tropical plant life.