Best Places to See Adorable Sloths in Costa Rica 

The funniest-looking, most adorable and most coveted wildlife species in Costa Rica, the curious sloth is one of the world’s most unique creatures. It spends most of its life upside down (and even gives birth in this position) and is, as a consequence, literally built upside down too. Infamously slow and lazy, although the latter is a bit of a misconception, the Costa Rican sloth is one of the most rewarding animals to spot in the jungle and makes for a rewarding – and patient – photographic subject.

Planning your adventure vacation in Costa Rica and wondering about the best places to see them?

First, let us introduce you to the sloth species you’re likely to see and then learn all about our favorite and very best places to see adorable sloths in Costa Rica!

Interesting Costa Rica Sloth Facts – What to Know Before You Go

• Costa Rica is home to two of the world’s six sloth species, namely the brown-throated three-toed and Hoffman’s two-toed sloths. The former is distinguishable thanks to its much-darker fur around the face, most noticeably around the eyes and mouth, which gives it an adorable ‘smile’. The latter, on the other hand, has much lighter fur on the face and a noticeably shaggier look, all-round; it also is decidedly larger in size than its three-toed cousin and boasts a longer snout
• All sloths have three toes! But the two-toed species actually have two fingers (apparently, two-fingered sloth just didn’t sound too endearing)
• Three-toed sloths are diurnal so you’re more likely to see them on day tours, whilst two-toed sloths are more active during the night (you know, relatively speaking) so they’re best spotted on night wildlife safaris instead
• Sloths thrive in Costa Rica’s rainforests, including higher-altitude cloud forests. Although they are common and numerous in all major national park rainforests throughout the country, do not underestimate their ability to blend in. These are among the most difficult animals to spot in the wild so take a professional local naturalist guide on your tour to up your chances of a sighting.
• Although both three and two-toed species are found in low-lying rainforests of Costa Rica, only the shaggier kind is found in the high cloud forests of Monteverde. Their much longer fur is what helps them cope with the at-times frigid highland temps
• It can take up to a month for a sloth to digest a single meal and their super-slow metabolism is the main reason energy-preservation is their main aim in life. Surprisingly, sloths ‘only’ sleep about 15 hours a day, much less than what many envisage
• Sloths mostly head to ground only when they need to defecate, something they do about once a week. According to some experts, their descent is a self-protection mechanism and is meant to protect their location from being discovered by potential predators (ie faeces dropping from high up a tree would make quite a sound when it hit the ground, potentially alerting predators to their whereabouts)
• Sloth’s fur runs in the opposite direction as all other animals (including humans). It grows away from their extremities so rain can wash over them. A layer of green algae forms over the fur of the animal which helps it camouflage on trees
• Sloths are primarily solitary, only sharing trees when mating
• When we said sloths were built upside down, we meant it: a sloth’s lungs are located on its chest and, in fact, all their organs are attached to their bodies – this is what makes living an upside-down life possible and comfortable. Nothing gets squished when they’re ‘hanging’ out!
• Only discovered in the early 1800s, sloths were named after their ‘slow and lazy’ demeanour so, in this case, the animal was named after the adjective, not the other way around (as most people believe). In ancient times, sloths were believed to be over 23ft-tall. Interestingly enough, one of the earliest ancient-sloth researchers was US President Jefferson, who was in the thick of his biggest fossil research when he was appointed to office. An extinct ancestor of the modern sloth was named after him: the Magalonyx Jeffersonii
• It probably won’t surprise you much to know that sloths are super docile and don’t get stressed out by face-to-face meetings with humans. It’s just as important, however, to remember that these are wild creatures and should be treated with the respect and personal space they deserve. Never ever feed any wildlife you come across in Costa Rica and never visit any sanctuary that allows you to pet or even hug them. This is very much against the law, nowadays
• Don’t be discouraged by ‘resident’ sloths in parks and reserves: this has nothing to do with wildlife in captivity or zoo experiences! Unlike any other country you’ll probably ever visit, Costa Rica is best described as one humongous wilderness reserve, given over one-quarter of the country is set aside for protection. This means that eco-lodges, adventure parks and sanctuaries are chock-full of native animals, like sloths, that live freely and happily. Hence, despite the fact that true wilderness encounters are both common and rewarding, you can enjoy a real close-up encounter with native sloths in some of the country’s best refuges, resorts and sanctuaries

Costa Rica’s Two Sloth Species: Know the Difference

Costa Rica is home to two of the world’s six sloth species. Understanding their differences increases your spotting success:

Important: Both species inhabit the same rainforest regions except at high elevations (Monteverde, Poás, Vara Blanca) where only two-toed sloths survive due to their thicker fur.

Best Places to See Sloths in Costa Rica

#1: National Parks–

The most rewarding sloth-spotting parks in Costa Rica are undoubtedly Manuel Antonio, Tortuguero, Corcovado and Monteverde. Over on the Caribbean side, La Amistad near Puerto Viejo also usually delivers big on the sloth-spotting goods. All these regions receive a decent amount of rain, all year long, so the wilderness here is lush and fertile, facilitating life for an animal that eats seldomly but consistently.

Top National Parks for Sloth Viewing

Manuel Antonio National Park (Central Pacific):

• Costa Rica’s most popular park with highest sloth density
• Both species present; three-toed most common
• Best trail: Sendero el Perezoso (Sloth Trail)—short boardwalk through dense rainforest
• Guide strongly recommended (80-95% success rate vs 40% solo)
• Entry: $18 adults, book guides in advance during high season
• Time needed: 3-4 hours

Tortuguero National Park (Caribbean):

• Accessible only by boat or plane—remote and pristine
• Excellent sloth viewing along canal trails and waterways
• Both species abundant; frequent mother-baby sightings
• Combines sloth watching with sea turtle conservation (seasonal)
• Best visited: July-October for turtles; year-round for sloths

Corcovado National Park (Osa Peninsula):

• Most biodiverse park—13 major ecosystems
• Mandatory guide entry (no solo hiking allowed)
• Both sloth species thrive here; 95% guide success rate
• Multi-day treks available for serious wildlife enthusiasts
• Most remote option—requires boat access and advance planning

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve:

• High-elevation habitat (1,000-1,800m)
• Only Hoffman’s two-toed sloths survive cold temperatures
• Best spotted on night hikes with thermal scopes
• Combines sloth viewing with hanging bridges and misty forest atmosphere
• 2.5% of world’s biodiversity concentrated here

Cahuita National Park (Caribbean):

• Free entry (donation-based) making it budget-friendly
• Easy 8km coastal trail combining beaches and rainforest
• Frequent sloth sightings near Playa Blanca
• Self-guided possible but guides improve success dramatically

Other Prime Sloth Regions

La Fortuna/Arenal Area (Northern Lowlands):

• Numerous dedicated “Sloth Trails” (private conservation areas)
• Key trails: Bogarin Trail, Sloths’ Territory, Sloth Watching Trail
• Near-guaranteed sightings on guided walks (90%+ success)
• Accessible from most Arenal hotels; tours 2-3 hours
• Prices: $25-45 per person including guide

Puerto Viejo/Southern Caribbean:

• Laid-back beach town with abundant nearby rainforest
• Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge—excellent sloth habitat
• Combine sloth viewing with beach time and Caribbean culture
• Less touristy than Central Pacific; authentic experience

Bijagua (Near Río Celeste):

• One of Costa Rica’s top sloth-spotting destinations
• Less crowded than Monteverde or La Fortuna
• High sloth concentration in small geographic area
• Excellent base for exploring Tenorio Volcano National Park
• Warning: Avoid operators offering sloth handling or low-tree “setups”—report to MINAE/Senasa

Dominical, Uvita, Ojochal (Southern Pacific):

• Year-round tropical rainforest; consistent sloth populations
• Combines beaches, waterfalls, and wildlife
• Less developed than Manuel Antonio; authentic eco-tourism
• Marino Ballena National Park offers coastal sloth habitat

Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge (Northern Plains):

• Wetland ecosystem with surrounding rainforest
• Boat tours provide unique water-based sloth viewing
• Both species present; excellent bird watching bonus

La Selva Biological Station (Sarapiquí):

• Research station operated by Organization for Tropical Studies
• Pristine protected zone with guided scientific tours
• Educational focus; learn sloth ecology from researchers
• Advance booking required

Other parks and regions of Costa Rica that enjoy very dramatic dry seasons will consequently be less than ideal. Remember the more annual rain a place receives, the higher the chances it’ll be home to more sloths!

Generally speaking, the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, combined with the central and southern Pacific regions (but not the coast) offer the best chances of sloth spotting in the wild.

Wildlife Refuges And Sanctuaries

If seeing sloths is of the utmost importance then you really should visit one of the many wildlife and sloth sanctuaries scattered throughout Costa Rica. Due to their more varied diets, two-toed sloths are more commonly rehabilitated and easily homed in refuges, so this is the species you’ll most likely meet.

Plan Your Trip

Important: Ethical sanctuaries rehabilitate and release sloths when possible. They NEVER allow touching, holding, or feeding. These activities are illegal in Costa Rica and cause severe stress to sloths.

Top Ethical Sanctuaries

Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica (Aviarios del Caribe, Limón):

• Costa Rica’s oldest and most famous sloth sanctuary (est. 1992)
• Rescued over 500 sloths; pioneered sloth research
• Tours: Buttercup Tour ($30 adults, $15 children) and Insider’s Tour ($150 adults, includes NICU access)
• Located near Cahuita, 2 hours from San José
• Strict no-touching policy enforced
• Partners with Dallas Zoo for conservation research
• Advance reservations required

Proyecto Asis (La Fortuna, Arenal):

• Highly respected wildlife rehabilitation center
• Focus on rehabilitation and release when possible
• Multiple species including sloths, monkeys, birds
• Educational tours explain rescue and release process
• Volunteer programs available (1-week minimum)
• One of the best things to do in Arenal region

Jaguar Rescue Center (Puerto Viejo, Limón):

• Specializes in baby sloth rehabilitation
• Frequently has adorable sloth orphans in care
• Daily feeding times open to public (observe only)
• Also treats monkeys, wildcats, birds, reptiles
• Tours 9:30am and 11:30 am daily; $20 adults
• Combines well with beach time in Puerto Viejo

Toucan Rescue Ranch (Alajuela, near San José):

• 1 hour from San José airport; ideal for short visits
• Started for toucans, now houses multiple species including sloths
• Baby sloth population changes regularly as they’re released
• Tours by appointment only; advance booking essential
• Volunteers provide care under veterinary supervision

Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge (Limón Province):

• Protected area near Puerto Viejo with wild sloth populations
• Combine refuge with Playa Cocles beach access
• Guided nature walks almost guarantee sloth sightings
• Less structured than sanctuaries—authentic rainforest experience
• Affordable local guides available in Manzanillo village

Adventure parks and eco-lodges

Wildlife preservation is an inherent part of life for a huge chunk of Costa Rica’s adventure parks and eco-lodges and many are home to resident sloths who were rehabilitated but due to certain reasons, like a disability, were unable to be released in the wild. In an ideal world, of course, all sloths would live happily in the wild but given this isn’t always possible, becoming a resident mascot of a glorious lodge or park set in a privately-owned reserve, really is the next-best thing

Top Adventure Parks and Eco-Lodges

Diamante Eco Adventure Park, Guanacaste

• Gilbert, Mia and Lucy are resident sloths; park’s most popular attractions
• Despite the park boasting the continent’s longest dual zipline
• Daily keeper feedings open to public (observe only)
• Permanent residents due to rehabilitation challenges
• Best sloth option in otherwise sloth-scarce Guanacaste

Sloth Sanctuary Buttercup Inn, Limon

• Stay at the sanctuary; overnight guests get extended access
• Rustic, no-frills lodge immersed in sloth habitat
• Buttercup, the famous resident sloth, is visible from the property
• Combines accommodation with a sanctuary tour experience
• Book months in advance; limited capacity

Selvatura Park, Monteverde

• Famous hanging bridges provide elevated sloth viewing
• On-site sloth sanctuary with permanent residents
• Combines multiple activities: bridges, zipline, butterfly garden
• Two-toed sloths are visible on night tours
• Accommodation packages available

La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Alajuela  

• Easy 90-minute drive from San José
• Perfect for cruise ship visitors or layover tourists
• Sloth habitat alongside waterfalls, butterflies, and hummingbirds
• All-inclusive ticket covers multiple exhibits
• Full day recommended; restaurant on-site

Nayara Tented Camp, Arenal

Tulemar, Manuel Antonio

• Luxury glamping resort within a private sloth habitat
• Property features 300+ Cecropia trees (sloth’s favorite food)
• Guided sloth walks are included for guests
• Premium accommodation with nightly sloth sightings from tents
• Combines romance, luxury, and authentic wildlife encounters

Tulemar, Manuel Antonio

• High-end vacation rental resort with sloth research partnership
• Offers “Sloth Walks” with Sloth Institute of Costa Rica researchers
• Guests contribute to active sloth science during stays
• Learn sloth tracking, identification, and conservation methods
• Private beach and luxury villas on-site

Hacienda Barú National Wildlife Refuge (Dominical):

• 165-acre private reserve with simple cabins
• Resident sloth troops are frequently visible from restaurant
• Telescopes set up by staff to view sloths in canopy
• Multiple trail systems; self-guided or with naturalist
• Authentic eco-lodge experience without luxury pricing

Mistico Park (La Fortuna):

• Hanging bridges provide elevated rainforest access
• Protected sloth sanctuary within the property
• Guided tours focus on sustainable wildlife viewing
• Self-guided option available, but guidesare  recommended
• 2-3 hour tours; morning visits most productive

How to Spot Sloths in the Wild: Expert Techniques 

Sloths master the art of camouflage. Follow these proven techniques to increase your sighting success:

Essential Spotting Strategies

1. Look up and scan the canopy: Sloths are tree-dwellers spending 90% of their lives in branches. Focus your search 15-50 feet above ground level.

2. Target Cecropia trees: These are sloths’ favorite food source. Identify them by their large, umbrella-like leaves with white undersides.

3. Watch for slow movement: Don’t expect quick motion. Look for subtle swaying, a slowly extending arm, or slight branch movement without wind.

4. Listen for rustling: In quiet moments, leaf rustling can indicate a feeding sloth above.

5. Hire a certified naturalist guide: Guides spot sloths 5x more frequently than solo visitors. They carry telescopes for close-up views without disturbing animals and know specific sloth territories.

6. Time your visit strategically: Three-toed sloths are most active 7-10 am and 3-5 pm. For two-toed sloths, book guided night hikes.

7. Search during light rain: Sloths often move to find shelter, making them easier to spot.

8. Check forest edges: Sloths concentrate near rainforest boundaries where sunlight encourages abundant foliage growth.

What to Bring

• Binoculars (8×42 or 10×42 magnification recommended)
• Camera with zoom lens (200mm+ ideal)
• No flash photography (stresses sloths and is illegal in many parks)
• Neutral-colored clothing (avoid bright colors)
• Patience; sloth spotting can take 30 minutes to 2 hours

Success rate comparison: With a guide: 80-95% success rate. Without a guide: 20-40% success rate.

When to Visit Costa Rica for Sloth Viewing 

Sloths inhabit Costa Rica year-round, but timing affects your experience:

Best Season for Sloth Spotting

Dry Season (December-April):

• Pros: Less rain, more comfortable hiking, better trail conditions, easier photography
• Cons: More tourists (crowded trails), higher prices, some foliage loss reduces sloth cover

Green Season (May-November):

• Pros: Fewer crowds, lower prices (20-40% discounts), lush vegetation attracts more wildlife, afternoon rain patterns predictable
• Cons: Morning rain possible, muddier trails, occasional tour cancellations
• Wildlife viewing typically peaks in green season when fewer disturbances occur

Regional Considerations

• Avoid Guanacaste for sloths: This northwestern region has dry tropical forest that loses leaves in dry season. Sloths are nearly impossible to find here. Exceptions: Rincón de la Vieja and Palo Verde during the rainy season only.
• Year-round rainforest regions (best bets): Caribbean coast, Central Pacific, Southern Pacific, Osa Peninsula, Northern Lowlands. These areas maintain consistent rainfall and vegetation, supporting stable sloth populations.
• Best months overall: June-August and November offer optimal balance—fewer crowds, good weather windows, active wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sloths in Costa Rica 

Can you hold a sloth in Costa Rica?

No. Holding sloths is illegal in Costa Rica and causes severe stress, illness, and even death. Reputable sanctuaries and tours never allow touching. Avoid any operator offering sloth handling; it’s exploitative and harmful.

Where is the best place to see sloths in Costa Rica?

Manuel Antonio National Park offers the highest success rate (80-95% with a guide) due to high sloth density and accessible trails. La Fortuna’s dedicated Sloth Trails provide near-guaranteed sightings. For remote, pristine experiences, Corcovado National Park and Tortuguero excel.

Can you see sloths in Guanacaste?

Rarely. Guanacaste’s dry tropical forest loses foliage in the dry season, eliminating sloth food sources. Sloths are nearly impossible to find in Tamarindo, Papagayo, Nosara, Santa Teresa, and Montezuma. Exception: Diamante Eco Adventure Park houses rescued sloths that cannot be released. For wild sloths, visit rainforest regions instead.

Do I need a guide to see sloths?

Strongly recommended. Certified naturalist guides increase success rates from 20-40% (solo) to 80-95% (guided). Guides know sloth territories, carry telescopes for close viewing, and provide education without disturbing animals. Cost: $25-75 per person for 2-3 hour tours.

What time of day is best for seeing sloths?

For three-toed sloths (most common): Early morning (7-10am) and late afternoon (3-5pm) when they’re most active. For two-toed sloths: Night hikes after 7pm. Both species can be spotted midday but movement is minimal.

Are sloths endangered in Costa Rica?

No. Both Costa Rican species (Brown-throated three-toed and Hoffman’s two-toed) are classified as “Least Concern.” However, they face threats from habitat fragmentation, power line electrocution, illegal pet trade, and road mortality. Conservation efforts remain critical.

How long should I spend looking for sloths?

Allocate 2-3 hours minimum for guided tours. In prime locations like Manuel Antonio or La Fortuna Sloth Trails, sightings often occur within 30-45 minutes. In less concentrated areas, patience and multiple hours improve chances.

Can sloths hurt humans?

Rarely, but yes if threatened. Sloths defend themselves with long, sharp claws (3-4 inches). They’re docile and non-aggressive but will strike if cornered or handled. Maintain 6+ feet distance always.

What do sloths eat?

Three-toed sloths: Exclusively leaves (herbivores), with preference for Cecropia trees. Two-toed sloths: Varied diet including leaves, fruits, flowers, and occasional insects (omnivores). Both species have slow metabolism requiring minimal food intake.

Why do sloths move so slowly?

Energy conservation. Sloths have the slowest metabolism of any mammal, taking up to 30 days to digest a single meal. Slow movement conserves energy since their leaf-based diet provides minimal calories. Maximum ground speed: 3 meters (10 feet) per minute.

Can you visit sloth sanctuaries without a tour?

Most sanctuaries require advance booking and operate scheduled tours only (not walk-in). Self-guided visits are not available at rehabilitation facilities due to animal welfare protocols. National parks allow self-guided entry but guided tours dramatically improve sloth spotting success.

Are there sloths near San José?

Within 1-2 hours: La Paz Waterfall Gardens (1.5 hours), Toucan Rescue Ranch (1 hour), and several cloud forest reserves. San José city itself lacks sloth habitat due to urbanization.

What should I do if I find an injured sloth?

From a Costa Rican phone, call 911 and request the nearest wildlife rescue center. Do not touch with bare hands; use a towel if you must move from immediate danger (road, dogs). Contact centers: Jaguar Rescue Center, Toucan Rescue Ranch, Proyecto Asis. Never attempt to “rescue” a healthy sloth on ground; weekly ground visits for defecation are normal.

Contact us, below, to know more

At Costa Rica Rios, we run award-winning adventure tour vacations in Costa Rica and even though we see plenty of wildlife in the remote and pristine rainforests we tour, we’re always so happy to plan a visit to a dedicated center.

Contact us, below, to know more

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