Costa Rica wildlife: a complete guide

In a world where wildlife habitats are rapidly shrinking, Costa Rica stands out. This small Central American nation has become synonymous with conservation, creating protected areas that support a huge range of plant and animal life. Despite being smaller than West Virginia, it has an incredible variety of ecosystems. Here’s our guide to Costa Rica wildlife. 

The ecosystems of Costa Rica

For a small country, Costa Rica is home to a huge variety of landscapes. It takes up just 0.03% of the Earth's landmass but is home to nearly 5% of the world's biodiversity. With 12 different ecosystems, you could start your morning in a tropical dry forest, drive through a cloud forest by midday, and end your day in a rainforest — something impossible in most countries where similar ecosystems would be thousands of miles apart.

• Rainforests & jungles: Dense, humid forests like those in Corcovado and Tortuguero are home to jaguars, howler monkeys, and scarlet macaws. Towering trees create layered habitats, while the forest floor stays damp and full of amphibians, reptiles, and other species found nowhere else. This is also where you will find the best waterfalls in Costa Rica.
• Beaches & coastal reserves: Both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts are important nesting sites for endangered sea turtles. Mangrove forests along the shore act as natural barriers against storms and serve as nurseries for marine life. 
• Cloud forests & highlands: These high-altitude forests capture moisture from passing clouds, creating a humid environment where epiphytes, orchids, and bromeliads thrive.
• Wetlands & rivers: In places like Palo Verde and Caño Negro, wetlands become gathering spots for wildlife during the dry season. American crocodiles and spectacled caimans live in the waterways, while wading birds feed along the shore
• Páramo: Above 10,000 feet (3,000m), the páramo is a rugged, high-altitude environment found on mountains like Chirripó. The thin air, extreme temperatures, and high UV exposure create tough conditions, shaping a landscape of hardy, low-growing plants adapted to these challenges.
• Volcanic ecosystems: sitting on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Costa Rica has a chain of volcanoes that create distinct environments. Around active volcanoes like Arenal and Poás, plants and animals gradually return to areas affected by past eruptions. Mineral-rich soils, hot springs, and steam vents create conditions where specialized species can survive.

What animals can you see?

There is an extraordinary amount of Costa Rica wildlife, with over 500,000 species in this small nation, and seeing it in real life is the best things to do in Costa Rica. Sitting between North and South America, it acts as a natural bridge, bringing together animals from both continents. This makes a fantastic melting pot across all animal groups.

Mammals

Costa Rica's forests are anything but quiet. Three-toed sloths barely move as they cling to tree branches, dozing for most of the day. Monkeys—four different species—swing through the canopy, usually heard before they're seen. Deep in Corcovado National Park, there's a slim chance of spotting a jaguar, the region's top predator. More common, though, is the Baird's tapir, a stocky, odd-looking relative of the horse and rhinoceros that loves lounging in muddy pools.

Many mammals are most active at dawn and dusk, but a nighttime hike is the best way to see the creatures that hide during the day. That's when kinkajous, ocelots, and other elusive nocturnal animals emerge.

Birds

Birdwatchers come to Costa Rica with one bird in mind: the resplendent quetzal. With its long, iridescent green tail, it's one of the most sought-after birds in the world. It's not easy to find, but your best bet is in cloud forests like Monteverde or San Gerardo de Dota.

But even if the quetzal stays out of sight, there's plenty to look at. Toucans, with their oversized, colorful bills, make dramatic entrances, while scarlet macaws streak across the sky in pairs. And with over 50 species of hummingbirds zipping through the forests, there's always a flash of color somewhere.

Reptiles & amphibians

Some of Costa Rica's most interesting creatures are small but impossible to miss. The strawberry poison dart frog—tiny, bright red, and speckled with blue—looks like something out of a cartoon, but its skin is loaded with toxins. Then there's the Jesus Christ lizard, named for its ability to run across water when startled. 

American crocodiles, some reaching over 16 feet long, lurk in the country's rivers and estuaries, while smaller caimans keep to forest waterways. On night hikes, you might spot glass frogs with translucent skin or red-eyed tree frogs, known for their bright green bodies and vivid red eyes. 

Marine life

Costa Rica's waters are just as full of life as its forests. Humpback whales migrate here from both hemispheres, which means you can spot them almost year-round. Dolphins—both bottlenose and spotted—often ride the waves alongside boats in the Gulf of Papagayo and Drake Bay.

The country's beaches are key nesting grounds for four species of endangered sea turtles, including the massive leatherback, which can weigh over 1,000 pounds. Offshore, the Cocos Island Marine Reserve is a dream for divers, home to hammerhead sharks, manta rays, and even the occasional whale shark. Closer to shore, coral reefs are filled with parrotfish, angelfish, and moray eels, making for some of the best snorkeling in the region.

Best places to see wildlife in Costa Rica

Costa Rica's national parks system protects nearly 25% of the country's territory, representing one of the world's most ambitious conservation efforts. These parks span 28 distinct protected areas encompassing rainforests, cloud forests, beaches, and volcanic landscapes, and are a haven for Costa Rican wildlife.  

Corcovado National Park

This remote rainforest is one of most beautiful parks in Costa Rica, and one the few places in Costa Rica where, with a bit of luck, you might spot a jaguar—the largest cat in the Americas. The park is also home to Baird's tapirs, all four of Costa Rica's monkey species, and more than 400 bird species, including vibrant scarlet macaws.

Corcovado's isolation has kept its ecosystems largely intact, earning it a reputation as a "living laboratory" of biological richness. Visitors often come hoping to see squirrel monkeys, sloths, and the elusive harpy eagle. Visitors need a permit and must enter with a guide, which helps protect the park while ensuring better chances of spotting wildlife. 

Tortuguero National Park

Accessible only by boat or plane, Tortuguero is a maze of canals, lagoons, and rainforest best known for its sea turtles. Between July and October, thousands of green sea turtles come ashore to nest, continuing a ritual that has played out for centuries. Leatherback, hawksbill, and loggerhead turtles also use these beaches, making Tortuguero one of the best places in the world to see sea turtles in the wild.  

The park’s canals and lagoons are home to caimans, river otters, and manatees, while howler monkeys and sloths move through the rainforest above. Birdwatchers can spot toucans, kingfishers, and herons along the waterways. Many of the local guides in the nearby village once relied on turtle hunting but now work in conservation, helping to protect the species they used to catch. 

Monteverde Cloud Forest

High in the Tilarán Mountains, Monteverde’s cloud forest feels like another world—misty, lush, and teeming with life. The forest is famous for the resplendent quetzal, a striking bird with emerald-green feathers and a long, flowing tail that birdwatchers from around the world come to see, especially during nesting season from February to May.

The forest is also home to rare species like the three-wattled bellbird and the umbrella bird. A network of well-maintained hanging bridges and canopy tours give you a good chance of spotting wildlife, from small orchids growing in the trees to Baird’s tapirs moving through the undergrowth. Many animals and plans have over time adapted to the cloud forest’s cool, damp conditions, which has created unique plants and animals found nowhere else in Costa Rica. 

Manuel Antonio National Park

Though it’s the smallest national park in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio is where you will find an incredible amount of wildlife, and some of the best hikes in Costa Rica. White-faced capuchin monkeys are often seen (and sometimes a little too curious about visitors' backpacks), while three-toed sloths lounge in cecropia trees above. The park’s well-kept trails wind through rainforest to scenic Pacific overlooks, where migrating humpback whales can sometimes be spotted offshore.

Because the park’s wildlife is so used to humans, it’s one of the easiest places to see animals up close, and it’s a great choice for families and first-time visitors. The surrounding area has plenty of accommodations and guided tours that help maximize wildlife sightings. To keep the ecosystem in balance, the park limits daily visitors, so it’s worth planning ahead. See our tips for planning a tour of Manuel Antionio. 

Osa Peninsula

The Osa Peninsula is one of the most remote places in Costa Rica, with large areas of intact rainforest and diverse marine life. Scarlet macaws are a common sight along the coast, and offshore, spinner dolphins and humpback whales are frequently spotted.

Some of the best wildlife experiences here are found in the Golfo Dulce, a sheltered bay that provides important habitat for endangered scalloped hammerhead sharks and the occasional whale shark. Many lodges on the peninsula are only accessible by boat or small plane, making this a destination for those who want to experience Costa Rica’s wilderness with fewer crowds. 

Best time to visit for wildlife viewing

When to go to Costa Rica will differ depending on what you'd like to see. Costa Rica's wildlife follows two main seasons, each with its own advantages. The dry season (December–April) brings plenty of sunshine and makes it easier to spot animals since water sources shrink and vegetation is less dense. But this also means more visitors and higher prices. The green season (May–November) turns the landscape lush and vibrant, with fewer crowds, though you can expect regular afternoon showers. 

If you're hoping to see specific animals, timing matters. Olive ridley and leatherback turtles nest at Ostional and Las Baulas between October and March, while green sea turtles show up in Tortuguero from July to October. Humpback whales migrate along the Pacific coast twice a year—December to April and July to November. Resplendent quetzals nest in Monteverde between February and May, and scarlet macaws start nesting in Carara in August. If it's the amphibians you want to see, the early green season is a great time to go, when breeding frogs become especially active after the first rains. If your first time visiting, see our guide to how to plan a trip to Costa Rica.

How to experience wildlife responsibly 

Costa Rica takes conservation seriously, and responsible wildlife tourism plays a big role in protecting its biodiversity. National parks have strict regulations to minimize human impact, including designated trails, visitor limits, and rules against feeding or touching animals.

Sustainable travel is important. If you're booking a tour, look for operators certified by the Costa Rican Tourism Board's Certificate for Sustainable Tourism (CST), which ensures they follow ethical and eco-friendly practices. When watching wildlife, keep a respectful distance—at least 6 meters (20 feet) from most mammals—speak quietly, and use binoculars instead of getting too close. Flash photography can disturb nocturnal species, so red-light flashlights are the better choice for night tours.

Simple habits also make a difference: disposing of waste properly keeps animals from getting used to human food, and using reef-safe sunscreen helps protect marine life. Park entry fees and hiring local guides directly support conservation efforts and sustainable jobs, helping to keep Costa Rica's wildlife thriving for the long haul. There are also many great eco-lodges in Costa Rica.

Plan your trip with Rough Guides

Getting ready for a trip to Costa Rica? You’re in the right place. If you’re starting to map out your plans, check out our sample itineraries—they’re a great jumping-off point. Or our guide to how many days in Costa Rica is also packed with expert advice and solid recommendations. 

• 14 days in Costa Rica itinerary: Two weeks in Costa Rica gives you time to explore both coasts and the country’s lush interior. You can hike through Monteverde’s cloud forests, spot wildlife in Corcovado, relax on the beaches of Manuel Antonio, and still fit in volcanoes and hot springs in Arenal.

• 10 days in Costa Rica itinerary: With ten days, you can cover Costa Rica’s highlights without feeling rushed. Split your time between the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, soak in Arenal’s hot springs, and explore the rainforests of Tortuguero or Monteverde.

• 7 days in Costa Rica itinerary: A week means making some tough choices, but you can still experience a lot. Focus on either the Pacific—Manuel Antonio and Monteverde—or the Caribbean, with Tortuguero and Puerto Viejo. For a fast-paced itinerary, you can squeeze in Arenal, Monteverde, and some beach time.

• 5 days in Costa Rica itinerary: Five days is a short trip, but it’s enough to get a feel for the country. Stick to one region—Arenal and La Fortuna for volcanoes and hot springs, or Manuel Antonio for beaches and wildlife. You won’t see everything, but you’ll experience Costa Rica’s pura vida lifestyle.

If planning your trip feels overwhelming, we can take care of it for you. Our tailor-made trips are designed by local travel experts who know Costa Rica inside and out. Every trip is customized to your interests, with 24/7 support throughout your journey.