Animals You Can See in Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio packs some of Costa Rica's highest wildlife density into a small area. In a two-hour walk you can see more species than in days elsewhere. Here's who lives here.

Three- and two-toed sloths

They're the stars. They move slowly and sleep up to 20 hours, but with patience and a telescope you'll spot them in plain sight. Our spotting secrets explain how to find them in the leaves.

Monkeys: capuchin, howler, and squirrel

The white-faced capuchin is the most seen and the smartest. Howlers announce dawn with a distant roar, and the tiny squirrel monkey leaps nimbly through the canopy.

Birds: toucans, trogons, and herons

The chestnut-mandibled toucan and the trogon are photographer favorites. At sunrise, herons and kingfishers work the shores.

Reptiles and amphibians

Iguanas, lizards, and, in the green season, the famous red-eyed tree frog on the night tour. Caimans show up on the Damas mangrove trip.

Where and when to see them

The park's main trails hold the most activity. The best season and hour are in our season guide, but the real key is a guide's eye: on the guided tour we use professional telescopes to bring you close without disturbing them.

A note of respect

The wildlife is wild and protected. Don't feed or touch animals; observing from a distance is what makes it special. Prefer a guide or go solo? Compare in our guided vs. self-guided guide.