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If you’ve never encountered a sloth in real life, it’s hard to describe—but it’s an oddly magical experience. These silly, smiling, slow creatures are the unofficial symbol of Costa Rica, and let’s be honest, one of the reasons why travelers take that long flight down is to actually get the chance to photograph one in the trees as they exist in their natural, slow, slower-paced state.
So where can you see sloths in Costa Rica? If you’re looking for places in the wild or in sanctuaries—I have them all. I’ve seen sloths in the wild and in sanctuaries—and almost saw one as roadkill because it was crossing the street (don’t worry, we stopped traffic and helped him—slowly, of course).
First, Meet the Sloths of Costa Rica
Costa Rica is home to two species of sloths: the two-toed sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni) and the three-toed sloth (Bradypus variegatus). Both are adorable in their own weird way, and yes — they’re truly wild here. They’re not hard to find, if you know where (and when) to look.
These jungle icons live high up in the trees and spend most of their time doing… well, not much. Sleeping, eating, and sometimes blinking. That’s the sloth life. But that’s exactly why they’re so fascinating.
Best Places to See Sloths in Costa Rica (In the Wild)
So you’re here for that “wild sloth sighting” moment? Here’s where you’ve got your best shot:
Manuel Antonio National Park
A small park with a big reputation. The dense jungle trails are a hotspot for sloth watching. I’ve never led a tour here without someone yelling, “I see one!” (Spoiler: sometimes it’s just a coconut. But often, it’s the real deal.)
Tortuguero National Park
Known for turtles, yes, but sloth watching in Costa Rica gets serious here. The canals and forests are full of wildlife, and local guides are absolute pros at spotting camouflaged fur balls.
Cahuita National Park
Less crowded, totally underrated, and a great place for seeing sloths in the wild in Costa Rica — especially early in the morning when it’s just you, the howler monkeys, and (hopefully) a sleepy sloth in a tree.
La Fortuna (near Arenal Volcano)
Surprisingly good for sloths! The forest edges and even hotel gardens here often double as hangouts for these laid-back legends.
Sloth Sanctuaries in Costa Rica: A Closer Look
Want a guaranteed sloth encounter — and learn about conservation while you’re at it? These centers are doing amazing work:
Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica (Cahuita)
One of the original sanctuaries in the country. Offers guided tours and a deep dive into sloth biology and rescue efforts. It’s educational, emotional, and yes, there are baby sloths.
The Sloth Institute (Manuel Antonio)
Focused on rehabilitation and rewilding. They’re serious about not turning sloths into photo props, which I fully respect. Visits are limited, but they often partner with local guides for sightings.
Osa Wildlife Sanctuary (Osa Peninsula)
Harder to get to, but worth it. This remote sanctuary rescues a range of wildlife — including sloths — and offers intimate tours that support long-term care.
Tips for Ethical Sloth Watching
Let’s be clear: seeing sloths is amazing. But let’s do it right.
- Don’t touch or feed them — ever.
- Avoid places that let you hold a sloth (this is a red flag, not a bonus).
- Keep your voice low and your distance respectful.
- Support sanctuaries doing real conservation work.
Seeing Costa Rica sloths in a way that respects their wild nature makes the experience so much more powerful.
When to Spot Sloths in Costa Rica
Sloths don’t really follow a schedule — they’re unpredictable like that. But you’ll generally have better luck:
- Early in the morning or late afternoon
- During the green season, when there’s more food and more activity
- With a local guide who’s seen more sloths in trees than you’ve had gallo pinto
If you want to up your odds, invest in a guided walk. The guides here are wizards — I’ve seen them spot a sloth 30 feet up in a tree with one eye closed.
Want Help Finding Sloths Without Stress?
Let’s be honest, not all sloth tours are created equal. Some take you on a slow-paced forest walk with magic, others just show you a blurry tail in the distance.
That’s why we offer custom trip planning that includes the best sloth tours in Costa Rica, handpicked guides, and honest recommendations. Because we actually live here — and we don’t recommend tours we wouldn’t send our own family on.
Grab Our Free eBook Before You Go!
While you’re planning your trip, don’t forget to download our free eBook: “10 Hidden Gems in Costa Rica You’ve Never Heard Of.”
It includes a few off-the-path sloth hotspots too — ones the average traveler never finds.
