Wildlife in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a country famous for its rainforests, beaches, volcanoes and jungles and, throughout these ecosystems, its abundant, diverse and exotic wildlife.

The red-eyed tree frog, dubbed “the world’s most famous frog,” is not poisonous, but its bright colors make potential predators think it could be!

Costa Rica is home to hundreds of species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, marine life and more that are unique to Central America. On land you can spot sloths, jaguars, monkeys, bats, coatis and tapirs, tiny colorful tree frogs and giant crocodiles, hummingbirds, toucans, macaws and quetzals, caimans, lizards, snakes and iguanas. If you choose to dive, you can see amazing marine life such as turtles, dolphins and eagle rays.

The red-eyed tree frog, dubbed “the world’s most famous frog,” is not poisonous, but its bright colors make potential predators think it could be!

Playa Conchal is one of the most beautiful beaches in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

With several regions and provinces that comprise Costa Rica, from Guanacaste, Puntarenas and the Nicoya Peninsula along the Pacific coast to Limon on the east coast along the Caribbean, and Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago and San Jose in the interior, there is so much to do and see in Costa Rica that it can be difficult to know where to start. Every region has something unique to offer.

For many, the most comfortable and accommodating place to begin is Guanacaste, just 40 minutes from Liberia Guanacaste Airport in northwestern Costa Rica. With one of the country’s better-developed tourism infrastructures, making it easy to find all kinds of tours, experiences, and activities, Guanacaste is home to the highest number of luxury retreats, hotels and communities — more than any other region in Costa Rica.

“Whatever your reason for coming to Costa Rica — adventure, relaxation or luxury — there’s a property to suit you,” says Richard Murphy, Costco Travel buyer. “For example, in Peninsula Papagayo, the Andaz Costa Rica Resort - Opens a dialog is relaxing and upscale.

The newly renovated Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica - Opens a dialog is truly luxurious.

For a great beach experience, the Westin Reserva Golf Resort & Spa - Opens a dialog is located on Playa Conchal, one of the most stunning beaches in Guanacaste.

And adventure seekers can discover biking paths, walking trails and access to the nearby surf village of Tamarindo when staying at JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa - Opens a dialog .”

An adult spotted eagle ray can grow up to 16 feet long including its tail.

Known for its biodiverse parkland, including the rare dry tropical forest of Santa Rosa National Park, Guanacaste also offers miles of shoreline and beaches, such as Playa Blanca and Playa Hermosa for swimming, surfing, snorkeling, scuba and sailing, horseback riding and more.

An adult spotted eagle ray can grow up to 16 feet long including its tail.

Keel-billed toucan is an omnivorous forest bird whose bill is nearly ⅓ of its length.

As well, Guanacaste is the habitat of hundreds of species of marine life, birds, reptiles, mammals and amphibians. Wake up in the morning to the thunderous croaking of male howler monkeys echoing through the forest, then later hike the dry plains along the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano to the lush rainforest on the north side where tapirs roam, or head to the wetlands of the Palo Verde National Park, a bird watcher’s paradise, where thousands of migratory and native birds can be seen.

Young howler monkey, Costa Rica. The howler’s loud whoop or roar is the loudest of any monkey species!

In addition to howlers, the province is home to the long-limbed spider monkey (the largest monkey found in Costa Rica), which likes to forage in rainforest areas like the nearby Rincon de la Vieja National Park, and supremely intelligent white-faced capuchin monkeys (they have been observed using tools), which can be found in the national parks and on many secluded beaches.

Young howler monkey, Costa Rica. The howler’s loud whoop or roar is the loudest of any monkey species!

You’re very likely to see an iguana if you spend any time in Guanacaste.

There are 38 species of iguanas in Costa Rica, and most of them prefer the dry climate found along Guanacaste’s northern coast. (In other words, if you are in Guanacaste for more than 15 minutes, you will likely see an iguana!) If you want to see crocodiles, the smaller and shyer caiman, or a basilisk lizard, my favorite way is to take a river tour in Palo Verde National Park.

The white-nosed coati (Nasua Narica) of Costa Rica is a member of the raccoon family.

The white-nosed coati, which looks like a racoon with an elongated snout, can be found near the coast, typically in groups of 10 to 30, and typically begging for food. Do not feed them! It is illegal to feed wild animals in Costa Rica, despite their wide-eyed appeals.

The white-nosed coati (Nasua Narica) of Costa Rica is a member of the raccoon family.

Be sure to look up in the trees to spot a sloth!

You are most likely to come across wild cats, including the jaguar, puma, ocelot, oncilla, margay and jaguarundi, at an animal sanctuary, such as Diamante Eco Adventure Park or Las Pumas Rescue Center, where you’ll also find adorable, slow-moving sloths nestled in tree limbs.

If you come across 50 different species during your visit, you’ve still just scratched the surface. Costa Rica is truly a country that invites visiting again and again.

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We invite you to take some time to browse around and dream of your next vacation, rental car or cruise, whether you’re booking for next month or toward the end of next year.

Costa Rica is a country famous for its rainforests, beaches, volcanoes and jungles and, throughout these ecosystems, its abundant, diverse and exotic wildlife.

The red-eyed tree frog, dubbed “the world’s most famous frog,” is not poisonous, but its bright colors make potential predators think it could be!

Playa Conchal is one of the most beautiful beaches in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

The newly renovated Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica - Opens a dialog is truly luxurious.

For a great beach experience, the Westin Reserva Golf Resort & Spa - Opens a dialog is located on Playa Conchal, one of the most stunning beaches in Guanacaste.

And adventure seekers can discover biking paths, walking trails and access to the nearby surf village of Tamarindo when staying at JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa - Opens a dialog .”

An adult spotted eagle ray can grow up to 16 feet long including its tail.

Keel-billed toucan is an omnivorous forest bird whose bill is nearly ⅓ of its length.

Young howler monkey, Costa Rica. The howler’s loud whoop or roar is the loudest of any monkey species!

You’re very likely to see an iguana if you spend any time in Guanacaste.

The white-nosed coati (Nasua Narica) of Costa Rica is a member of the raccoon family.

Be sure to look up in the trees to spot a sloth!

If you come across 50 different species during your visit, you’ve still just scratched the surface. Costa Rica is truly a country that invites visiting again and again.

Sign Up for Costco.ca Emails

Once You Are Ready to Travel Again, Costco Travel Can Help

We invite you to take some time to browse around and dream of your next vacation, rental car or cruise, whether you’re booking for next month or toward the end of next year.

About the Author: The above piece was written by T. Foster Jones, a guest travel blogger.

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Wildlife in Costa Rica

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