Costa Rica for

Wildlife

From astonishing butterflies to nesting sea-turtles, Costa Rica is a wildlife-lovers’ dream. The country’s astoundingly diverse ecosystems are crammed with creepers and crawlers, howlers and prowlers. For close encounters, visit centers that rescue animals from trafficking and captivity.

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t A group of shaggy-haired howler monkeys greeting the day

Sounds of the Jungle

A walk through the jungle can feel like an assault on the senses, but pause to listen. That reverberating boom as you cross the swamp to Parque Nacional Marino Ballena is the lowing bay of crocodiles. That rustling crack as you stand under an almond tree in Rara Avis are toucans breaking open nut shells. That haunting roar rippling through the canopy in Cahuita is the uncanny call of howler monkeys sharing news of your presence.

Rescue and Recovery

Want to help protect your favorite species? Volunteer with Sea Turtle Conservation (www.conserveturtles.org) to help tag nesting green turtles and count eggs at Parque Nacional Tortuguero; tagging teams are also a strong deterrent to poachers. On the other side of the country, take part in rehabilitating spider monkeys at Zoo Ave, ready for release in Nicoya.

Whale of a Time

Sealife throngs in the waters flanking Costa Rica. Jump in with a scuba-diving class in the turquoise seas around Isla del Coco and swim with hammerhead schools. Non-divers can come face to face with jellynose fish and whale sharks from the safety of a semi-submersible.

Gravity’s Rainbows

Butterflies flit across Costa Rica’s hiking trails in an all-too-fleeting technicolor ballet. See their full spectrum at the enclosed butterfly gardens in Selvatura Park or Selva Verde, where the pretty papilionids stop at feeders long enough to to let you Instagram their brilliance.

Nocturnal Critters

Unravel the mysteries of Costa Rica’s forests – at night. Join a night walk at Parque Nacional Corcovado to shine a light on the nocturnal antics of leaf-cutter ants and red-eyed tree frogs. On the Caribbean side, let the moon light the way at Tortuguero to watch leatherback turtles lumber up the beach to nest.

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insider tip

Go Local

Hiring a licensed local guide, such as through the Asociación Guías U-Suré (www.usurecr.org) or Asociación de Guías Tortuguero (www.asoprotur.com), is the best way to experience local wildlife – and help the local economy too.

DISCOVER Costa Rica Your Way

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Places to See Wildlife

San Gerardo de Dota

The best place to see the resplendent quetzal.

Río Tárcoles

Crocodiles loll log-like along the riverbank in Parque Nacional Carrara.

Veragua Rainforest

Colorful poison dart frogs hop along the trails.

Parque Nacional Marino Ballena

Watch humpback whales breaching the water.

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