Awesome Adventures In Costa Rica
Download Travel Details >Exploring Costa Rica Through Incredible Wildlife Tours
Costa Rica is home to a truly incredible amount of wildlife. From jaguars to sloths and macaws to butterflies, this small South American country has more than 500,000 species living within its borders. More than 4 percent of the world’s species can be found here, making wildlife adventures in Costa Rica one of the top bucket list items for tourists visiting the country.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Costa Rica?
If you’re planning your Costa Rica adventures, you’ll want to know when to time your visit to take advantage of Costa Rica wildlife tours! The best time to make travel plans is between December and April, during the dry season. However, budget-conscious travelers can take advantage of tourist deals during the country’s green season, from May to June – or in November. The green season is a less popular time for tourists to visit Costa Rica, so you will have the national parks and other natural attractions almost to yourself.
Season |
Duration |
Things to Do |
Cons |
Dry Season |
Mid-December – April |
Sunny and dry weather makes the dry season ideal for visiting the country’s many national parks or spending time on the beach. Hiking, surfing, wildlife watching, and beach activities are all popular Costa Rica adventures during the country’s dry season. |
Peak tourist season, which results in higher prices and the need to book your accommodations and activities in advance. |
Green Season |
Mid-May - November |
Costa Rica’s green season usually sees an increase in wildlife activity. The abundance of food and water makes it easy to spot wildlife no matter where you visit. Additionally, rental car and hotel rates are often lower during the off-season. |
Generally rainy during the afternoon hours. Still a pleasant time to visit, if you pack and plan accordingly! |
If you want to save money, planning your adventures in Costa Rica during the Green Season is a savvy choice. Although you may encounter showers during the afternoon hours, the average temperatures in Costa Rica are consistent across the year, with highs between 74°F and 79°F, and lows between 59°F and 63°F. Pack a rain poncho and you’ll barely notice the sprinkles!
Top Five Costa Rican Animals To See On Wildlife Tours
Costa Rica’s wildlife can’t be beat. The small country is one of the most biodiverse in the world, and its wildlife is a key attraction for thousands of tourists each year. One of the most popular activities for visitors is Costa Rica wildlife tours. Of course, with so many amazing wild animals to see, it can be difficult to know where to start your adventures in Costa Rica. Some animals can be spotted throughout the country, while others only inhabit certain areas.
Here is a list of the top five animals you should plan on seeing when visiting Costa Rica, and where they can be found:
- Two-toed sloths: Sloths can be found all over Costa Rica, in national parks, wildlife centers, and even in towns! They are the world's slowest mammals - in fact, two-toed sloths are so slow that algae will grow on their fur. But that doesn’t bother them; instead, it acts as both a camouflage and a convenient food source for the sloths. Sloths can be found in the forests of Costa Rica, where their habitat is actively protected by the government. The best place to see them is Manuel Antonio National Park, which has a dedicated sloth trail for visitors to explore. Or, you can visit the town of La Fortuna, a small town in the northern highlands, where you can watch them as they feed on the mineral-rich volcanic soil found in that area.
- Tapirs: These large, forest-dwelling animals resemble a cross between an anteater and a pig. However, they are related to horses and rhinoceroses! The most famous species of tapir are the Baird’s tapirs, which is what you will find on Costa Rica wildlife tours. Baird’s tapirs are the largest native land mammal in Central America and have very few natural predators due to their size. Despite this fact, they are listed as endangered with only an estimated 4,500 left in the wild. Seeing one in Costa Rica is a true privilege. Baird’s tapirs can be found at Corcovado National Park. Although it is possible to see a tapir during the day, they are mostly nocturnal. But don’t despair – the park offers guided night tours to increase your chance of spotting this magnificent creature.
- Turtles: There are 13 native species of turtles in Costa Rica, with Tortuguero National Park being one of the most popular places to see them! Every year, between July and October, hundreds of Green Sea and Hawksbill turtles visit the park’s beaches to lay their eggs. Visitors can observe the turtles from a safe distance, so as not to disturb their fragile ecosystem. Or, you can plan a true Costa Rica adventure to Cano Island, where you can go snorkeling with turtles on a guided tour.
- Toucans: This iconic bird can be found in most of Costa Rica’s national parks. Costa Rica is home to six different species of toucans, including the Keel-billed toucan, which is probably the most famous. Leel-billed toucans and most other types of toucans can be spotted on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica in Monteverde Cloud Forest. They are also relatively easy to see in the Central Valley and Arenal Mountains, as well as the Cartago province on guided Costa Rica wildlife tours.
- Margays: Like jaguars, margays can be found everywhere in Costa Rica. Margays are a type of wild cat that is native to Costa Rica. This small creature resembles an ocelot but is part of the leopard family. While their spotted coat helps them blend in with their surroundings, margays are still listed as “threatened” on wildlife watch lists. Your best chance of seeing a margay is to visit Corcovado National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest, or Santa Rosa National Park and take a night tour with an experienced, professional guide.
- Bonus wildlife sighting: Manta Rays! Manta rays are one of the largest marine mammals in Costa Rica. There are many different types of manta rays to see on Costa Rica wildlife tours, including giant manta rays, which are endangered. The best places to see manta rays in Costa Rica include Tortuga Island, Blanco Nature Reserve, the Osa Peninsula, Coco Island, and the waters around Las Catalinas. Extreme outdoor enthusiasts can even see these incredible sea creatures while scuba diving around the Nicoya Peninsula. The best time to see manta rays in Costa Rica, however, is between January and April.
A Costa Rica Adventure To Remember!
Costa Rica prides itself on its commitment to sustainable practices, making it the perfect place to visit with a tour operator like Gondwana Ecotours, which shares the same philosophy of responsible tourism! Whether you are interested in hiking, Costa Rica wildlife tours, or other adventures in Costa Rica, a trip to this incredible country offers something for everyone. Start planning your visit today and get ready to immerse yourself in the wonders of this country’s unique ecosystem.