Costa Rica's tropical reserve offers a hiker's haven, catering to both energetic and casual wanderers
In the lush rainforests of Costa Rica's Corcovado National Park, the slow-moving, camouflaged three-toed sloth is a common yet elusive sight [1][3]. This enchanting creature, with its round head and gentle eyes, travels only 20 to 40 meters per day, preferring to live hanging upside down from tree branches [2].
To increase your chances of spotting this iconic animal, it's best to explore the park's canopy where both three-toed and two-toed sloths reside [1]. Sloths are often camouflaged in the foliage and covered in green microalgae, so patience and a quiet approach are essential [3]. Walking slowly and scanning the treetops with binoculars or a zoom camera lens can help [3].
For a more guided experience, daily tours specifically for spotting three-toed sloths are available [4][5]. Guides familiar with recent sighting locations can significantly increase your chances of spotting these fascinating creatures. It's also advisable to ask park staff about recent sloth sightings before heading out [3].
Spanning 424 km of tropical forests, marshes, rivers, and Pacific coastline, Corcovado National Park is one of the few places in Central America where jaguars and pumas can still be admired in the wild [6]. The park is home to nearly 500 tree species, over 140 mammals, and a multitude of insects and birds [7].
Access to Corcovado National Park is only possible with an accredited guide, by reservation, and from one of the five official entrances [8]. The most frequented entrance is Sirena, accessible by boat or on foot, with a basic refuge and a few treehouse dormitories [8]. Hikers in Corcovado National Park weave between dense forest and beaches, making for an unforgettable adventure.
For more information about Corcovado National Park, visit their website at [9]. During the rainy season (April to November), tree frogs emerge in numbers in the park, adding another layer of enchantment to this wild, untamed natural sanctuary located in the southwest of Costa Rica, 300 km from San José [10].
[1] Three-toed sloths are found in both rainforest areas in Corcovado National Park. [2] Three-toed sloths travel only 20 to 40 meters per day and prefer to live hanging upside down. [3] Patience and a quiet approach, along with scanning high branches with binoculars or a camera zoom, can help spot three-toed sloths. [4] Daily tours specifically for spotting three-toed sloths are available. [5] Guides familiar with recent sighting locations can increase your chances of spotting three-toed sloths. [6] Corcovado National Park is one of the few places in Central America where jaguars and pumas can still be admired in the wild. [7] Corcovado National Park is home to nearly 500 tree species, over 140 mammals, and a multitude of insects and birds. [8] Access to Corcovado National Park is only possible with an accredited guide, by reservation, and from one of the five official entrances. [9] Corcovado National Park's website can be found at sinac.go.cr/en for more information. [10] During the rainy season (April to November), tree frogs emerge in numbers in Corcovado National Park.
To enhance your chances of spotting three-toed sloths in Corcovado National Park, consider joining a guided tour for sloth-viewing during your in-flights to Costa Rica. For those who prefer a self-guided experience, remember to approach the canopy quietly, using binoculars or a camera lens with zoom to scan the treetops for camouflaged sloths.
