White-Faced Capuchin Monkey
The Sierpe River lies in one of the most remote parts of Costa Rica, the Osa Peninsula in the south of Puntarenas. This river is surrounded by a lush, mangrove forest. Getting to this remote part of the country can be a bit of a challenge and adventure and the best way to get here is by boat. Sierpe lies within close proximity of Drake Bay, and Corcovado National Park. The flora and fauna is some of the most diverse in the country and even the whole of Central America!!
One of the monkey species I came across as I paddled down the mangroves that border this river were the white-faced capuchin monkeys! This friendly guy decided to strike a few poses for me as we passed by.
White-faced Capuchin Monkeys
also known as Panamanian white-faced capuchins, are common in Costa Rica and can be found in various habitats like cloud forests, rainforests, and dry forests. They are easily spotted in areas like Manuel Antonio National Park, Osa Peninsula, and Monteverde. These monkeys are known for their agility, intelligence, and curious behavior.
Howler Monkey
In the lush canopies of Tamarindo, Costa Rica, the howler monkey reigns as the jungle’s alarm clock—though their deep, guttural calls sound more like a dinosaur than a bird. Known for being one of the loudest land animals on Earth, these leaf-munching primates spend most of their day lounging in the treetops, conserving energy for their next round of roaring. Their booming calls can travel up to three miles through the forest, serving as a warning to rival troops and a morning wake-up for everyone else. With expressive faces and long, prehensile tails for gripping branches, Costa Rica’s howler monkeys are as much a part of Tamarindo’s charm as the surf and sunsets.
The Three-Toed Sloth
Also known ass the Three-fingered sloth, is one of 2 different species found in Costa Rica. Three-toed sloths are arboreal (tree-dwelling) mammals. Large, curved claws and muscles specifically adapted for strength and stamina help sloths to keep a strong grip on tree branches.
The three-toed sloth is most active during early mornings and late afternoon. They live high in the canopy but descend once a week to 💩 on the forest floor. Their long and coarse fur usually appears greenish, this is due to algae growing on it. Sloths will consume the algae growing on their fur, as the algae provides the sloths with carbohydrates and lipids—an additional nutrition source. This algae-green color paired with their sluggish movements provide the perfect camouflage!! They often resemble a bundle of leaves, making them harder to spot in the wild.
Two-toed Sloth
The two-toed sloth (Choloepus spp.) is a nocturnal, tree-dwelling mammal found in Central and South America. Despite its name, it has two digits on its forelimbs and three on its hindlimbs, distinguishing it from the three-toed sloth. Larger than its three-toed relative, the two-toed sloth has a more prominent snout, longer fur, and no tail. Adapted for a life spent almost entirely upside down, it moves slowly hand-over-hand through the canopy, conserving energy on a diet of leaves, fruit, and flowers. Known for its deliberate pace, the two-toed sloth is a master of stealth and survival in the treetops.
Spotting one in the wild is rare enough—seeing a two-toed sloth active in daylight is like stumbling onto a secret nature was keeping just for me. Photographing it? That was pure magic.
Daudin’s Vine Snake
Sleek and stealthy, the Daudin’s vine snake is a master of disguise—its slender body and twig-like shape make it almost invisible among branches. Spotting one in the wild feels like uncovering a hidden treasure in the trees.
Upon walking up to the door of my Air BnB in Manzanilo, Costa Rica I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of this guy—no worries! He’s only mildly venomous! (hehe)