The Three-Toed Sloth
Meet the Three-Toed Sloth: Costa Rica’s Slowest Superstar
If there is one animal that perfectly represents Costa Rica’s relaxed way of life, it is the three-toed sloth. With their gentle faces, slow movements, and tree-dwelling lifestyle, sloths have become one of the country’s most beloved animals. They are not only adorable but also fascinating in how they have adapted to survive in the treetops.
Key Facts
Size: 45–60 cm (18–24 inches)
Weight: 3.5–6 kg (7.7–13.2 pounds)
Lifespan: 20–30 years in the wild, up to 40 in captivity
Diet: Leaves, buds, and shoots from a variety of trees
Top speed: 0.24 km/h (0.15 mph) on land
Activity: Mostly diurnal, meaning active in the day
Fascinating Facts
Three-toed sloths can turn their heads up to 270 degrees thanks to extra neck vertebrae, giving them an incredible field of vision. Their fur is home to green algae, which not only camouflages them in the canopy but also creates a mini ecosystem that supports moths and beetles.
Their digestive system is just as unusual. With a multi-chambered stomach that slowly ferments their tough leafy diet, sloths take a long time to process meals. This is why they move so slowly and conserve energy. They are famous for coming down from the trees only once a week to defecate, which is a risky trip to the forest floor.
Sloths are also surprisingly good swimmers. They can hold their breath for up to 40 minutes, gliding through water with ease despite their otherwise slow lifestyle.
When it comes to finding a mate, female three-toed sloths have a very distinctive strategy. When they are ready to mate, they climb to the top of a tree and let out a loud scream. They repeat this every ten to fifteen minutes until a male arrives. In the quiet forest, this call carries far and ensures that a potential partner hears them.
Habitat and Behavior
Three-toed sloths are completely arboreal, meaning they spend nearly their entire lives in trees. Babies cling to their mothers for the first four to six months and stay nearby for up to a year. If separated, sloth babies call out with a high-pitched squeak until they are reunited.
In the wild, sloths sleep 15 to 20 hours per day, often tucked into the branches where they blend almost perfectly with the canopy.
Where to See Sloths in Costa Rica
If you would like to meet one of these sleepy icons in the wild, some of the best tours include:
Gandoca Manzanillo Guided Hike
Punta Uva Wildlife Kayaking Tour
Guided tours increase your chance of spotting them, as experienced guides know exactly where to look for these well-camouflaged creatures.
Download the Fact Sheet
Want a handy one-page version to take on your trip?
👉 Download our Three-Toed Sloth Fact Sheet here :)
