The Howler Monkey
Meet the Howler Monkey: Costa Rica’s Loudest Resident
If you’ve ever walked through the forests of Costa Rica and heard a deep roar echoing through the trees, you’ve probably been close to a howler monkey. These primates are some of the most iconic animals in Costa Rica, famous not just for their booming calls but also for their slow, leafy lifestyle high in the canopy.
Key Facts About the Howler Monkey
Size: 40–70 cm (16–28 inches) body length, plus a tail of similar or longer length
Weight: 4–10 kg (9–22 pounds)
Lifespan: 15–20 years in the wild
Diet: Primarily leaves, plus fruit, flowers, and young shoots
Call volume: Their roars can be heard up to 5 km (3 miles) away!
Fascinating Facts
Howler monkeys have one of the loudest calls in the animal kingdom. Their roars are territorial, designed to warn other groups and reduce conflict. Males have a large hyoid bone in their throat that works like a built-in amplifier, letting them project their voice across the forest.
Unlike many monkeys, howlers spend most of their time being quiet and relaxed. They can often be seen lounging in the trees, saving energy because their leafy diet doesn’t give them as much fuel as fruit or insects would. They rarely need to come down to drink water because they get most of their hydration from leaves and morning dew.
One of their most useful tools is their tail. It has a bare patch on the underside that gives them extra grip, making it like a fifth hand for climbing and hanging from branches.
Habitat and Behavior
Howler monkeys are completely arboreal, meaning they live their entire lives in the trees and only rarely come down to the ground. They live in groups of about 5 to 15 individuals, often led by one or two dominant males. Their social groups spend most of the day resting or feeding, and their loud calls are usually heard around dawn and dusk.
These roars echo across the forest and are one of the most unforgettable sounds in Costa Rica’s national parks. If you hear the forest “roar awake” in the morning, you know you’re in howler monkey territory.
Why They Matter
Howlers play an important role in keeping the forest ecosystem healthy. By eating leaves, fruit, and flowers, they help maintain the balance of plant growth and spread seeds through their waste. Their presence supports the biodiversity that makes Costa Rica one of the most wildlife-rich countries in the world.
Where to See Howler Monkeys in Costa Rica with Us!
If you want to spot howler monkeys, the best places are in protected forests along the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Some of our top tours include:
Gandoca Manzanillo Guided Hike
Punta Uva Wildlife Kayaking Tour
Walking through the jungle with one of our guides not only increases your chances of spotting a howler monkey (because they know all the spots!) but also gives you the full experience of hearing their incredible calls up close…it’s honestly my favorite part about living here.
👉 “Want a quick fact sheet to take on your trip? Download our Howler Monkey PDF here.
