The Coati
Meet the Coati: Costa Rica’s Curious Climber
The coati, often called pizote in Costa Rica, is a lively and social animal that belongs to the same family as raccoons. With its long striped tail, pointed nose, and curious nature, the coati is one of the most commonly spotted mammals in Costa Rica’s national parks. They are energetic, adaptable, and not shy about showing up near hiking trails, which makes them a favorite for wildlife watchers.
Key Facts
Size: 41–67 cm (16–26 inches) in body length, with a tail nearly as long as the body
Weight: 3–7 kg (6–15 pounds)
Lifespan: 7–14 years in the wild, up to 17 in captivity
Diet: Omnivorous, feeding on fruit, insects, small vertebrates, and eggs
Social groups: Females and young form bands of 10–30 individuals, while adult males are usually solitary
Cool Facts About Coatis
Coatis use their long, flexible noses to sniff out food in the leaf litter and under logs. Their sense of smell is excellent, and they can dig with both their nose and sharp claws to uncover insects and small animals.
They are expert climbers, using their tails for balance as they move through the trees. However, they spend much of their time on the ground, foraging in groups that are always on the move.
Coatis are very social. Female groups, called bands, work together to find food and watch for predators. Adult males, however, live alone and only join the groups during mating season, which has earned them the nickname “coatimundis,” or lone coatis.
Despite their small size, coatis are tough survivors. They are strong fighters when threatened and can climb quickly to escape predators. Their playful nature often makes them seem fearless around humans, though visitors should resist feeding them to protect their health and natural behavior.
Habitat and Behavior
Coatis live in a wide variety of habitats in Costa Rica, from dry forests and lowland jungles to cloud forests and mountain slopes. They are most active during the day, especially in the morning and late afternoon, when they forage for fruit and insects.
They communicate with a range of chirps, snorts, and grunts. Their group coordination and constant movement make them a lively presence in the forest.
Where to See Coatis in Costa Rica
Coatis are one of the easiest animals to spot in Costa Rica, as they are widespread and not shy. Some of the best places to encounter them are:
Cahuita National Park, where coatis can often be seen foraging near the forest edge and along trails
Arenal Volcano National Park, where they frequently appear near roadsides and rest areas
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, where groups move through both the canopy and the forest floor
Guided tours make it easy to learn more about their habits and observe their playful group dynamics up close. If we do not provide the tour ourselves, you will see we have included links to other tour operators that offer sightings. We have personally been on these tours ourselves and enjoyed them! :)
