Sloth Spotting in Puerto Viejo: Why Cahuita Is the Best Place to See Them
If you want to see sloths in Costa Rica, the best place to find them is along the southern Caribbean coast. The areas around Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, and Manzanillo are some of the most reliable places in the country to see both two-toed and three-toed sloths in their natural environment.
Sloths live all year round in this region, and sightings are extremely common. Whether you are visiting during the dry season or the rainy season, there is a very high chance you will see them during a guided tour.
Why Cahuita Is the Best Place to See Sloths
Cahuita National Park is one of the top wildlife destinations in Costa Rica. It’s famous for its mix of rainforest and coral reef, and it’s also known as one of the easiest places to find sloths. The forest canopy along the park’s main trail is a natural habitat for both species, making sightings frequent throughout the year.
When you visit with Rico Tico Tours, you can choose from two popular experiences: the Guided Cahuita National Park Tour and the Epic Cahuita Combo Tour. Both tours are led by professional local guides who know exactly where to look for sloths and other wildlife such as monkeys, toucans, iguanas, and raccoons.
Our groups are small so every guest has a clear view and personal experience. Guides use professional telescopes and cameras to help you get close-up photos of the animals without disturbing them.
What Makes Cahuita Special
The rainforest in Cahuita National Park has the ideal balance of shade, fruit trees, and humidity that sloths need. The easy, flat walking trails allow visitors to see wildlife up close without long hikes or steep climbs. It’s also one of the few national parks in Costa Rica where you can walk at your own pace and enjoy both forest and ocean views on the same path.
While you can sometimes see sloths in Puerto Viejo or Manzanillo, Cahuita offers the most consistent sightings. Guests often see multiple sloths on a single tour, including mothers with babies or sloths climbing between branches just above the trail.
Best Time to Visit
Sloths can be seen in Cahuita year-round. July is beautiful and quiet, with fewer visitors. September and October are perfect months for snorkeling because the water is calm and visibility is high. The dry season, from February to May, is also excellent for wildlife viewing.
Even during the rainy months, sloths are active. Light rain makes the forest more alive, and many animals come closer to the trails. Our tours continue in light or moderate rain, as this is a natural part of the rainforest experience. Snorkeling tours require at least 70 percent visibility for the safety of our guests and the coral reef.
Why Choose a Guided Tour
Walking through Cahuita National Park with a guide greatly increases your chance of seeing sloths and other animals. Our local guides are trained to spot even the smallest movements in the trees and to share interesting facts about the ecosystem and animal behavior.
The Guided Cahuita National Park Tour is a relaxed experience perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers. The Epic Cahuita Combo Tour includes both rainforest walking and snorkeling, giving you a full day of nature, adventure, and culture.
What to Bring
Bring comfortable walking shoes (sandals are fine!), light clothing, water, insect repellent, and a camera or phone. For the combo tour, you’ll also need a swimsuit, towel, and reef-safe sunscreen. Our team ensures every guest has a smooth, safe, and enjoyable experience.
Sustainable Wildlife Tourism
At Rico Tico Tours, we are passionate about protecting Costa Rica’s wildlife and supporting our community. Our tours follow strict sustainability practices that respect the animals and their natural habitats. We collaborate with local guides, small businesses, and conservation projects to ensure that every visit helps support eco-tourism in the region.
When you join one of our guided tours, you are directly contributing to the protection of sloths, coral reefs, and local ecosystems in the Limón province.
Book Your Sloth Tour
Whether you want a peaceful nature walk or a full-day adventure, Cahuita is the best place in Costa Rica to see sloths in the wild. Our team is ready to help you plan the perfect day in the jungle and by the sea.
Book your Guided Cahuita National Park Tour or Epic Cahuita Combo Tour today and discover why visitors say this is the highlight of their Costa Rica vacation.
