March 3rd is World Wildlife Day, and what better way to celebrate than to book an epic adventure to Costa Rica? Wildlife in this incredible country knows no bounds, with sloths, various species of monkeys, numerous tropical birds, and crocodiles just some of the animals native to Costa Rica. A trip to Costa Rica also gives you the chance to experience ecotourism, or with spring break just around the corner, for a group of friends looking to go into the wild; an adventure in Central America with its beaches and rainforests is the perfect answer. If you want to find out the best way to get up close and personal with the wildlife in Costa Rica, keep reading and discover some incredible rentals from tree houses to cabins in some truly beautiful spots.
Explore the Corcovado National Park
With a stay in this stunning rainforest cabin, you’ll have direct access to both stunning coastlines, as well as the incredible rainforests of the Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula. The Corcovado National Park is a fabulous example of how diverse Costa Rica’s wildlife is, with over 240 species of bird and almost 150 species of mammal to discover. From tapirs, sloths, and monkeys to toucans and scarlet maw maws, not to mention the wild cats, including puma, ocelot, and the endangered jaguar; there is plenty to keep even a veteran wildlife enthusiast occupied in 2023.
Go whale watching in the Marino Ballena National Park! Costa Rica wildlife in the waves
The coastal Marino Ballena National Park is home to a wide variety of Costa Rica wildlife, such as sloths, monkeys, and iguanas, as well as toucans and sea turtles. However, the real stars of the show here are the humpback whales that visit the area from December to April. If you’re in the area outside of humpback whale season, don’t fret, because you haven’t missed out on all of your whale-watching opportunities. Dolphins, orcas, sei whales, melon-headed whales, and fin whales can all be seen throughout the year, so embarking on one of the whale-watching tours in the area is an absolute must.
Escape to the Monteverde Cloud Forest: vacations for ornithologists
For ornithologists, Monteverde Cloud Forest is the perfect vacation destination. While staying in a unique dome rental overlooking the fauna of the forest, you can look forward to heading out each day with your binoculars, and catching sight of some truly spectacular birds. A number of hummingbird species and the quetzal, which is notoriously elusive.
Stay in the treetops of Manuel Antonio National Park
What could be better than a vacation staying in one of our Costa Rica villa rentals? Not much, it has to be said, however, it doesn’t get much better than a stay in a treetop villa overlooking the Manuel Antonio National Park. Another national park boasting over 100 mammals, and close to 200 birds, you’ll almost certainly encounter sloths, iguanas, toucans, tree frogs, and coatis. You may also come across the white-headed capuchin monkey, made famous by Marcel, Ross’ pet monkey in the sitcom Friends. Don’t get too close though, as the wild ones have been known to bare their impressive fangs at people who try to get near them.
Discover Costa Rica wildlife in the Tortuguero National Park
Nestled on the North Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, Tortuguero National Park is the perfect spot to enjoy Costa Rica wildlife. You can spot sea turtles, sloths, monkeys, and tropical frogs. You can also catch sight of crocodiles as part of a jungle canal cruise, a truly unique way to catch sight of the wild animals in Costa Rica. With cozy cabin rentals near the beach, you can take your time exploring the rainforest and the coast of this amazing national park.
Looking for more fun places to stay in Guanacaste, Costa Rica? We have some fantastic glamping sites for your to try. Explore Costa Rica’s nature resorts and some of the best honeymoon destinations in South America!
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