7 Best Places to See Monkeys in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is home to 4 different types of monkeys – and they can be easily spotted in most parts of the country. From howler monkeys in Guanacaste to spider monkeys and white-faced monkeys in Manuel Antonio, here are the best places to see monkeys in Costa Rica.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
What Types of Monkeys Are Found in Costa Rica?
There are four different types of monkeys in Costa Rica. Below you’ll find essential information about each species of monkey. Plus, you’ll learn the top places you can see each type of monkey in Costa Rica.
- Central American Squirrel Monkey. One of the smallest primates in Costa Rica, weighing just 600 to 950 grams, these monkeys are found in just a few places in Costa Rica. They’re considered an endangered species, due to the loss of habitat and illegal pet trade, so they’re one of the harder monkeys to spot. You can identify them by the brown/greenish color and black cap, white face, and orange hands and feet, as well as their loud chirps, squeals, and whistles. Squirrel monkeys are typically found in Manuel Antonio National Park and the Osa Peninsula, including the Corcovado National Park.
- Geoffroy’s Spider Monkey. Also known as the Black-Handed Spider Monkey, this is the largest monkey in Costa Rica, weighing around 20 pounds and known for it’s brown body and prehensile tail that can support its entire body weight. They are active during the day and found in the Corcovado National Park and other places in the Osa Peninsula, and less commonly in Monteverde, Tortuguero, Rincon de la Vieja National Park, and Sarapiqui.
- Mantled Howler Monkey. Perhaps the easiest monkey to spot in Costa Rica, Howler Monkeys are known for their howling calls, which can be heard for miles. The males are quite large, up to 22 pounds, and they tend to travel in troops of 10 to 20 individuals. You can often hear them before seeing them. They can found throughout Costa Rica except for higher elevations and are often seen in Manuel Antonio National Park, Arenal, Guanacaste, Sarapiqui, Nicoya Peninsula, and the Caribbean coast.
- White-Faced Capuchin Monkeys. The White-Face Monkey is probably the most popular and famous monkey in Costa Rica, as it’s been featured in many movies and TV shows. They’ve very intelligent and have been seen using tools (and they’re smart enough to steal bags of food!). They’re characterized by their white face and mostly black body. They’re very popular in the Manuel Antonio National Park but are also found in Monteverde, Nicoya, Palo Verde National Park, Arenal, Tortuguero, and the Osa Peninsula.
Is There Anywhere in Costa Rica to Pet Monkeys?
No, there is nowhere to pet monkeys in Costa Rica. If a tour guide offers this, run. They are not reputable.
Under no circumstances should visitors ever touch, pet, or hold wild monkeys. There are a variety of reasons why visitors should never interact with wild animals in their natural habitat, including monkeys. While they may appear cute, monkeys are wild animals and in turn should be left alone.
Monkeys and other mammal species carry parasites and zoonotic diseases that are harmful to humans. Plus, monkeys, like all animals that have teeth, can bite! In addition to biting, they can also scratch.
Many of Costa Rica’s monkeys are under threat, listed as vulnerable or endangered. So, the best way to experience them is from afar and without disrupting them, their behavior or eating. This is the best way to appreciate them and ensure they remain safe and wild.
Many monkeys within Manuel Antonio are so accustomed to visitors that they approach them and even try to steal food. When you encounter wild monkeys keep your distance, do not reach out and try to touch them. Another great tip is to avoid carrying food on you, or make sure it’s well hidden when monkeys are around.
If you want a photo or selfie with a monkey, take it from a distance!
Renting a car for your trip to Costa Rica? Find the best prices here.
Where To See Monkeys in Costa Rica
Visitors will find the four different species of monkeys across the country. However, below you’ll find a breakdown of a few key parks in Costa Rica, which are the best places to see monkeys.
Corcovado National Park/Osa Peninsula
The best places to see monkeys in Costa Rica are on the Osa Peninsula and in Corcovado National Park.
Corcovado is the largest park in Costa Rica, located on the Pacific Coast, and covers roughly a third of the Osa Peninsula. The park is home to over 10 different ecosystems and 140 mammal species, including all four Costa Rican monkey species. It’s the only park in Costa Rica to see them all in one place.
National Geographic even referred to Corcovado National Park as “the most biologically intense place on Earth.” In addition to four types of monkeys, all six species of feline are found in the park, as well as over 350 bird species and over 10,000 species of insect.
Read More: The 6 Wild Cats in Costa Rica (+ Where You Might See Them)
La Fortuna & Arenal National Park
Another great place to see monkeys in Costa Rica is in La Fortuna. This small town is located roughly 2.5 hours northwest of San José and is considered the gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park. This central Costa Rican national park is home to the country’s most active volcano.
The region is popular for birding, with nearly all of the bird species in Costa Rica found here. However, the area and park are also home to three out of the four species of monkey that can be found in Costa Rica. Within Arenal National Park visitors, especially with a guide, will be able to spot white-faced monkeys, spider monkeys, and howler monkeys.
Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero is best known as a sea turtle wildlife refuge for the many that use its beaches as nesting grounds. This remote national park on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast is filled with winding freshwater creeks as well as lagoons and is surrounded by dense rainforest.
While many visit Tortuguero National Park for its beaches and turtles, it is rich with other wildlife too, like birds and monkeys.
The best way to see monkeys in Tortuguero, or any wildlife for that matter, is by boat or canoe. Navigating the waterways by boat, visitors have the opportunity to see monkeys hanging from the trees.
The park is one of the best places in Costa Rica to see spider monkeys.
Read More: 16 Best National Parks in Costa Rica (& Free Checklist!)
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Only 1% of the planet’s remaining forests are classified as cloud forests. That, along with many other facts, makes the Monteverde Cloud Forest in Costa Rica a special place. The biological preserve covers over 10,500 hectares of cloud forest and is located in the northwestern part of the country.
The preserve consists of 90% virgin forest and in turn is rich in biodiversity. Within the Monteverde Cloud Forest, there are 400 bird species, 180 reptilian and amphibian species, over 3,000 plant species, and 120 mammal species.
Of the mammal species in Monteverde, there are all six species of cat found in the country as well as two monkey species. In Monteverde, you can see howler monkeys and white-faced capuchin monkeys.
Manuel Antonio National Park
One of the most popular places to visit in Costa Rica is Manuel Antonio National Park. While small, it’s Costa Rica’s smallest national park, at only 683 hectares, it is full of things to do like guided hiking tours and beautiful beaches.
Located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio is known for its incredible rainforest, white sandy beaches, and biodiversity. It’s also a great place to see monkeys in Costa Rica! There are over 100 mammal species and nearly 200 bird species found throughout the park. In terms of mammalian species, there are both two-toed and three-toed sloths as well as three different monkey species.
During your visit you’ll see howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, and squirrel monkeys. One of the most popular species of monkey, the adorable squirrel monkeys, can even be seen before you enter the park! I also saw them congregating near the restaurant in the center of the park. But remember not to feed them!
Read More: Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Manuel Antonio National Park
Rincon de la Vieja National Park
Another great place to see monkeys in Costa Rica is Rincon de la Vieja National Park. About four hours from San José or under an hour from Liberia, the park is located in the northwestern part of Costa Rica.
Rincon de la Vieja National Park is home to three volcanoes, one of which is dormant. Plus, within its boundaries visitors will find beautiful waterfalls and epic hiking trails.
Along with over 300 species of birds, this park is one of the best places to see monkeys! Howlers, white-face capuchins, and squirrel monkeys can all be found in the national park.
Playas del Coco
On the northern Pacific side of Costa Rica is Playas del Coco. Known for its incredible sunsets, it’s one of the oldest beach communities in the province of Guanacaste and the closest beach to the Liberia airport.
While it may be an unexpected addition to this list, Playas del Coco is actually home to several troops of howler monkeys. It’s not unusual to spot them along the roads leading to the beach (usually the Iguana Entrance) in the morning and they’ve even been spotted downtown in the trees between Coconutz and Zi Lounge in the evenings.
Read More: 10 Incredible Ocean View Properties in Playas del Coco
