Costa Rica

Costa Rica's wildlife and where to see it

With over 5% of all the species on earth to be found in an area a fifth the size of the UK, and with 25 % of the country either a national park or a wildlife reserve, Costa Rica is an excellent place to see wildlife.

Getting to see Costa Rica's wildlife has been made easy with numerous park trails, elevated walkways in the canopy and river boat trips. Local guides are generally very good at finding their local species and introducing you to their natural history.

The wildlife you will see in any area depends on the habitats found there. Costa Rica offers several good opportunities to experience three of the most significant tropical life zones: lowland rainforest, cloud forest and tropical dry forest. If you would like to see the widest range of wildlife then choose examples from each life zone rather than all the same.

Some inspiration

'Costa Rica Nature Explorer'

TAILORMADE WILDLIFE

14 nights from £3230

A wonderful trip visiting Costa Rica’s main locations for wildlife in a wide range of habitats, staying in good quality mid-range lodges where nature is the focus.

'Creature Comforts'

TAILORMADE WILDLIFE

14 nights from £6150

First-rate wildlife and nature experiences in first-rate surroundings. Stay at some of Costa Rica’s best boutique and wildlife lodges.

'Add-on: Osa Peninsula'

For excellent wildlife, the Osa Peninsula in far south-west Costa Rica can easily be added to the start or end of almost any itinerary, and complement self-drive trips very well

'Add-on: Tortuguero'

For excellent wildlife, Tortuguero in north-east Costa Rica can easily be added to the start or end of almost any itinerary, and complement self-drive trips very well

Bird watching in Costa Rica

Costa Rica offers some of the best bird watching experiences in Latin America, with easy birding and expert options.

Costa Rica's Northern lowlands

A wide triangle of low plains stretches between the Cordillera Central, the Caribbean, and the San Juan river on the border between Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

South Pacific & the Osa Peninsula

Extremely heavy rains drench the southern part of Costa Rica's Pacific coast but in turn this is one of the most biodiverse, unspoilt parts of the country.