Visiting Where the Wild Things Are (Without the Crowds)
In Costa Rica, there’s wildlife at every turn of a corner -and no, this is not an exaggeration-. Sloth stuffed animals and toucan murals’ll greet you at the airport- but the real thrill is spotting them in the wild. While Manuel Antonio and Tortuguero usually gets all the attention (and most foot traffic), here are six places where the animals still outnumber the tourists.
1. Bagaces - Hot Rivers, Dry Forests, and Coatis on Patrol
Most tourists zip past Bagaces on their way to the coast or La Fortuna. Big mistake. This area on the edge of Guanacaste offers a different vibe: think dry forest, rocky canyons, and thermal rivers tucked into the hillside. Head to Rio Perdido or the Las Hornillas area, where you’ll find bubbling mud pools, hanging bridges, and the occasional curious coati sniffing around.
Quetzal in San Gerardo de Dota
2. San Gerardo de Dota - Bird Watcher’s Paradise
Monteverde gets the spotlight, but San Gerardo is the hidden gem where birdwatchers rejoice. This little valley on the way to the South Pacific is home to over 200 species -including the elusive Quetzal, which somehow looks photoshopped in real life. Come early, bring layers, and prepare to whisper. Be surprised by the number of birds you’ll see.
3. Barra Honda National Park - Bats, Caves, and Tree-Dwellers
If you’re into caves and creatures, Barra Honda’s your spot. Located near Nicoya, this park is best known for its limestone cave system, but above ground, it’s a whole different story: a great dry tropical forest crawling with howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, and the occasional snake or two (if you’re lucky). Start your visit early, bring some water, and keep your ear to the ground - the monkeys usually announce themselves.
Beaches on the Way South
4. Golfito and Piedras Blancas - The Wild South
Piedras Blancas and Golfito offer Corcovado-style wildlife, minus the people. They could actually be called extensions of Corcovado: tapir and jaguar country (don’t get your hopes up, but they are out there). Easier to spot are toucans, spider monkeys, sloths, and some crocodiles sunbathing by the mangroves. It’s humid, dense, and beautifully unpredictable.
5. Isla Chira - Where the Mangroves Are Alive and Thriving
Isla Chira is one of those places that is often overlooked, which is exactly why you should go. The island’s mangroves are second to none, teeming with birdlife - from herons up to scarlet macaws. Join a boat tour at dawn when the birds are most active and the mangrove definitely looks prettier. Bonus: Your visit supports many women-led tourism initiatives.
6. Isla del Caño - Underwater Wildlife, Too
Located off the coast of Osa Peninsula, Isla del Caño is a magical place to visit. On the boat to get there, you could easily be greeted by dolphins and, if lucky, the occasional whale making their way across our waters. Once there, Isla de Caño is a marine biological reserve and a snorkeler’s dream. Sea turtles, reef sharks, rays, and colorful schools of fish turn this underwater world into a moving postcard.
7. Caño Negro - Wetlands Full of Wings and Teeth
Just shy of the Nicaraguan border, Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge is one of the best birdwatching spots in the country. It’s one of the best-kept secrets in the Americas among birdwatchers. You’ll also spot caimans, turtles, and maybe even a sleepy sloth. Best explored by boat, especially during the rainy season.
Go Where the Wild Things (Still) Are
You don’t have to elbow your way through a tour group to see Costa Rica’s wildlife. Choose spots where nature still leads, and the experience will be that much richer. Need help building an itinerary that hits these hidden wild zones? OneTwoTrail makes it easy, smart, and free.
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