Manuel Antonio is the easiest place in the world to see wild sloths, with both brown-throated three-toed and Hoffmann's two-toed sloths hanging in the trees above its short, well-made trails. Park guides with telescopes spot the motionless animals in minutes, and the same walk turns up capuchins, iguanas and toucans on the way to the beach. Sloths are resident year-round, with the drier months from December to April the most comfortable for walking.
Manuel Antonio is the easiest place in the world to see wild sloths, with both brown-throated three-toed and Hoffmann's two-toed sloths hanging in the trees above its short, well-made trails. Park guides with telescopes spot the motionless animals in minutes, and the same walk turns up capuchins, iguanas and toucans on the way to the beach. Sloths are resident year-round, with the drier months from December to April the most comfortable for walking.
Up to 88% sighting chance in Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica. Best months: January, February, March.
Both the brown-throated three-toed sloth and Hoffmann's two-toed sloth, often on the same short trail.
Not strictly, but a park guide with a telescope dramatically improves your chances, as sloths are almost motionless and hard to spot.
Park entry is around 18 to 20 USD per adult, plus roughly 25 to 50 USD for a guide, often shared (2026 prices).
Early morning at opening, when the park is quieter, cooler and sloths sometimes move to feed.
For wild sloths, no. Manuel Antonio shows them free in the canopy; avoid places that let visitors hold sloths, which stresses the animals.
