Tortuguero, a maze of rainforest canals reachable only by boat or small plane, offers a different way to find sloths: drifting silently beneath overhanging trees in a canoe. Guides spot both two-toed and three-toed sloths in the branches, alongside caimans, river otters and three species of monkey. Sloths are resident year-round, and the canals are navigable in every season.
Tortuguero, a maze of rainforest canals reachable only by boat or small plane, offers a different way to find sloths: drifting silently beneath overhanging trees in a canoe. Guides spot both two-toed and three-toed sloths in the branches, alongside caimans, river otters and three species of monkey. Sloths are resident year-round, and the canals are navigable in every season.
Up to 82% sighting chance in Tortuguero National Park, Costa Rica. Best months: August, September, February.
On guided canoe or small-boat trips along the canals, where guides scan the overhanging branches.
By boat from La Pavona or Moin, or by small plane from San Jose; there are no roads into the village.
Caimans, river otters, howler, spider and capuchin monkeys, plus nesting green turtles from July to October.
