Sloth Watching in La Fortuna: Where to Find Them

Seeing a sloth is the highlight of many trips to Costa Rica. Fortunately, La Fortuna (San Carlos) is one of the best places in the country to spot them. Here, you can find both the Two-toed sloth and the Three-toed sloth living just minutes from the town center.

Best Sloth Watching Trails

1. Bogarin Trail

Located right next to downtown La Fortuna. It's a flat, easy trail famous for having a high density of sloths. Great for families and birdwatchers.

2. Sloth Watching Trail

A private reserve located 5 minutes from the central park. They specialize in finding sloths even when they are high in the canopy.

Tips for Spotting Wildlife

• Look for Cecropia Trees: Sloths love their leaves.
• Hire a Guide: Essential for seeing them through a professional telescope.
• Be Quiet: Noise will make them (and other animals) stay hidden.

Is it possible to see them for free?

While not guaranteed, it is common to see sloths in the trees along the main roads. If you see a group of cars pulled over and people looking up, there's likely a sloth in that tree!