Monkeys and sloths in Manuel Antonio

Spotting Monkeys and Sloths in Manuel Antonio National Park

The first light of dawn creeps through the thick jungle canopy, casting soft, golden rays on everything it touches including monkeys and sloths. It wasn’t even 6 AM when I stepped out of my little cabin, just a short drive away from Manuel Antonio National Park. The air was warm and heavy with humidity, like an old friend giving you a big hug. Today was the day—the day I’d finally get to spot monkeys and sloths in the wild.

Manuel Antonio has a reputation, especially when it comes to wildlife. It’s one of Costa Rica’s most famous parks, known for its incredible biodiversity. But no matter how many photos or stories I had seen, I knew nothing would compare to the real thing. Monkeys? Sloths? I was ready for it all, armed with my camera and a whole lot of excitement.

A guided tour

Joining the guided tour at the park entrance, I was greeted by the guide, a friendly local with an obvious passion for the park. Their energy was infectious, and they promised we’d be lucky enough to see a good bit of wildlife today. I loved the optimism and couldn’t wait to get started.

The moment we stepped onto the trail, it felt like we were being swallowed by the forest. The sounds of the ocean faded behind us, replaced by the jungle’s own rhythm—the hum of insects, the distant calls of birds, and the rustle of leaves high above. It was like the forest was waking up right along with us.

As we moved deeper into the park, the guide pointed out all kinds of plants and trees that I would’ve walked right past. At one point, they showed us a strangler fig, its roots twisting and wrapping around another tree like something out of a fairytale. Every corner we turned, there was something new, something I might have missed if I hadn’t been paying attention. It was like being part of a secret club, where nature reveals its treasures only to those willing to slow down and look.

A beautiful surprise

Then, just as we rounded a bend, the guide paused and whispered, “Monkeys are near.” Immediately, everyone stopped, eyes turned upwards.

And sure enough, high above in the trees, there was movement. At first, it was just a rustling of leaves, subtle enough that you might miss it. But then—there they were! A flash of white and black fur—the unmistakable capuchin and titi monkeys.

My heart jumped. There they were, leaping from branch to branch with such effortless grace. One particularly bold monkey stopped directly above us, peering down as if trying to figure out what we were up to. For a moment, we locked eyes. It tilted its head slightly, as if to say, “Hmm, what are you doing here?” before scurrying off to rejoin the rest of the troop.

For a few minutes, I just stood there, completely mesmerized by the capuchins. They moved so quickly, swinging and playing among the branches, chattering back and forth with one another. There was a playful energy to them, a little mischief, as if they were in on a joke that we weren’t part of. Watching them was pure joy, and for a brief moment, I felt like a kid again, wide-eyed and amazed by the world.

Adventure pure

As we ventured deeper into the forest, the monkeys gradually slipped away into the trees, their presence replaced by the hum of the jungle. The guide led us onto a narrower path, one that seemed to weave deeper into the park’s heart. “Now, we look for something a bit slower,” they said with a grin. I couldn’t help but smile—sloths were next on the agenda, and I was beyond excited.

We approached a large cecropia tree, its broad leaves offering plenty of shade. The guide raised a hand, signaling for quiet. There, in the branches, was what I had come to see—a sloth, lazily clinging to the tree, almost perfectly camouflaged against the bark. It took me a second to actually spot it. From below, it looked like a bundle of moss nestled among the branches.

But then, I saw the familiar shape. Its long limbs hung loosely as it napped in the midday warmth, barely moving. Occasionally, it would shift slightly or blink slowly, as if every movement required thoughtful deliberation. Watching the sloth was like witnessing time slow down. There was no hurry, no rush—just this serene, deliberate pace that made everything around it feel peaceful.

I couldn’t help but admire the sloth’s approach to life. Where the monkeys had been all energy and movement, the sloth was calm and unbothered. It seemed content, perfectly at home, taking its time in a way that made me question my own frantic pace. Maybe there was something to be learned here—a reminder to slow down and be present.

For several minutes, we watched the sloth, everyone in awe of this creature that seemed to have life all figured out. I took a few photos, though I knew nothing could quite capture the magic of seeing it with my own eyes. It was a quiet moment, one that made me realize just how special this park truly was.

The rest of the hike was filled with smaller, unexpected surprises. Brightly colored butterflies fluttered past us, tiny frogs hopped among the leaves, and the distant roar of howler monkeys echoed through the forest like some wild jungle chorus. Every corner we turned, the jungle revealed another secret, another moment to be cherished.

When we finally reached the beach, the view was breathtaking—golden sands stretching out to meet the turquoise waters of the Pacific. But even with the inviting ocean right in front of me, I couldn’t shake the feeling of wanting to stay a little longer in the forest. There was something about the energy of the place that made it hard to leave.

Standing there, with the waves lapping at the shore and the sounds of the jungle behind me, I took a deep breath. Manuel Antonio had offered me something beyond wildlife sightings. It reminded me of the importance of slowing down, of paying attention to the world around me.

In the busyness of life, it’s easy to forget that there’s another pace, one that thrives in the quiet and the still. The monkeys and sloths of Manuel Antonio had shown me that. They taught me that sometimes, the best moments happen when you stop rushing and simply take in the beauty that’s always been there, waiting.

As I made my way back to the park entrance, the sun beginning its slow descent toward the horizon, I couldn’t help but feel grateful—not just for the animals I had seen, but for the reminder they gave me. Sometimes, it’s okay to slow down. To take life a little more like a sloth.

There’s no doubt about why Manuel Antonio National Park is such a beloved destination. Beyond its stunning beaches and lush jungle trails, it offers a unique opportunity to witness wildlife in its purest form. Whether you’re marveling at the energetic capuchin monkeys or the tranquil, slow-moving sloths, the park invites you to step into a world where nature is in charge.

For me, the experience was about more than just seeing animals. It was about the sense of connection, of being reminded that the world moves at its own pace. In a time where everything seems to rush by, Manuel Antonio is a place where you can slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate the moments that make life so special.

This park is more than just a spot on the map. It’s a reminder to take things slower, to look closely, and to be present. And that’s something worth carrying with us, long after we’ve left the trails behind.