Known as the loudest land animal in the world, the Mantled Howler Monkey is the auditory soul of the San Carlos rainforest. These powerful primates are famous for their deep, guttural roars that can be heard up to three miles away, acting as nature’s alarm clock near the base of the Arenal Volcano. With their thick black fur and impressive prehensile tails, they are often seen lounging in the high canopy, calmly munching on leaves and fruits. For travelers seeking an authentic Costa Rican jungle experience, hearing a troop of howlers at dawn is a bucket-list moment that perfectly captures the wild, untamed spirit of La Fortuna.
The White-Faced Capuchin is the most charismatic and energetic primate you’ll meet on your La Fortuna wildlife tour. Renowned for their incredible intelligence and problem-solving skills, these “monos cariblancos” are highly social, moving in playful troops through the secondary forests of San Carlos. Their striking black bodies and snowy-white faces make them a dream for wildlife photographers and nature lovers alike. Whether they are using tools to find snacks or leaping across the branches with gymnastic precision, a sighting of these curious monkeys at Arenal Sloths and Monkeys is guaranteed to be the highlight of your eco-adventure.
For the ultimate wildlife spotting thrill, keep your eyes peeled for the elegant Geoffroy’s Spider Monkey, the most agile climber in the Arenal region. With their long, slender limbs and incredibly strong tails that act as a fifth hand, these “acrobats of the air” swing effortlessly through the highest reaches of the primary forest. Spider monkeys are a sign of a healthy, thriving ecosystem, and seeing them in the wild is a rare privilege for any traveler. Their graceful, fluid movements and shy nature make every encounter at our sanctuary a truly exclusive and magical connection with Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity.
Arenal Sloth and Monkeys offers a specialized tour with guaranteed sloth sightings, conducted along nature trails within a protected natural environment.