Of all the creatures that inhabit Costa Rica’s tropical forests, few inspire as much affection as the sloth. Its peaceful expression, unhurried movement, and life among the treetops have made it an icon of national wildlife. And for those hiking El Camino de Costa Rica, and with a little luck and patience, you might spot one in the wild.
This article reveals fascinating sloth facts to help you spot them along your journey.
A unique lifestyle without rush
Sloths are famous for being slow, but their sluggishness is a brilliant evolutionary strategy. Their low metabolism allows them to survive on few calories and avoid predators by remaining almost invisible. They spend most of their time hanging from trees and sleep for between 15 and 20 hours a day.
Once a week, they descend to the ground to defecate. It’s an action that exposes them to danger, but also plays a crucial ecological role by fertilizing the soil and helping disperse seeds and microbes. Wild sloths typically live around 12 years in their natural environment.
A clever kind of camouflage
Are sloths green? Not exactly, but one of their most clever habits is letting algae grow in their fur, which gives them a greenish tint. Particular species of moths live in this fur, and when they die, their remains fertilize the algae, enriching them with nitrogen. This green color helps the sloth blend into the canopy, making it harder for predators to find them.
How many sloth species are in Costa Rica?
There are six sloth species worldwide, but only two species live in Costa Rica, both herbivorous and tree-dwelling, and both species share much of the same territory, although they are rarely seen together:
Three-toed sloth (Bradypus variegatus):
- The most recognizable and photographed, with its permanently "smiling" face.
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Grayish fur that sometimes looks green due to algae growing on it.
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Found in humid and rainy forests on both the Caribbean and Pacific sides.
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The three-toed sloth eats almost exclusively young leaves of specific trees like the Cecropia.
Two-toed sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni):
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Bulkier body, lighter-colored fur, and a less expressive face, but just as relaxed.
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More nocturnal than the three-toed sloth, making it harder to spot in motion.
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Widely distributed but prefers lowland humid areas, especially in the Caribbean and parts of the South Pacific.
- In terms of diet, the two-toed sloth has a more varied diet, including leaves, fruits, flowers, and sometimes tender shoots.
Picture by Javier Mazzeo - Unsplash
Just to be clear: they’re not bears
Sloths aren’t related to bears — despite the common mix-up.The term “sloth bear” is a common linguistic mix-up. Sloths belong to the order Pilosa, which also includes anteaters and is closely related to armadillos.
True bears belong to the order Carnivora, with a completely different evolutionary lineage. While both sloths and bears are mammals, they are not closely related.
A special lineage
As we mentioned earlier, today’s sloths are descended from a group of placental mammals called Pilosa, which also includes anteaters and armadillos. Although modern sloths are small to medium-sized and live in trees, their ancestors were giant ground sloths, some of which were as large as small elephants.
One of the most famous was the Megatherium, which lived in South America during the Pleistocene and could reach lengths of up to 6 meters. Over time, these animals adapted to life in the trees, evolving curved limbs and a slower metabolism, giving rise to the sloths we know today.
In short, today’s sloths are distant relatives of prehistoric giants, now transformed into peaceful tightrope walkers of the forest canopy.
Their low-calorie diet is one reason for their slow movement and low need for water. They absorb most of the moisture they need from the leaves they eat and from dew collected in their fur.
You might want to read: Wildlife Along El Camino: Mammals and Reptiles of Costa Rica’s Famous Hiking Trail.
How Many Sloths Live in Costa Rica?
Although there is no official census, estimates suggest that approximately 100,000 sloths reside in Costa Rica, encompassing both species of sloths. The number varies by region and the state of forest conservation. In places like the Southern Caribbean, sloth sightings are common. However, urban development and agriculture have fragmented their habitat in some areas.
Photo by Claire Finch - Unsplash
Nothing to fear
Sloths pose no real danger to humans. They are passive, calm animals that do not hunt or defend territory, and therefore show no aggression. Still, like any wild animal, they may react defensively if they feel cornered or stressed.
The two-toed sloth has longer and stronger claws than the three-toed sloth, which it may use to defend itself if handled roughly. It also has a strong bite, though it rarely uses it. For these reasons, it's important not to touch or interfere with sloths in the wild. The best way to appreciate sloths is from a respectful distance — it keeps both you and them safe.
Costa Rica works to protect them
Costa Rica has taken an active role in sloth conservation by:
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Creating protected areas, such as national parks and biological reserves, that safeguard their habitats.
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Enforce wildlife protection laws that ban hunting and illegal possession of native species.
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Supporting rescue and rehabilitation centers, like Toucan Rescue Ranch and the Sloth Sanctuary, which care for injured or orphaned sloths and reintroduce them when possible.
- In 2021, the sloth was officially declared a national symbol of Costa Rica’s wildlife, honoring its ecological, cultural, and touristic value.
Where to see them
El Camino de Costa Rica spans the country from coast to coast, passing through jungles, coffee farms, mountains, rural communities, and protected areas. Although sloths are hard to spot due to their camouflage and treetop lifestyle, certain parts of the route increase your chances:
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Turrialba and Tayutic area: Located near Tapantí National Park and other humid reserves, this region supports a healthy population of three-toed sloths.
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Forests near Barbilla and Barbilla National Park (Caribbean region): These dense jungles are ideal for sightings, especially with the help of local guides.
- Secondary forests near Londres de Quepos (final leg of the route): In this part of the Central Pacific, the mix of humid and transitional forest is home to both species.
Will you see a sloth on your journey?
While a sighting can’t be guaranteed, it’s possible. If you keep your eyes open in forested areas of the Caribbean or Pacific and are accompanied by experienced guides, your chances of spotting them increase. Many hikers have had the joy of seeing one hanging from a branch, perfectly still, like a living sculpture in the forest.
Even if you don’t see one with your own eyes, just knowing you’re walking through trails where these quiet forest icons roam among the treetops is part of the magic of El Camino de Costa Rica.
If the chance of seeing a sloth has you dreaming about El Camino de Costa Rica, don’t wait, contact us today to book your adventure!
