Manuel Antonio is one of the easiest places in Costa Rica to see wild animals, and you do not always have to leave your hotel to do it. At ECOTICA, a rainforest boutique hotel on about 10 acres of forest, howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, scarlet macaws and butterflies move through the grounds most days. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to look, and a little patience goes a long way.
Why a rainforest hotel is good for wildlife
Animals follow food and shade, not property lines. A hotel with real forest around it becomes part of their daily route. Monkeys cross the canopy between feeding trees, sloths spend days in the same few branches, and birds use tall trees as lookouts.
That is why guests at ECOTICA often see more from their terrace in one morning than on a rushed afternoon somewhere else. You are already where the animals are when they are most active.
Animals you may see around ECOTICA
- Howler monkeys. You will hear them before you see them. Their deep roar carries a long way, usually around dawn and before rain.
- White-faced capuchins. Quick, curious and clever. They travel in groups and will check out anything left outside.
- Sloths. Look for a rounded shape high in a tree that does not move. Two-toed and three-toed sloths both live in the area.
- Toucans. Listen for a croaking call, then look for the big bill against the sky.
- Scarlet macaws. Often heard as a loud, harsh call as pairs fly over.
- Butterflies. Look for the big blue morpho, common in this region, drifting along forest edges on sunny mornings.
- Frogs and lizards. Iguanas bask in the sun; frogs come out after rain and at night.
We see these animals most days, but they are wild. They come and go on their own schedule, and no one can promise a particular sighting.
When to look
| Time | What is happening |
|---|---|
| Dawn to about 8:00 am | Howler calls, busy bird activity, soft light for photos |
| Mid-morning | Sloths are easier to find once the sun reaches the treetops |
| Midday | Quiet; most animals rest in the shade |
| Late afternoon | Monkeys move and feed again, birds head to their roosts |
| After dark | Frogs, insects and night sounds; bring a small flashlight |
The green season (roughly May to November) brings fresh leaves, flowers and plenty of fruit, and many animals are busy feeding. The dry season (roughly December to April) has clearer skies and dry trails. Both work well for wildlife.
How to spot a sloth (and other tips)
- Look for shapes, not movement. A sloth looks like a clump of leaves or a termite nest. Scan the forks of big branches.
- Follow the sounds. Rustling leaves mean monkeys. A sudden flock of alarm calls often means a hawk or a snake nearby.
- Stay still for ten minutes. Animals that hid when you arrived often come back.
- Use binoculars. Even a small pair turns a green blur into a toucan.
- Ask the staff. Our team often knows where a sloth has been sitting for the past few days.
Watching wildlife respectfully
- Never feed animals. It harms their health and teaches monkeys to raid rooms and bags.
- Keep food indoors and close terrace doors when you leave.
- Give animals space. If an animal changes what it is doing because of you, you are too close.
- Skip flash photography, especially at night.
Photo tips from our terrace
- Mornings give the softest light. Shoot toward the side where the sun is behind you.
- A zoom of 200 mm or more helps for birds. For phones, use the optical zoom and steady your hand on a railing.
- Focus on the eyes. A sharp eye makes the picture, even if the rest is in leaves.
- Keep your camera near you. The best moments happen while you are having coffee.
Going further: guided tours and the national park
Your terrace is a good start. For more species and expert eyes, book a guided walk in Manuel Antonio National Park or an evening tour with a naturalist. Local guides carry spotting scopes and know where animals have been seen that week. Our wildlife and nature tours page lists the options, and our concierge team can help you choose.
If birds are your main interest, read our birdwatching guide. For a closer look at the rainforest setting itself, see what an eco hotel stay is like.
Which rooms are best for watching wildlife?
Every room at ECOTICA is surrounded by forest, so animals can turn up anywhere. Guests who put wildlife first often choose a Signature Bungalow for its private terrace in the trees, or the Master Suite for its canopy-height view. See all options on our bungalows and suites page.
FAQ
Can you see monkeys at hotels in Manuel Antonio?
Yes, at hotels with real forest around them. At ECOTICA, howler monkeys call most mornings and capuchins pass through often. Sightings depend on the animals, so early morning and late afternoon give you the best odds.
What is the best time of day to see sloths?
Mid-morning, once the sun warms the treetops, sloths often move into sunny spots. Look high up in the forks of large trees. A guide with a scope makes a big difference.
Do I still need to visit the national park?
It is worth it. The park has more habitats, beaches and a wider range of species, and guides help you find them. Your hotel terrace is a lovely bonus, not a replacement.
Is it safe to be around monkeys?
Yes, if you keep your distance and never feed them. Capuchins can grab food or bags, so keep snacks inside. Watching quietly is both safer and more rewarding.
Plan your stay in the forest: check availability and rates or write to us with questions.
Stories from our team: the rainy day a sloth came to YOLO Social, the capuchin who took a seat at the bar and the scarlet macaws that nest in our royal palms.
