Bird watching is fine, but for a real treat; search the treetops for monkeys the next time you are in Costa Rica. The countrys extensive nature preserves are home to the most robust populations of primates in Central America. There are five native species, and once you get to know your monkeys, they can provide hours of entertaining viewing. Photo: iStock
Cotton Top Tamarin Monkey

Weighing in at less than a pound when fully grown, the red cotton top tamarin is one of the smallest monkeys in the world. A fairly rare sighting in the jungles of Costa Rica, this tiny primate spends its days searching through the trees for insects, fruit, and flower nectar. When it feels threatened or alarmed, the cotton tops signature shock of hair will stand straight up. Photo: Lila Torlin/iStock
Howler Monkey

Theres a good chance youll see howler monkeys in the forests of Costa Rica, and an even better chance you will hear them. These large monkeys are by far the countrys most common, and the males distinctive calls can carry for distances of up to a mile. Howlers howl at sunrise and sunset, when confronted by thunder or rain, or to announce the presence of humans. Photo: iStock
Spider Monkey

Look up high to see these long-limbed, long-tailed forest dwellers. Spider monkeys prefer the upper branches of rainforest canopies, where they feed on fruit, leaves and the occasional bug. These are social animals that live in groups of thirty or more, often splitting up to forage during the day, and then regrouping at night. In many areas, habitat loss and human activity pose a threat to the species, but they thrive in Costa Ricas forest reserves. Photo: iStock
Squirrel Monkey

When you find a squirrel monkey, it probably wont be alone. These small, agile climbers travel through the forest in troops of up to 500 members, though they sometimes break into smaller foraging parties. Considered one of the cleverest members of the monkey family, squirrels communicate with more than two dozen distinctive calls that warn of danger, give notice of tasty finds or announce their amorous intentions. Photo: iStock
White-faced Capuchin Monkey

White-faced capuchins are prized as pets, but probably happier when left to roam the forests. These versatile and very clever primates are known to use rocks and sticks as tools and weapons, and may be seen rubbing their bodies in plants and leaves in what some think is a form of herbal medicine. Capuchins live in a wide range of woodland and semi-wooded environments, and have life spans of more than 40 years. Photo: iStock

How to Spot a Monkey in Costa Rica
Published on: 11/03/16 By Pierce Hoover

Bird watching is fine, but for a real treat; search the treetops for monkeys the next time you are in Costa Rica. The countrys extensive nature preserves are home to the most robust populations of primates in Central America. There are five native species, and once you get to know your monkeys, they can provide hours of entertaining viewing. Photo: iStock

More Photo Galleries

Plan

The Wild Side: Kauai's Napali Coast

The end of Highway 560 at Kee Beach marks the beginning of the wild and unsettled section of Kauai known as the Napali Coast. To explore this pristine ...

Play

Big animal encounters, Diving with Goliath Grouper

10 Places in the Tropics for Big Animal Encounters

Coral reefs and colorful tropical fish are what many seek when they embark on snorkeling or diving adventures. But there are bigger fish in the sea, and ...

Plan

50 Shades of Blue: St. Thomas Beaches

Best known for shopping, dining and nightlife, this US Virgin Island sometimes gets passed up as a beach destination. But with 40 stretches of sand, quiet ...

Plan

50 Shades of Blue: Anguilla Beaches

Anguilla is known for two things: luxury resorts and beautiful sand beaches. In all, the island offers 33 gorgeous stretches of powdery white sands formed from crushed coral and washed by clear aquamarine waters. Whether ...

Plan

Hawaii’s Natural Wonders

Hawaii is home to so many spectacular sights it's nearly impossible to picture just one iconic landscape when imagining the state's natural beauty. Sprawling beaches, towering coastal cliffs, tropical rainforests, ...

Play

Common Reef Fish of the Caribbean

What was that fish? More than 500 species of finned creatures live in the waters of the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean Sea. While you may not see them all on ...

Plan

50 Shades of Blue: Dominican Republic Beaches

The top beaches of the Dominican Republic dazzle with sugary white sands and shimmering turquoise waters. Most of these are in the Punta Cana and Bavaro ...

Plan

Great Places to Watch a Florida Sunset

As the sun sinks toward the sea, the western horizon ignites in glowing hues of orange and pink. Yet another magnificent Florida sunset is underway, bringing ...

Stay

Six Caribbean Resorts Where Irresistible Hammocks Await

The word comes to us from the Taino people: amaca. These woven strands evolved from fishing nets into chairs, beds and carry sacks. Sailors slung them in the ...

Plan

Florida Lighthouses

Lighthouses appeal to the romantic in all of us, and Florida has its share of these iconic landmarks lining the coasts. This spider- legged structure, which dates from 1873, sits atop a reef in the Florida Keys named for the ...

Plan

Birds of Costa Rica

Home to more than 800 species of birds, Costa Rica is a favorite destination among bird watchers. But you don't have to be a dedicated ornithologist to ...

Plan

7 Colorful Caribbean Harbors

Caribbean harbors have an energy all their own. In contrast to the busy industrial ports of the world, they offer a more intimate take on nautical customs. ...

Plan

50 Shades of Blue: Barbados Beaches

With more than 80 beaches to choose from, Barbados provides shore side diversions ranging from the relaxing to the inspiring and even the exhilarating. A trip ...

Plan

50 Shades of Blue: St. John Beaches, USVI

Finding a gorgeous beach on St. John is easy- the island's north shore is lined with one stunning strand after the next. Choosing a favorite beach might ...

Play

Cuba's Classic Rides

With U.S. imports cut off after the 1959 revolution, these vintage vehicles serve as a reminder of times gone by. This fleet of classic American cars from the ...

Play

How to Spot a Monkey in Costa Rica

Bird watching is fine, but for a real treat; search the treetops for monkeys the next time you are in Costa Rica. The country's extensive nature preserves ...

Play

Supermodels and Sand: 10 Top Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Locations

Sports Illustrated invented the swimsuit issue more than 50 years ago, tempting readers with images of bathing beauties vamping in some of the most scenic ...

Plan

The US Virgin Islands, Above and Below

Seen from above, the US Virgin Islands present a tantalizing hint of what lies below. When Caribbean waters transition from deep blues to vibrant ...

Plan

Earth Day Images From the Tropics

On April 22, the natural world takes center stage as humans around the globe pause to reflect on the importance of protecting and enhancing the ecosystems ...

Plan

Great Escapes and Serene Spaces

There are private spaces far removed from the crowds and the everyday world. Set against the grand tapestry of nature, these spaces engender admiration ...

Stay

Iconic Pink Beach Resorts

The historic pink hotels that grace beaches in Florida and the Caribbean harken back to the palazzos built by wealthy Italian families in the 19th ...

Stay

Dream Sleeps: Resorts with Water View Bedrooms

Imagine falling asleep to sea breezes and the sound of the surf. Or waking to a sunrise over the water. A select number of resorts around the world have ...

Plan

Birds of Panama

Panama is a bird watcher's paradise. This Central American country lies at the heart of migratory routes between North and South America, and also harbors ...

Stay

Outdoor Showers: 15 Top Resorts with Amazing Private Open-air Cascades

There's nothing like standing under the cool, cleansing flow of an outdoor shower set amid natural surroundings. While lathering up in bubbles, you might ...

Plan

12 Memorable Moments on Oahu

From historic sites and downtown diversions to natural wonders and scenic attractions, the island of Oahu has much more to offer than just sun and sand. ...

Stay

Superior Soaks: Amazing Resort Bathtubs in Tropical Garden Settings

Whether it's a cleansing dip after a day of adventures in rainforest and reef, or a relaxing immersion in preparation for a private candlelight dinner on ...

Drink

TropixTraveler's Top Picks: Margarita Recipes

Nothing says fiesta like a frosty margarita. But did you know that this most Mexican of cocktails was actually created by accident when a bartender in ...

Plan

Florida Beaches

Florida is surrounded by some of the most popular beaches in the world. But, it's still possible to find an empty stretch of sand. The key is timing. ...

Plan

10 Beautiful Black Sand Beaches of the World

They are sexy, silky and mysterious. Some are hidden and hard to find while others are well known and favored by beach lovers. Images of dark, dramatic ...

Plan

7 Amazing Caribbean Views to Add to Your Bucket List

7 Incredible Seascapes You’ll Want to Add to Your Bucket List.

Eat & Drink

Dining on the Sand in the Caribbean

We've rounded up seven of the best beach dining experiences in the Caribbean. At these resorts, you can wiggle your toes in the sand, gaze at the sun ...

Plan

50 Shades of Blue: Seychelles Most Spectacular Beaches

The granite islands of the Seychelles showcase a unique combination of ancient rock formations, soft sands

More Photo Galleries

Most Popular Articles

The Tropics are Calling

The Tropics are
Calling