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 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 top’s signature shock of hair will stand straight up. Photo: Lila Torlin/iStock
Howler Monkey

There’s a good chance you’ll 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 country’s 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 Rica’s forest reserves. Photo: iStock
Squirrel Monkey

When you find a squirrel monkey, it probably won’t 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

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