Costa Rica is the land of rainforests, waterfalls, lakes, and volcanoes. One look around and you will be convinced that the best of nature conspired to create this lovely place on the planet. It comes as no surprise that you can find animals of many species in Costa Rica. However, if you are in the mood for monkey business, consider catching the Capuchin Monkeys, Squirrel Monkeys, and Spider Monkeys in action. Learn more about these species here:
1. The White-Faced Capuchin Monkeys
The mischievous Capuchin Monkeys are native to Costa Rica and are known for their smartness and intelligence. You will find them at Arenal, Osa Peninsula, Manuel Antonio, Nicoya, Palo Verde, and Tortuguero. You may spot them in Manuel Antonio National Park, where they are often seen snatching food from tourists. So, be careful with your food!If you have been following the popular American TV show Friends, you’ve probably seen the White-headed Capuchin, playing Marcel, the show’s most loved character in the series. Capuchins are full of life and are extremely energetic, moving in a group of 20 members. You may see them walking on the ground, use tools, and behave like humans.
2. Howler Monkeys
The Mantled Howler is one of the largest species found in the Costa Rican forests. They are known for their loud calls,making their presence felt mainly during the morning or sundown. If you are in Costa Rica for the time, the Howler’s haunting call may scare your wits away, especially if you hear it at 5:30 in the morning. But relax! Expats staying in Arenal vacation villas hear the loud cry, and jokingly pass it off as their wake-up call in the morning.
Howlers roam in several parts of this Central American country including Guanacaste, Arenal, Manuel Antonio National Park, Osa Peninsula, Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, and Monteverde. The males are the loudest of the lot, and you can hear them howling from miles away. The Howler malesyowl to communicate with the group or to respond to their surroundings. They call mostly during the monsoon and howl at people and dogs. These monkeys mostly thrive on leaves and are not as active as the other monkey species. They sleep most of the time to digest the folivorous diet they live on.
3. Squirrel Monkeys
You will spot the Squirrel Monkeys along the Pacific coasts of Panama and Costa Rica. They are the smallest of the species found in Costa Rica. They live on both plants and animals, moving around in a troop of 20-75 members. Due to illegal pet trade and deforestation, the Squirrel Monkey is reducing in numbers as of late. Fortunately, the Costa Rican national parks are striving hard to save them from extinction. You will spot them in Manuel Antonio National Park, Corcovado National Park, and Osa Peninsula.
Watching monkeys in their natural surroundings is an exciting experience. If you want to experience it more often than not, why not own one of the villa homes in Arenal Hills? Call us on 1-844-MY-HILLS if you want more information about our vacation villas in the Arenal region.