One of the most delightful surprises about visiting La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica, is that you don’t always need to venture deep into the jungle to see wildlife—especially sloths. These slow-moving, smile-inducing creatures can sometimes be spotted right in town, blending into the greenery along streets, parks, and even backyards.
Sloths in Town? Yes, Really!
While La Fortuna is best known for its volcano, hot springs, and rainforest adventures, it’s also home to a healthy population of both two-toed and three-toed sloths. Thanks to Costa Rica’s strong conservation efforts and the town’s abundance of trees, sloths often wander (or rather, slowly climb) through the area. It’s not uncommon to see them napping in a cecropia tree or making their way across power lines (carefully, of course!).
How to Spot a Sloth in La Fortuna
- Look up! Sloths love tall trees, particularly those with tender leaves like cecropia. Scan the branches for a furry, slow-moving ball.
- Watch for crowds – If you see a group of people pointing cameras upward, chances are they’ve found a sloth.
- Early morning or late afternoon – Sloths are more active during these cooler hours, though they can be seen any time of day.
Sloth Etiquette: Observe, Don’t Disturb
Keep your distance – Never try to touch or feed a sloth. Stress can be harmful to them.
Stay quiet – Loud noises may scare them into freezing for long periods.
Let them cross safely – If you see one moving on a wire or between trees, give them space.
Why Are Sloths in Town?
La Fortuna’s mix of urban and natural spaces means sloths sometimes use trees along roadsides or in parks as part of their territory. While it’s amazing to see them so close, it’s also a reminder of the importance of protecting their habitat—even within towns.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about walking through La Fortuna and suddenly spotting a sloth in a tree just above you. It’s a reminder that in Costa Rica, nature is always nearby—even in the most unexpected places.
Have you ever seen a sloth in town? Share your story in the comments!
