Their name in Spanish is “Perezoso” which literally translates to lazy. Why are sloths one of the must-see animals on most visitors’ lists? Their furry bodies and seemingly smiling faces have made them popular on the web as well as on television. Lucky for you, El Establo Mountain Hotel in Monteverde is a place where you can spot these sleepy cuties.
Sloths in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is home to two species of sloths. The brown-throated three-fingered sloths have mouths that make them look like they are always smiling and black patches around their eyes. Additionally, they are very good swimmers. In contrast, Hoffmann’s two-fingered sloths are a bit larger and have brown snouts and shaggy coats and are mostly nocturnal.
If you have a guide accompany you, their trained eyes will fixate on sloths and any other wildlife quickly and they can even help you take photos. Sloths live most of their lives up on the treetops safe from predators, and where they feed, mate, and even give birth. Seeing a mama sloth with her baby is a particularly sweet treat.
Insight from a local guide
Rony Castro, a naturalist guide in Monteverde, added that the two-fingered sloth is the one that lives in the treetops of the cloud forests. They can be observed all year-round, but there is a better chance to see them in the warmer months. Additionally, they are more active at night, so nocturnal walks are ideal for observation.
Enjoy a lazy day yourself lounging at the pool and observing the sunset from your rocking chair in the balcony of your suite at El Establo Mountain Hotel. Conclude your day at the Night Walk tour observing the local flora and fauna that includes the lazy cutie known as the sloth.
Article by Katie Widdowson
