Spend an hour on a guided beach walk in Puerto Viejo learning to spot wild sloths with a guide who works at a nearby rescue center. This short, family-friendly tour emphasizes respectful viewing, local insight, and practical tips to help you find both two- and three-toed sloths.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The walk begins where surf meets shade: a narrow ribbon of sand, palm fronds whispering above, and a guide scanning the canopy with practiced patience. You follow close behind, shoes sinking into damp sand, eyes lifting to the slow-motion drama of sloths inching through branches. The sea frames the scene, the forest insisting that everything here moves on its own clock.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal walking on uneven sand and forest edge required.
Wildlife
History
Puerto Viejo on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast has strong Afro-Caribbean roots from 19th-century Jamaican migration; fishing and cacao shaped local settlements alongside traditional naturalist knowledge.
Conservation
Guides trained with rescue centers promote low-impact viewing; visitors should avoid touching or feeding wildlife and follow guide instructions to minimize disturbance.
Reserve your spot on the Puerto Viejo Amazing Sloth Watching Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Wear closed-toe shoes
Beach paths can include roots, rocks, and wet sand—closed shoes protect your feet and make footing secure.
Bring water and a small snack
One hour can feel longer in the heat; stay hydrated to keep focus on spotting animals.
Use binoculars or telephoto
A small pair of binoculars or a 200mm+ lens helps you observe without approaching and disturbing sloths.
Apply insect repellent before the walk
Mosquitoes are common in coastal rainforest edges—repellent keeps the experience comfortable.
Closed-toe walking shoes
Protects feet from roots, shells, and wet sand during the shore and forest-edge walk.
Lightweight binoculars or telephoto lens
Allows respectful distance viewing and better photographic framing of sloths in the canopy.
Insect repellent
Reduces mosquito bites common in coastal rainforest edges, improving comfort and focus.
summer
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated is important in the humid tropical climate, even on short walks.