Tourists have come to associate Costa Rica with breathtaking views of the likes of Arenal, Irazu, Poas and Turrialba; lush rainforests, beautiful, exotic beaches, great surfing, and a love of nature that is embodied in both the land and its people. The diverse collection of avians-both those that visit during their migrations north and south and those that call Costa Rica “homenest” have attracted observers from the world over to view and experience these feathered explorers up close and personal.
Yet there is another group of unique and compelling creatures that may not come to mind at first blush but which are as essential and important to the essence of Pura Vida as the land itself-the four groups of monkeys who call the rainforests home and whose diversity, antics and abilities underscore just how special these simian spectators are to Ticos, tourists, and ex-pats alike.
You can find monkeys in the many national parks throughout Costa Rica as well in many unusual places-such as in the trees of resorts near Tamarindo, off-road trails in the Nicoya Peninsula, and near the restaurants and roadways around Quepos and Manuel Antonio. To see all four groups at the same time, visit the Corcovado National Park located on the Osa Peninsula.
Found in abundance near Manuel Antonio National Park (among other places) is the most interactive and, perhaps, intelligent of the four monkey groups-the white-faced capuchin (named because the white face and black “hood” resembled the Capuchin Friars) monkey. Called cara Blanca in Spanish because of it’s white face, this lithe and inquisitive creature will think nothing of “visiting” backpacks and other bags or containers to see what goodies its human relatives may have left for the taking. The capuchin is also part handyman-using sticks or other convenient items to assist them in navigating the curious containers of humanity.
The most colorful of the four is the orange and gold squirrel monkey. Known to Ticos and non-Ticos alike as “titi” these small, active beings live in the lower, scrub woodlands and will come to visit (at least at a safe distance) if you happen to 
be close to their territory. From personal experience, I can tell you that they are not camera shy and are eager to “pose” for photographs. (See picture attached).
The most elusive and one of the largest of the four types is the Spider Monkey. With the official name of Geoffroy’s Spider Monkey (a name almost as long as the arms and legs of this furry acrobat), called mono colorado in Spanish, it can be seen navigating the treetops of the rainforest canopy almost as if suspended with wires from some invisible source. The fact that the spider is large -males coming in at a “robust” 18 lbs-doesn’t seem to have affect its aerial skills or mobility.
Last, but by no means least, is the Howler. Known as congo to the those who live here in this lush paradise (and to many who want to make the land of Pura Vida their home), the Howler’s impressive vocal abilities can carry several kilometers at dawn or dusk. Being woken up by “Howler Alarm Clock” –while jolting at first, soon becomes a welcome part of the start of another day in the land of Pura Vida. It is a toss-up as to whether the Howler or the Spider is the largest-different authorities credit one or the other as being “top monkey”. Regardless, both are impressive in different and wonderful ways.
These special simians have also made homes with their human cousins as pets. The spider, squirrel and capuchin can all be found throughout Costa Rica with those who care for them. The howler, although the least numbered in captivity is, ironically, the greatest numbered in the wild and is most likely the first of the monkey clan that will be encountered.
Four types of monkeys-different sizes, traits, colors and, yes personalities. Whether you are a first time visitor, a returning traveler, ex-pat, or Tico, keep your eyes open and enjoy observing these Pura Vida primates as they open their world to any and all who wish to be a part of a very special piece of Costa Rica.Tourists have come to associate Costa Rica with breathtaking views of the likes of Arenal, Irazu, Poas and Turrialba; lush rainforests, beautiful, exotic beaches, great surfing, and a love of nature that is embodied in both the land and its people. The diverse collection of avians-both those that visit during their migrations north and south and those that call Costa Rica “homenest” have attracted observers from the world over to view and experience these feathered explorers up close and personal.
Yet there is another group of unique and compelling creatures that may not come to mind at first blush but which are as essential and important to the essence of Pura Vida as the land itself-the four groups of monkeys who call the rainforests home and whose diversity, antics and abilities underscore just how special these simian spectators are to Ticos, tourists, and ex-pats alike.
You can find monkeys in the many national parks throughout Costa Rica as well in many unusual places-such as in the trees of resorts near Tamarindo, off-road trails in the Nicoya Peninsula, and near the restaurants and roadways around Quepos and Manuel Antonio. To see all four groups at the same time, visit the Corcovado National Park located on the Osa Peninsula.
Found in abundance near Manuel Antonio National Park (among other places) is the most interactive and, perhaps, intelligent of the four monkey groups-the white-faced capuchin (named because the white face and black “hood” resembled the Capuchin Friars) monkey. Called cara Blanca in Spanish because of it’s white face, this lithe and inquisitive creature will think nothing of “visiting” backpacks and other bags or containers to see what goodies its human relatives may have left for the taking. The capuchin is also part handyman-using sticks or other convenient items to assist them in navigating the curious containers of humanity.
The most colorful of the four is the orange and gold squirrel monkey. Known to Ticos and non-Ticos alike as “titi” these small, active beings live in the lower, scrub woodlands and will come to visit (at least at a safe distance) if you happen to be close to their territory. From personal experience, I can tell you that they are not camera shy and are eager to “pose” for photographs. (See picture attached).
The most elusive and one of the largest of the four types is the Spider Monkey. With the official name of Geoffroy’s Spider Monkey (a name almost as long as the arms and legs of this furry acrobat), called mono colorado in Spanish, it can be seen navigating the treetops of the rainforest canopy almost as if suspended with wires from some invisible source. The fact that the spider is large -males coming in at a “robust” 18 lbs-doesn’t seem to have affect its aerial skills or mobility.
Last, but by no means least, is the Howler. Known as congo to the those who live here in this lush paradise (and to many who want to make the land of Pura Vida their home), the Howler’s impressive vocal abilities can carry several kilometers at dawn or dusk. Being woken up by “Howler Alarm Clock” –while jolting at first, soon becomes a welcome part of the start of another day in the land of Pura Vida. It is a toss-up as to whether the Howler or the Spider is the largest-different authorities credit one or the other as being “top monkey”. Regardless, both are impressive in different and wonderful ways.
These special simians have also made homes with their human cousins as pets. The spider, squirrel and capuchin can all be found throughout Costa Rica with those who care for them. The howler, although the least numbered in captivity is, ironically, the greatest numbered in the wild and is most likely the first of the monkey clan that will be encountered.
Four types of monkeys-different sizes, traits, colors and, yes personalities. Whether you are a first time visitor, a returning traveler, ex-pat, or Tico, keep your eyes open and enjoy observing these Pura Vida primates as they open their world to any and all who wish to be a part of a very special piece of Costa Rica.
