The 4 types of monkeys in Costa Rica

Out of 200 mammal species in Costa Rica, only four are monkeys, and can often be spotted in the wild, depending on the area that you are visiting.  Here in Tamarindo, you can almost always see howler monkeys in the local area and Capuchins can be found near Palo Verde National Park.  However, Squirrel monkeys and Spider monkeys are generally found in other regions of the country.  

Howler monkeys are vegetarian (just like our delicious breakfasts at Sueno del Mar!), while the others are omnivores. Because of human predation and construction, they are all declining or endangered or declining species.

These four types of monkeys forage for vegetation during the day, avoiding common enemies such as jaguars, raptor birds, snakes, crocodiles, and humans beings. They sleep in trees at night (and often take an afternoon siesta to avoid the tropical sun!).  Howlers, Squirrel and Spider monkeys who live in the canopies have the fewest enemies and generally lead a peaceful life moving around their territory with ease.

Costa Rican monkeys are social creatures, living in groups consisting of a few males, mostly females. Grooming and vocalization are how these four kinds of monkeys communicate. Howler monkeys and spider monkeys have the loudest vocals. A howler monkey can be heard for a distance of three miles so you will most often hear them, before seeing the, during your Costa Rica vacation at our Bed and Breakfast near Tamarindo!

Our beachfront hotel in Playa Langosta is the perfect setting for your next Costa Rica vacation.