The Ultimate Guide to Interacting with Sloths in Costa Rica

Planning family travel to Costa Rica? Are the kids excited to experience the wildlife? In collaboration with government agencies, Costa Rican Tourism Board created a 10-step guide to ensure a memorable and responsible experience for families traveling into the country’s forests. Within these forests are some of the most adorable residents: sloths.

While a sloth’s gentle presence might seem inviting, it’s essential to stay safe and protected when coming close to these animals.

1. Be Present and Calm

Before encountering a sloth, take a moment to focus and engage with the sounds of nature. A calm mindset helps maintain a laid-back atmosphere for the sloths.

2. Keep It Respectful

Avoid harassment like whistling, playback, shining lasers or spotlights, and using bright lights or drones. These things can startle and disturb sloths.

3. Play Detective

Sloths can play hard to get. Have kids look for sloths as if they’re trying to solve a mystery.

4. Maintain a Safe Distance

Sloths aren’t into selfies, so be sure to keep a respectful distance and don’t photobomb their sacred sanctuary.

© Visit Costa Rica

5. Carry It in Your Heart, Not in Your Hands

Don’t remove anything from the habitat. Leave the environment as you found it.

6. Don’t Share Your Food

Any food you might have may not sit well with sloths. Sloths eat a balanced diet of leafy greens, so let them enjoy their own superfoods.

7. Follow the Rules

National regulations are in place to keep sloths and their homes safe. Adhere to these rules for they are crucial to the sloths’ wellbeing.

8. Get to Know Their Story

Learn more about sloths and their role in Costa Rica’s ecosystem. Spread the word to help raise awareness among friends and fellow travelers.

9. Encourage Strategic Partnerships

Get the kids excited about sloths by getting involved with groups and organizations promoting sloth and habitat protection. It will keep kids invested and let them recall their own memories made in Costa Rica.

10. Promote Biodiversity

Join the mission to protect nature’s biodiversity and cultural richness by listening to voices of the room. Sloths appreciate the help their friends around the world provide.