While walking Costa Rica, there are many wonderful types of animals to hear and observe, but none are as distinctive as the monkey. Costa Rica is home to four indigenous species of monkey – the White-Headed Capuchin, the Mantled Howler, the Central American Squirrel Monkey, and the endangered Geoffroy’s Spider Monkey, with all four species classed scientifically as ‘New World Monkeys’. Each can be seen in their natural surroundings within Costa Rica’s national parks, and are a memorable sight for any traveller.

White-Headed Capuchin

One of the most distinctive species of monkey, the White-Headed Capuchin is immediately identifiable by its pink face, and white fur covering its upper body. Typically recognized as the traditional companion of organ grinders, or as a monkey favoured by the North American media for its photogenic appearance, in the wild, the White-Headed Capuchin is important to the rainforest, through spreading seeds and pollen in its fur. Walking Costa Rica, you may see a few holding items such as twigs or leaves – one of the most intelligent ‘New World’ monkeys, White-Headed Capuchins are noted for using tools, such as sticks to defend themselves from snakes, or small rocks (and occasionally the bark of trees) to crack hard nuts. It is this intelligence that allows them to be trained in assisting paraplegics.

Mantled Howler

The Mantled Howler, as you may be able to guess, is one of the most often heard monkeys for those walking Costa Rica! Their calls are common at dawn and dusk, ringing out loudly and are often able to be heard for several kilometres. Usually evoking a special empathy from vegetarians (as their diet is comprised mainly of leaves), the Mantled Howler takes its ‘mantled’ name from the long hairs on its sides. Typically living in groups of up to 40 members, Mantled Howlers spend three-quarters of each day, and preceding night, resting and sleeping.

Central American Squirrel Monkey

A small monkey with black, white and orange fur, the Central American Squirrel Monkey has suffered a decline in numbers since the 1970’s, limiting their habitat to the Pacific Coast, and making them a somewhat rarer sight while walking Costa Rica. The monkeys are usually glimpsed moving through the trees overhead, though, where they spend the most time, and they’re often heard before they are seen. A noisy species, the Central American Squirrel Monkey makes many squeals, whistles and chirps to communicate with others, also disturbing the vegetation as they move through the trees.

Geoffroy’s Spider Monkey

Also known as the ‘Black-Handed’ spider monkey, Geoffroy’s Spider Monkeys display prominent black fur covering their hands and feet, while the face is often lined with pale white fur. In order to get around, the monkeys use ‘brachiation’, or the process of swinging from branch to branch in trees. Unfortunately, human observers will have to be content with walking Costa Rica! Though it requires wide habitats to survive because of its fruit-based diet, sometimes stretching up to 2,200 acres, the areas inhabited by the Geoffroy’s Spider Monkey have been shrinking. Combined with capture and hunting for the pet trade, the species is now considered to be endangered.

Author Bio: Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. They offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in over 90 different countries. While walking Costa Rica with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you will see scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.

Category: Travel
Keywords: Walking Costa Rica