WILDLIFE

Wildlife

The lush jungle that borders the Lapa Villas property is the same forest system that runs through the Manuel Antonio National Park.   As such, on any given day you will experience the same variety of Costa Rican wildlife that you will see in the park.   While we aren't suggesting that you avoid visiting the National Park,  we are saying that you just may see as much wildlife at Lapa Villas as you would in the national park.  ( all photos below taken an and round Lapa Villas )

Scarlett Macaws ("Lapa")

Lapa Villas is named after this magnificent bird.  Their unmistakable squawk makes them easy to spot, several times a day.  While they will typically be just flying by overhead in pairs or groups,  at least once a day they will stop over for a few minutes in our main (and massive) tree on the property. 

Squirrel Monkey ("Tití")

This adorable monkey is only found in the Manuel Antonio region and is actually on the endangered species list.    They are called "Tití" as this name mimics their high pitched communication.   They typically travel in troops, but every now and then you will see a random Squirrel Monkey exploring the property.   While you will see them less often than the capuchin, keep your eyes out and your ears open.  You will often hear their unique "tití" chirp before you actually see them.

Sloth ( "Lazy Bear" )

"Lazy Bear", this is what the Costa Ricans call them ("oso perezoso").   People come from all of the world to see a sloth in Costa Rica.   If you have a keen eye, you will probably find one on any given day at Lapa Villas.  If you know what to look for you will almost certainly find one between the villas and the beach, walking through the forest.   Don't be shy to ask one of the staff to help you spot one. 

Capuchin ("Cariblanco")

Capuchin monkeys are the most prevalent of the three monkeys you will find in Manuel Antonio.  They often travel in groups ( called Troops ) and are very active and curious, and sometimes a bit mischievous.   It is quite possible that these monkeys will visit Lapa Villas daily.   We typically spot them in the trees by the upper villa, or down below in the forest by the lower casita.  Watch for tree branches rustling.  They are curious and often fearless visitors.  And yes, keep an eye on your backpack when they are around.

Howler Monkeys ("Congo")

You will hear this monkey long before you see them.   Their "roar" is audible up to a few miles away and if you happen to be relatively near one while it's "howling" it may scare the #$%! out of you.  Nevertheless, these monkeys are shy and keep their distance from humans, and if left alone they are harmless.  You are most likely to hear them daily, and from time to time you will see them in the forest below the property.   

Toucan

The Chestnut-mandibled toucan is often a resident of Lapa Villas, typically hanging out in the large tree by the upper villa.   These gorgeous birds are also easily recognized by their unique song and long beaks.  We usually see these birds daily on the property.

Aracari Toucan

The Aracari Toucan is a brightly colored and much rarer toucan.  Nevertheless from time to time you spot some visiting Lapa Villas.  We find them mostly in the large trees on the property but every now and then they will perch on balconies above the street of Villa #1.

Ocelot

While we have never seen an Ocelot around the villas, we have found their paw prints on the trails in the forest. Your chances of spotting these shy and nocturnal jungle cats are almost zero, but who knows maybe you will be as lucky this guy - who filmed his encounter with an Ocelot in Corcovado Costa Rica,  just a few hours south of Lapa Villas. 

Share by: