The loveable sloth has found fame as the slowest mammal on the planet. From their algae-rich green fur to their tree-hugging, these intriguing creatures are well worth seeking out in the wild. Dwelling in the humid rainforests of Central and South America, look to the branches to spot the sleepy sloth – which spends between 15 and 20 hours every day in the trees. With the help of our Americas expert, Oliver Rodwell, we’ve shortlisted the best places to see sloths in the wild. Oliver assures us that you’ll have a fairly high chance of spotting a sloth if you’re in the right place and have a good guide. Just don’t expect to see much movement…
1. Costa Rica
2. Brazil
3. Peru
4. Ecuador
5. Colombia
Costa Rica
Widely considered to be one of the best places to see sloths on Earth, Costa Rica’s biodiverse landscape continually entices travellers from near and far. Here, you’ll find the sedentary sloth resting in the mist-clad canopies of Costa Rica’s tropical rainforests. These lush landscapes are home to a wealth of other wildlife, including the endangered giant anteater, tapir and harpy eagle. Head to the Osa Peninsula – the wildest corner of the country – for unrivalled sloth spotting in Corcovado National Park. Sloths also enjoy the dense jungle in destinations like Manuel Antonio, Tortuguero and Santa Rosa National Parks. The most commonly found species in Costa Rica is the brown-throated three-toed sloth.
Brazil
Home to five out of six of the world’s sloth species, Brazil is next up on the list of the best places to see sloths. In the north, sloths are primarily found in the vast Amazon rainforest (60 per cent of which sits in Brazil) and the Atlantic Forest on the southeastern coastline. The latter destination is the only place you’ll be able to spot the vulnerable, maned three-toed sloth in the wild, while it's also home to eight per cent of the Earth’s plants and over 930 bird species. Impressive stuff.
Peru
Snaking down western South America is the third largest country in the continent, Peru. Boasting a varied landscape made up of desert, beaches, mountains and rainforests, Peru is one of the best places to see sloths in the world. Sloths dwell in the country’s rainforest canopies (you know the drill by now). Head to one of Peru’s largest protected areas, the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, to be in with the chance of spotting one of three species here. Look out for the shaggy Hoffman’s, Linnaeus’ and brown-throated sloths among the leaves, as well as endangered primates and big cats. The Tambopata National Reserve, a biodiverse region in the Peruvian south, is also home to the slow-moving sloth (along with 165 other species of flora and fauna).
Ecuador
While for many, Ecuador might be a stepping stone for exploration of the Galapagos Islands, there’s a huge diversity of wildlife to be found on the mainland, too. With ecosystems ranging from verdant rainforest to the snowcapped Andes and coastal lowlands, it’s no surprise that snoozing sloths have chosen a home in Ecuador. They’re primarily found in two of the most biodiverse places on earth: Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, on the border with Colombia, and Yasuni National Park, a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Colombia
Colombia is last (but by no means least) on our list of the best places to see sloths. Known as the gateway to South America, this gem of a country is home to 450 different mammals and almost 2,000 bird species. But where’s best to spot sloths? In mangrove forests along the Colombian coast, keep your eyes peeled for the Hoffman’s two-toed sloth. Colombia’s cloud forests in the high-altitude Andes also provide the perfect conditions for the brown-throated sloth, while a range of species can be found in Colombian rainforests, such as the Amazon Basin and the Choco region.
Written by Hannah Whitehall
