All posts by Coral Coral

Costa Rica is filled with animals of all shapes and sizes. It is home to about 5% of the total species estimated worldwide which for a small country is pretty impressive.  Wildlife spotting is inevitable and so much fun. You will spot them on the forest floor, in the sky, along riverbanks, swimming in the oceans, and of course, in the cover of trees. Up in the safety of the tree canopy, they will sleep, swing, jump, hang, and snack. What could be a favorite tree dweller in Costa Rica is our sleepy, slow Sloth and Chachagua Rainforest Hotel & Hot Springs has some resident sloths that keep our guests looking up into the trees constantly!

Thanks to its privileged location, Chachagua Rainforest Hotel, and Hot Springs sits between the Children’s Eternal Rainforest and the Arenal Volcano National Park. This means, that during your relaxing stay, not only will you enjoy one of the most beautiful corners of Costa Rica, you will be part of a very important area of protected land for many species of animals, birds, and plants.  This special corner is also home to sloths, a definite favorite for guests and animal lovers.

Sloths are fascinating creatures that have captured the attention and imagination of people all over the world. These slow-moving mammals are known for their unique physical characteristics, such as their long arms and legs, their slow movements, and their calm and relaxed demeanor. Many questions arise about the world of sloths; what are their biology, behavior, and habitat? What role do they play in the ecosystems they inhabit?  

What are sloths, anyway?

Sloths are tree-dwelling mammals that belong to the order Pilosa and the family Bradypodidae (three-toed sloths) and Megalonychidae (two-toed sloths). There are six species of sloths, and you will find them in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, from Nicaragua to northern Argentina. Sloths are known for their slow movements, moving at an average rate of about 0.24 km/hour. While slow, this means, there is more time to observe them snuggled up in the forest canopy.

According to National Geographic, the Sloth is the world’s slowest animal. It is so sedentary that algae grow on its furry coat! This is a unique behavioral adaptation called algae farming.  This is why you see a greenish hue that also works as camouflage in the Central American rainforests, they call home.  What also helps them remain undercover is that they remain still for up to 15 hours a day as they are asleep and when they are awake, they still don’t move a lot.

What types of Sloths can you spot in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is home to two species of sloths: the two-toed sloth and the three-toed sloth. The two-toed sloth, also known as the Hoffman’s sloth, is a larger species that can weigh up to 10 kilograms. They have shaggy, brown fur and a round face. Unlike the three-toed sloth, the two-toed sloth has two long claws on its front feet and three on its back feet. This species is mostly arboreal and they live in the canopy of the rainforest, where it feeds on their favorite foods including,  leaves, fruits, and flowers.

The three-toed sloth, also known as the brown-throated sloth, is a smaller species that weigh between 3 to 5 kilograms. They have shaggy, grayish-brown fur, and a pointed snout and they look like they are perpetually smiling too! As their name suggests, they have three long claws on both their front and back feet. This species is built for life in the treetops and can be found in the canopy of the rainforest, where it feeds on leaves, buds, and fruits.

Both species of sloths are known for their slow movements and low metabolism. They spend most of their time sleeping or resting and only come down from the trees once a week to defecate. Sloths are fascinating animals to observe in their natural habitat and could well be one of the most popular attractions for tourists visiting Costa Rica.

Sloths have a unique set of physical characteristics that allow them to thrive up in the trees. They have long, curved claws that they use to hang from tree branches and climb. Their long arms and legs, along with their flexible joints, make them highly adaptable to moving through the canopy. Sloths have a specialized stomach that allows them to digest the tough, fibrous leaves that make up the bulk of their diet.

Which species can I enjoy while staying at Chachagua Rainforest Hotel & Hot Springs?

At Chachagua Rainforest Hotel, guests may have the opportunity to see a three-toed sloth (Bradypus variegatus) in their natural habitat, as the hotel is surrounded by lush rainforest and is home to a number of resident sloths. One of the favorite Chachagua Sloths has even been given a name! She is called Lala, and recently became a mother. She is now accompanied by her baby that will remain clinging to her for the next nine months.

Lala and her fellow Chachagua Rainforest sloths can often be spotted hanging upside down from tree branches, sleeping or slowly moving about to feed on leaves and buds. There are many trees to choose from and they slowly yet surely move from tree to tree searching for food and comfortable branches to sleep on.

During the daily, complimentary Guided Nature Walk, Chachagua’s in-house naturalist guide will not only show you lots of fun and interesting things about the rainforest, but they will also do their best to spot the sleepy sloths that call Chachagua home. Thanks to their knowledge, they can identify the trees that sloths most like, so chances are you will spot one. Then it is time to just contemplate them and admire their serenity and meditative state!

Why are they soooooooo slow?

Sloths are herbivores, and they primarily feed on leaves, buds, and fruits. They have a slow metabolism, which means that they do not need to eat as much as other animals of their size. This low energy requirement allows them to conserve their energy, and they spend most of their day asleep.

Thanks to their very low-calorie diet for a mammal of its size, their metabolic rate is about 40-45% of what you would expect an animal of their weight. This means they have to move very slowly to conserve their energy.

If sloths are slow up in the treetops, they have an even a harder time moving around when on land. While they are physically adapted to tree life, their hind legs are very weak and provide no power when on the ground. Their long claws also make moving very difficult for them so they end up dragging their bellies while using their strong front legs to pull themselves forward. This means they are next to helpless in defending themselves against predators if they are caught on the land.

Did you know that Sloths are good swimmers?

Sloths are actually good swimmers. Those powerful, long front legs become very useful when swimming and they are really quite graceful.

How do sloths contribute to the rainforest?

Despite their slow movements and relaxed demeanor, sloths play a critical role in the ecosystem. They are a food source for a variety of predators as part of the natural food chain but they also serve as important seed dispersers thanks to their consumption of fruit. They excrete seeds throughout the forest. In addition, their slow movements and arboreal lifestyle help to create microhabitats and contribute to the diversity of the forest canopy.

Do sloths make sounds?

Yes, they do! Their sound actually triggered a nickname for them. Sloths are also called “Ais” thanks to the unusual call they have. It is a long, high-pitched call that echoes through the forests and sounds like “ahhh-eeee”. So, thanks to this cry, sloths are sometimes called ais which is pronounced as “eyes”.

So, when staying at Chachagua Rainforest Hotel & Hot Springs, keep your eyes open and focused on the rainforest canopy to spot our sleepy friends. Without a doubt, they are fascinating creatures that have a unique set of physical and behavioral adaptations that allow them to thrive in their treetop environment.

They are so special to Costa Rica that just recently, they were named a National Wildlife Symbol of Costa Rica which makes their presence in the forests even more special. This is why nature reserves like the one that Chachagua Rainforest Hotel and Hot Springs sit within and Costa Rica’s national parks become even more important as they become an additional way to guarantee the existence of these incredible animals.

So, when will you come and visit us and look for Lala and her baby? Chachagua Rainforest Hotel and Hot Springs will continue to ensure their safety in the protection of the rainforest canopy. See you sloth-spotting.

Costa Rica is widely considered a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 900 bird species found throughout the country’s varied ecosystems. For birdwatchers, Costa Rica offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience, with a rich variety of bird species that can be observed in their natural habitats, from the misty cloud forests of the Central Valley to the lush rainforests of the Northern Lowlands and the stunning Caribbean and Pacific coasts. Chachagua Rainforest Hotel is also a Costa Rican bird watchers hotspot. Let´s see why!

Nestled into the southwest fringe of Costa Rica´s northern lowlands, you will find a bird watcher’s paradise in Chachagua Rainforest Hotel & Hot Springs. It is one of the top 40 bird watchers hotspots in the region, and 319 bird species have been recorded in Cornell University-backed eBird, a comprehensive list of bird-watching sites and their respective lists of sightings.

The Chachagua Rainforest Hotel & Hot Springs is located in the lush, tropical rainforest of Costa Rica. The rainforest is characterized by dense vegetation and a high level of biodiversity, with a wide variety of plant and animal species that thrive in warm, humid environments.

Offering several tours related to birds and wildlife observation, Chachagua offers both specialized birdwatching tours and an emblematic Night Walk. While one tour welcomes the day when the birds are most active, the latter takes eager nature lovers into the rainforest as the sun goes down and when much of the species awake from their daytime slumber. Both these signature tours are in the company of expert naturalist guides and lovers of nature.

Why Costa Rica for Birdwatching?

There are many reasons why Costa Rica is such an excellent destination for birdwatching tourism. Firstly, the country’s diverse ecosystems support a wide variety of bird species, including several rare and endemic species that cannot be found anywhere else. This means that birdwatchers can see many different types of birds, from the brilliantly colored macaws and toucans to the smaller and more elusive species often hidden in the forest canopy, like the resplendent Quetzal.

Secondly, Costa Rica’s commitment to conservation has led to the establishment of many protected areas and national parks, providing excellent birdwatching opportunities. These areas are managed to preserve the natural habitat of birds and other wildlife. They are often staffed by knowledgeable local guides who can help visitors spot and identify different bird species.

Finally, Costa Rica’s warm and tropical climate makes it a year-round destination for birdwatching tourism. While certain seasons are better for observing particular species, there are always birds to be seen in Costa Rica, no matter what time of year it is.

Undoubtedly, Costa Rica offers birdwatchers a unique and unforgettable experience, with a rich diversity of bird species, stunning natural landscapes, and a commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism, making it an excellent destination for those looking to experience the wonders of the natural world.

A bit about Chachagua Rainforest Hotel & Hot Springs

The Chachagua Rainforest Hotel & Hot Springs is a beautiful and unique destination for tourism, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the incredible natural beauty and biodiversity of the Costa Rican rainforest and the soothing and rejuvenating benefits of hot springs.

The hotel is in the heart of the rainforest, surrounded by lush vegetation, towering trees, and a rich array of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, toucans, and many other bird species. Visitors can explore the rainforest on guided hikes, birdwatching tours, and other nature-based activities, learning about the flora and fauna of the area and discovering the incredible natural wonders of this unique ecosystem.

Designed to complement the natural beauty of the rainforest with welcoming yet comfortable accommodations that blend seamlessly into the surrounding environment, Chachagua invites you to immerse in nature with the comforts of its high-end features. Guests can enjoy delicious local cuisine, refreshing drinks, and a range of amenities, including a swimming pool, spa services, and various outdoor activities, including bird-watching.

Chachagua Rainforest Hotel & Hot Springs offers a unique and unforgettable tourism experience that combines the best of both worlds: the incredible natural beauty and biodiversity of the Costa Rican rainforest and the relaxing and therapeutic benefits of the hot springs.

The rainforest at Chachagua is home to a diverse array of animal species, including monkeys, sloths, toucans, macaws, and many other bird species, as well as a wide variety of insects and reptiles. Visitors to the rainforest can explore the forest on guided hikes, birdwatching tours, and other nature-based activities. In addition, they may have the opportunity to see some of these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.

Chachagua Rainforest Hotel & Hot Springs also offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy the soothing waters of the hot springs. These hot pools are nestled in a tranquil setting within the rainforest and tropical gardens, providing a unique and relaxing experience that combines the best of both worlds.

Birds you can see in the Chachagua rainforest

The Chachagua Rainforest Hotel is located in the Alajuela province of Costa Rica, home to a diverse range of bird species. Some of the bird species that can be found in this area include:

 

Keel-billed toucan:

This is a large, colorful bird with a black body, white throat, and bright yellow breasts. The most distinctive feature of the keel-billed toucan is its large, colorful bill, mainly green and orange with a red tip. The toucan has a loud, croaking call and often hops through the forest canopy.

 

Black-mandible toucan:

This large, predominantly black toucan has a white throat and bright yellow breasts. Its most distinctive feature is its large, bright yellow bill with a black base. The black-mandible toucan has a loud, croaking call and can often be seen hopping through the forest canopy.

 

Fiery-billed aracari:

This is a small toucan with a predominantly black body, bright red feathers on its head, and a colorful, curved bill. The fiery-billed aracari has a distinctive, high-pitched call and is often seen feeding on fruit in the treetops.

 

Slaty-tailed trogon:

This medium-sized bird has iridescent green upper parts and a striking blue-grey tail. The slaty-tailed trogon has a distinctive, low-pitched call and is often seen perching on high branches in the forest.

 

Turquoise-browed motmot:

This is a colorful bird with a turquoise crown, blue-green upper parts, and a bright orange throat. The turquoise-browed motmot has a unusual, long tail with a feathered tip that often swings back and forth like a pendulum. It has a distinctive, low-pitched call.

 

Montezuma oropendola:

This large, black bird has a bright yellow tail and a distinctive, conical beak. The Montezuma oropendola has a loud, whistling call and is known for its elaborate hanging nests, which can be up to a meter long.

 

Rufous-tailed hummingbird:

This small, colorful bird has iridescent green upper parts and a bright rufous tail. The rufous-tailed hummingbird has a distinctive, high-pitched call and often feeds on nectar in flowers or hovers in mid-air.

 

White-necked Jacobin:

This is a medium-sized hummingbird with a glossy green body and a white neck. The white-necked Jacobin has a distinctive, high-pitched call and is often seen feeding on nectar in flowers or hovering in mid-air.

 

Blue-crowned motmot:

This is a medium-sized bird with iridescent green upper parts, a blue crown, and a long, racket-shaped tail. The blue-crowned motmot has a distinctive, low-pitched call and often perches on high branches in the forest.

 

Long-tailed manakin:

This small, colorful bird has glossy black upper parts and a bright blue back. The long-tailed manakin has a distinctive, high-pitched call and is known for its elaborate courtship display, which involves males hopping backward to impress the prospective mate.

 

Tawny-capped Euphonia:

The Tawny-capped Euphonia is a small, colorful bird found in the forests of Central and South America. The male has bright yellow underparts, a blue-black head, and a distinctive tawny-colored cap. The female is less colorful, with a greenish-yellow body and a grayish-brown cap. These birds are often found in pairs or small flocks and feed mainly on fruits and insects.

 

Broad-billed Motmot:

The Broad-billed Motmot is a striking bird found in the forests of Central and South America. It has a distinctive, long, broad bill, which it uses to catch insects and small animals. The bird is characterized by its blue-green plumage, with a rust-colored belly and a distinctive racquet-shaped tail. The tail feathers are barbed at the end and often used for display.

 

Yellow Warbler:

The Yellow Warbler is a small, brightly colored bird in North and Central America. The male has a bright yellow body, a red-streaked breast and a distinctive black mask around the eyes. The female is less colorful, with a more subdued yellow body and no mask. These birds feed mainly on insects and can often found in gardens and other open areas.

 

Band-tailed barbthroat:

Is a species of hummingbird found in the forests of Central and South America. Its metallic green plumage and distinctive blue-black band on its tail characterize it. The bird has a long, curved bill, which it uses to feed on flower nectar. The males have a more colorful plumage than the females, with a purple throat patch and white underparts.

These are just a few examples of the many bird species found in the area around the Chachagua Rainforest Hotel. Birdwatching is a popular activity for visitors to the area, and there are many opportunities to see these and other species in their natural habitat.

Chachagua Rainforest Hotel & Hot Springs invites you to visit its oasis. Immersed in the rainforest and with the ultimate comforts of a luxury retreat, Chachagua is the perfect getaway for birdwatchers, animal lovers and serenity seekers. See you soon!

Chachagua Rainforest Hotel & Spa is excited to announce a new world of relaxation that reaches pristine levels with the addition of a private pool to the family villa. This fabulous new feature ensures an inspiring and calming atmosphere surrounded by lush, greenery, and clear, crystal water against a stunning setting.

Enjoy a blissful dip under the twinkling sky after a day of exploration in the rainforest or just relax absorbing the sun’s rays slicing through the forest canopy with a refreshing drink.

The Family Villas is the perfect solution for families or small groups of up to 6 guests looking for the comfort of additional space and privacy but with easy access between rooms.  The luxurious and generously appointed 2 Bedroom Family Suite is immersed in the beauty of the tropical rainforest and complemented with an outdoor shower, polished wooden floors, and ample terrace space for further enjoyment and privacy in nature. Sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds of the rainforest and the nearby brook from the terrace and soon-to-be pool area.

 

From November 2022, this luxury hideaway will offer the epitome of lavish, tropical living! The villa terrace will have direct access to a private pool immersed in exotic gardens and shaded by the towering rainforest trees.  The pool will further enhance the paradise feeling the Family Suite presently exhales and will offer further unprecedented freedom and privacy for discerning guests.

About the Two Bedroom Villa:

The luxurious and generously appointed 2 Bedroom Family Villa is immersed in lush tropical rainforest and complemented with an outdoor shower, polished wooden floors crafted by local artisans, and ample private and shared terrace space for further enjoyment and retreat in nature. Awake to the sights and sounds of the rainforest and the nearby brook from the comfort of the main bedroom´s king-size bed or while relaxing on the spacious terraces.  This is a perfect solution for families or small groups of up to 6 guests, looking for the indulgence and comfort of additional space and seclusion but with easy access between rooms and common areas.

2 Bedroom Family Villa Services & Amenities

Suite Size: 1200 square feet

Complimentary Services included

1. Mini-bar once per stay
2. In-Room Breakfast Family Style once per stay
3. Hi-speed Wi-Fi

Room Amenities

• King-size bed and two queen-size beds
• 100% Organic bathroom amenities
• Smart TV with cable in each bedroom
• A/C
• 2 full bathrooms with a hairdryer
• Double sinks in the main bathroom
• Dual Out-door Rain shower
• Access to shared oversized terrace from the bedrooms
• Private deck for each bedroom & Hammock
• Precious-wood accented décor crafted by local artisans
• Private parking area
• Telephone

For more information, contact our reservations department that is awaiting your email or call or reserve via our website.