If you asked a room full of teenage girls to name their favorite animal, the sloth would probably come out on top. And honestly? We get it. There’s something irresistible about these fuzzy, slow-motion creatures. At Casa Roja, we’re lucky enough to share our little corner of paradise with a few resident sloths, and every so often, guests get to enjoy an up-close and personal encounter right here on the property. No tour bus required.
Sloths (or perezosos in Spanish, which translates charmingly to “lazy”) are some of Costa Rica’s most beloved wildlife. Their perpetual smile and unhurried way of life make them feel like nature’s reminder to slow down and appreciate the moment. And while many visitors hope to spot a sloth during their travels, sightings aren’t always guaranteed — unless, of course, you’re waking up at Casa Roja and noticing a familiar furry silhouette hanging out in the trees outside your cabin.
Costa Rica is home to two species of sloth: the Hoffman’s two-toed sloth and the brown-throated three-fingered sloth. The Hoffman’s is a bit of a night owl (or night sloth, if you will) and can be tough to spot unless you’re lucky. But the brown-throated sloth is more of a daylight lounger, making it the species we most often see around Casa Roja. Despite their slow and sleepy reputation, sloths are actually experts at camouflage. Their slow movements and moss-tinted fur help them blend perfectly into the treetops, keeping them safe from predators—and keeping naturalists on their toes.
What’s truly fascinating about sloths is that they’ve adapted to thrive by doing less. Their metabolism is incredibly slow, taking up to three weeks to digest a single meal. Rather than spend energy chasing after food, they simply relax high in the canopy, munching on leaves, snoozing for up to 20 hours a day, and only making the occasional journey down to the ground (about once a week) to take care of nature’s business.
So if you find yourself gazing up at the trees during your stay at Casa Roja and spot a motionless bundle of fur, take a moment to appreciate the marvel of this slow-living specialist. Around here, we consider our sloths part of the family—and you might just leave feeling the same way.
