The Soundtrack of the Jungle: Mantled Howler Monkey (Mono Congo)
Long before you spot them hidden high in the forest canopy, you will hear them. The Mantled Howler Monkey (Alouatta palliata), known locally as the "Mono Congo," produces a deep, guttural roar that can travel for miles across the rainforest. As one of the largest monkeys in Central America, encountering a troop of howlers is an essential part of any Costa Rican adventure.
Physical Traits & Habitat in the Central Pacific
Recognizable by their black coats and the fringe of longer, golden-brown guard hairs (the "mantle") on their sides, these primates spend almost their entire lives in the trees. They are leaf-eaters, which means they spend a lot of time resting and digesting in the upper canopy. The lush environments of Jaco, Herradura, and the surrounding national parks provide the perfect ecosystem for them to thrive.
Best Ways to See (and Hear!) Howler Monkeys
Because they stay high in the canopy, having an expert guide is crucial for spotting them. Here are the top ways to experience these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat with our certified local guides:
- Immersive Park Walks: Maximize your chances of a close encounter on our VIP Manuel Antonio Park Private Walk. For a different perspective, join our Jungle Night Walk to see how the rainforest transforms after dark.
- Mangrove Expeditions: The estuaries are teeming with wildlife. Glide quietly beneath the trees on the Isla Damas Mangrove Kayak Tour, or get up close with nature on our classic Monkey Mangrove Tour. Can't decide? Book the Combo Tour to experience both the national park and the mangroves in one day!
- Specialty Wildlife Tours: Birdwatchers keeping an eye on the canopy often spot howlers. Our Private Birding Tour is perfect for spotting both rare birds and active monkey troops.
Hear the Roar on an Adventure Tour
You don't just see howler monkeys on quiet nature walks. Their impressive calls often echo through the jungle while you are out getting your adrenaline fix! It is incredibly common to hear them roaring overhead while exploring on our Horseback Riding Tours, flying through the trees on the Zipline Canopy Tour, or cruising through the rainforest on our Jungle Booze Cruise.
Hitting the off-road trails? Keep your ears open! Riders on our Jaco ATV Tours—including the 3-Hour ATV Tour, the advanced 4-Hour Tour, or the epic King's Private ATV Tour—frequently report hearing the famous Mono Congo. The same goes for our thrilling 2-Hour and Full-Day UTV Buggy Tours.
Ready to hear the jungle come alive? Explore our highly-rated tours above and let our expert guides lead you to an unforgettable Costa Rican wildlife experience.
