Sloths in Cuyabeno

by Cuyabeno Amazon Jungle Lodge | Green Forest Ecolodge | Cuyabeno Tours 23 de Octubre del 2025 Travel Blog Ecuador

Sloths in Cuyabeno

If there's one animal that tops every Cuyabeno visitor's wish list, it's undoubtedly the sloth. With their permanent smile, hypnotically slow movements, and peaceful nature, these canopy dwellers have become the undisputed stars of the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve.

At Green Forest Ecolodge, our native guides know every corner of the jungle and have trained eyes to spot these masters of camouflage. In this comprehensive article, we'll reveal all the secrets to maximize your chances of spotting sloths during your Amazon adventure.

The Two Sloth Species in Cuyabeno

Three-Toed Sloth (Bradypus variegatus)

The three-toed sloth is the most common in Cuyabeno Reserve and the one you'll most likely encounter during your visit.

Distinctive features:

• Fur: Grayish-brown color with greenish tones from symbiotic algae
• Face: Characteristic dark facial mask with an expression that looks like a perpetual smile
• Size: 50-60 cm long, weight between 3.5-4.5 kg
• Digits: Three long claws on each limb (hence the name)
• Neck: Can rotate its head up to 270 degrees thanks to 9 cervical vertebrae

Unique behavior:

• Extremely slow: moves at 0.24 km/h when active
• Spends 15-20 hours per day sleeping or resting
• Descends to the ground only once a week to defecate
• Excellent swimmer, despite its terrestrial slowness

Two-Toed Sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni)

Less common but equally fascinating, the two-toed sloth is more active and slightly larger.

Distinctive features:

• Fur: Longer and shaggier than its three-toed cousin
• Face: More prominent snout, without the dark facial mask
• Size: 60-70 cm long, weight between 4-8 kg
• Digits: Two claws on forelimbs, three on hindlimbs
• Activity: Primarily nocturnal, harder to spot

Fun fact: Despite the name, both species have three toes on their hind feet. The difference is in the front feet.

If there's one animal that tops every Cuyabeno visitor's wish list, it's undoubtedly the sloth

Green Forest Ecolodge | Cuyabeno Ecuador