Species profile
About this species
The White-faced Capuchin is a medium-sized New World monkey found across Central America & north-western South America, recognisable by its distinctive black body & white face, chest & shoulders. It is highly intelligent & social, living in groups of up to 20 individuals with complex hierarchical structures. These adaptable primates are known for their dexterous hands & tool-using behaviour, foraging for fruit, insects & small vertebrates across multiple forest layers.
Tropical & subtropical moist broadleaf forests, dry forests & mangroves, primarily in Costa Rica, Panama & surrounding Central American lowlands up to 2,100 metres elevation.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph White-faced Capuchin with us in Costa Rica.
These departures are part of our Central America programme.
In the field, David Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Early morning between 06:00 & 09:00 is ideal as troops are most active foraging after rest. April & November trips to Costa Rica, such as the Wildlife Icons & Essential Costa Rican Wildlife tours, offer good sightings during transitional dry-wet seasons when capuchins descend lower in search of food & water.
Shoot in bursts when capuchins are moving through the canopy, as they change direction rapidly & unpredictably. Use a telephoto lens of at least 300mm to capture tight portraits without disturbing the group, as relaxed monkeys display far more natural behaviour. In Costa Rica's forests, look for troops near forest edges & water sources where light penetration is better, helping to expose the high-contrast white & black colouring.
Available holidays
Trips featuring White-faced Capuchin
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.