Costa Rica Animal Rescue Center Tour: Wildlife Stories

Meet rescued sloths, monkeys and macaws at their sanctuary

The CR Animal Rescue Center tour near San Jose is a one-hour guided walk through a working rescue facility where you meet sloths, monkeys, raccoons, coatis, parrots and macaws in their living areas. A local English or Spanish-speaking guide shares the personal stories of how each animal arrived at the center and explains the care they receive, plus a look at the center's hospital and its role in Costa Rica wildlife conservation. All tour income funds the center's rescue work.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Animal Rescue Center

• Arrive at the rescue center
• Tour the animal habitats
• Learn animal rescue stories
• See the center's hospital
• Understand wildlife conservation efforts

The experience

The CR Animal Rescue Center sits outside San Jose as a working sanctuary built by founders who dedicated themselves to Costa Rica's wildlife. Your guide leads you through the living areas where you encounter sloths, monkeys, raccoons, coatis, parrots and macaws up close, not behind glass or at a distance. The animals live in natural habitat settings within the center, and your guide explains the unique characteristics of each species as you move through.

Each animal has a story: how it arrived at the center, what injuries or circumstances brought it there, and what daily care it now receives. You'll also see the center's hospital, where the rescue and rehabilitation work happens. The guide walks you through the center's impact on wildlife conservation across Costa Rica, and explains how every dollar from tours goes directly back into rescue operations and animal care.

The tour runs one hour and includes access to all animal areas, cold drinking water, and toilet facilities. You can ask questions throughout. A local guide fluent in English or Spanish leads the experience, and the entire center is wheelchair accessible with paved surfaces and accessible restrooms.

What’s included

• One-hour guided tour through the animal living areas.
• access to the center's hospital and conservation areas.
• personal stories of each animal from your local guide.
• cold drinking water refill.
• access to toilets.
• English or Spanish-speaking guide included.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 14:00

Book up to5h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 17 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendly

Operated by Costa Rica Animal Rescue Center

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want an intimate look at rescued wildlife with a guide who knows each animal's story, rather than a large-group wildlife park experience. The one-hour format fits easily into a San Jose day without requiring a full excursion.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What animals will I see at the CR Animal Rescue Center?

The center houses sloths, monkeys, raccoons, coatis, parrots and macaws, all living in natural habitat areas within the facility. Your guide will point out each species and explain their individual stories and care needs.

How long does the tour take?

The tour lasts one hour and includes the full walk through the center's animal areas, the hospital, and time for questions with your guide.

Is the center accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, including the animal living areas, restrooms and the entire tour route. Transportation to the center is also wheelchair accessible.

What happens to the money from ticket sales?

All income from tours is dedicated to rescuing wildlife and providing resources for the center to continue its conservation and care work in Costa Rica.

Can I touch or hold the animals?

The center operates as a no-touch facility to protect the animals' wellbeing. You'll have close views and personal stories from your guide, but direct contact is not part of the experience.