You’ll walk shaded trails at Proyecto Asis Wildlife Rescue Center near La Fortuna with a local guide who shares real stories about rescued animals. Watch monkeys swing overhead, hear parrots call out, and end your visit with fresh Costa Rican coffee and cookies as the rainforest hums around you.
I’ll be honest, we almost missed the turnoff to Proyecto Asis Wildlife Rescue Center—Google Maps got confused by a muddy side road (it had rained hard that morning). My shoes were still damp when we met Sofia, our guide, who greeted us with this big smile and a tray of coffee that smelled like roasted nuts. I guess I expected something more zoo-like, but it felt quieter here—like everyone was tiptoeing around the animals’ routines.
Sofia started by telling us about a toucan who’d arrived after flying into power lines. She spoke softly, like she didn’t want to startle anyone (animal or human). The enclosures were spaced out under these huge trees, and you could hear cicadas buzzing between her words. At one point I tried to say “oso perezoso” (sloth) in Spanish—Sofia laughed gently and corrected me. The air had that earthy smell you only get after rain in Costa Rica; everything felt alive and kind of hopeful.
We saw spider monkeys swinging above us, and a tapir munching on fruit with this slow determination. Kids in our group kept asking questions—Sofia answered every single one without sounding tired. I liked that she never rushed us; we just wandered from enclosure to enclosure, sometimes stopping so someone could take photos or just watch an animal nap. There was this moment when a parrot squawked so loud it made everyone jump and then laugh together—I still think about that sound echoing through the trees.
Before leaving, we sat down for juice and cookies while rain started again outside. It wasn’t dramatic or anything—just soft tapping on the roof while people swapped stories about their favorite animals. I left feeling oddly grateful for places like this, where rescue isn’t just a word on a sign but something you can see happening right in front of you.
Yes, Proyecto Asis is located close to La Fortuna in Costa Rica.
Yes, coffee, juice, and cookies are offered during your visit.
Yes, it’s family-friendly and suitable for all fitness levels.
Yes, visitors are allowed to take photographs of all the animals.
Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.
Yes, tours run in all weather conditions—just dress appropriately.
A naturalist guide leads your group throughout the visit.
Your day includes entry fees to Proyecto Asis Wildlife Rescue Center near La Fortuna, guidance from a knowledgeable naturalist guide throughout your visit, plus fresh Costa Rican coffee, juice, and cookies served onsite before heading back out into the rainforest air.
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