San Jose to Wildlife Rescue: Sloths, Macaws, Monkeys Tour

Meet rescued sloths, macaws and monkeys on a private tour from San Jose

A private four-hour tour from San Jose to a wildlife rescue center with hotel pickup and drop-off, where a guide teaches you about rescued animals (parrots, macaws, owls, sloths and spider monkeys), and the conservation work behind running the center. The guide speaks English or Spanish, and the air-conditioned vehicle and all areas of the ranch are wheelchair accessible.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit wildlife rescue center

• Learn about rescued wildlife stories
• See parrots, macaws, owls, sloths, monkeys
• Understand conservation importance
• Discover rainforest wildlife facts
• Explore wildlife rescue center operations

The experience

Four hours is enough to move through the rescue center without rushing, and the private format means the guide can spend time on the animals that hold your attention. You'll hear individual rescue stories (why each animal arrived, what recovery looked like, what the center does now) rather than a scripted overview of the whole place. The tour teaches you about rainforest wildlife and conservation, woven through the animals you're actually standing in front of.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, so the morning starts at your accommodation and the afternoon ends there. The guide drives you in an air-conditioned vehicle, which matters in the Central Valley heat. Once at the ranch, you move through the center on your own pace with the guide. The space is wheelchair accessible, and strollers work for infants and small children. The guide speaks English or Spanish, so you can choose the language that works for you.

One constraint worth knowing: Costa Rica's animal protection law means selfies with the animals aren't allowed, though regular photos and videos are fine. It's a rule that protects the animals' welfare, and it shapes how you'll document the visit. You're observing and learning, not posing for proof.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in San Jose.
• private air-conditioned vehicle transport.
• private professional guide in English or Spanish.
• access to all areas of the rescue center.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SundayDepartures at 08:00 and 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (11 to 65 years) · Senior (66 to 90 years) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Destiny Travel Costa Rica

Is this one for you?The four-hour window fits a morning or afternoon slot without consuming your whole day, which works if you want to see the rescue center but also have time for other San Jose activities. If you need a full-day immersion or plan to spend the afternoon elsewhere in the Central Valley, this tour leaves room for that.

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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 10 years); Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What animals will I see at the rescue center?

The center holds parrots, macaws, owls, sloths, spider monkeys and more. Each animal has a rescue story the guide will share, so you learn why they're there and what the center does for them.

How long does the tour take and what's included in the price?

The tour runs four hours total, including hotel pickup and drop-off, transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, and a private guide. All taxes, fees and handling charges are built into the price.

Is the rescue center accessible if I use a wheelchair or need a stroller?

Yes. All areas and surfaces at the ranch are wheelchair accessible, and the vehicle that picks you up is also wheelchair accessible. Strollers work for infants and small children, and specialized infant seats are available if you need one.

What should I wear and what's the dress code?

Smart casual is the dress code. Comfortable shoes are practical since you'll be walking through the center, and the Central Valley can be warm, so light layers help.

Can I take photos and videos with the animals?

Regular photos and videos are permitted. Selfies with the animals are not allowed under Costa Rica's animal protection law, which keeps the animals' welfare the priority.