Day Trip from San Jose to Sloths & other wildlife Rescue Center
Recommended by 91% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
San Jose, Costa Rica
- 4 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Get out of the city and experience Costa Rica’s rich wildlife heritage with this half day private tour to the Toucan Rescue Ranch. What started out as a rescue facility for toucans has expanded to include other charismatic species such as sloths, monkeys, parrots, and owls. Learn all about them from the dedicated staff committed to their care.
- Toucan Rescue Ranch tour from San Jose
- See wildlife without traveling far from the city
- Learn about toucans and other animals from your guide
- All transportation included for a hassle-free trip
What's Included
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Private Driver/guide
- Private Professional guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Small-group tour at the Ranch
- Private Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
We pick up all travellers at any Hotel or place in San Jose downtown, Heredia downtown or Alajuela downtown.
Itinerary
1
Toucan Rescue Ranch
2 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Infant seats available
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- Dress code is smart casual
- Due to an animal protection law in Costa Rica, selfies with animals are not allowed. However, regular photos or videos are permitted.
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.7
based on 46 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
A small facility, but really good tour and very close encounters with happy, vibrant animals. Saw sloths very close and awake, active
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for traveling with us.
We are glad you enjoyed the experience and hope you travel with us again. ¡PURA VIDA!
Great seeing the rescue center and learning how they help injured and abandoned animals. Your visit helps them with their mission!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you so much for your visit and for supporting this noble cause.
We are thrilled that you enjoyed learning about the rescue center's work.
Your support truly makes a difference!
THANK YOU !
Animal refuge , I wanted to see sloths, I did, very informative, a lot of school groups , but other than that, a very relaxing tour. Two thumbs up, highly recommended
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much for your visit!
We are thrilled that you were able to see the sloths and enjoyed the educational part of the tour. While it’s true that many students visit us to learn about conservation, we are glad you still found the experience relaxing
We appreciate the 'two thumbs up' and hope to see you again in Costa Rica!!!
This place is a sanctuary for abused neglected and injured wildlife. What I love about this place is if possible to return them to the wild but if not possible to give them a home for life. Governments all over the world should support these sancturarys.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much for your meaningful words. Our core mission is indeed the rehabilitation and, whenever possible, the release of these animals back into their natural habitat.
For those who cannot return, we are committed to providing a dignified 'home for life.' Your support and your call for global awareness mean the world to us.
We hope to see you again soon!
PURA VIDA !!! 🌿
This was an amazing trip to see the sloths and other animals that are being taken care of. The guide was amazing and the animals are really taken care of. Great 3 hour tour from Hotel and back.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so much for your visit! 🦥
We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the tour and our commitment to animal welfare. At Destiny Travel Costa Rica, we are passionate about showcasing Costa Rica's wildlife in an ethical and professional way.
It was a pleasure having you with us!
Pura Vida! ✨
Must do experience to see Sloths, toucan and ther rescued animals close up and learn about them. Very informative guides.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you very much for your review!
We’re happy to hear you enjoyed seeing the sloths, toucans, and other rescued animals up close while learning about them.
We also appreciate your kind words about our informative guides.
We hope to welcome you again soon!
The rescue center was very Intersting. Very informative and educational experience about the rescue process and the animals Our driver Nelson was personable and careful. Our guide was the vet at the center.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you very much for sharing your experience! We’re glad you found the rescue center informative and educational, and that Nelson and our veterinary guide made your visit even more special.
Very wonderful guide Natasha. You only see the permanent residences that can not be released, which is understandable. Different monkeys, one sloth, one “cat” - clouded oncilla, parrots, toucans, owls and other birds.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much for sharing your experience!
We appreciate your understanding regarding the permanent resident animals, and we’re glad you had the chance to see such a variety of species including monkeys, a sloth, a clouded oncilla, parrots, toucans, owls, and many other birds.
We hope to welcome you again soon for another memorable visit!
Undoubtedly good people, but the tour we experienced was really preachy. Started with a video showing animal cruelty, pushed the whole "no animal selfies" thing, which I get in an abusive setting - sedated animals etc, but not allowing selfies in front of a cage in a rescue center seems ridiculous. Tasha the guide spent 10 mins talking about the animal that used to be in an empty cage, and was very keen to talk about herself. Tour finished with another video request for money - was over £100 each as it was!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for your honest feedback. We're sorry to hear that the experience didn’t meet your expectations. Our aim is to raise awareness about animal welfare and responsible tourism, which is why we include educational content and promote a no-contact policy with animals. That said, we understand that the delivery may not resonate with everyone, and we’ll be sure to share your comments with the team to improve future experiences. We truly appreciate your support and the time you took to share your thoughts.
Great tour filled with lots of information and time to explore different animals. We even had “coffee talk” while observing a sloth. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you so much for your great review!
We're glad you enjoyed the tour and had time to connect with the animals and what a perfect moment to have “coffee talk” with a sloth nearby! We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you again soon.
The tour to the rescue center was a favorite of mine because of the incredible job staff is doing with these animals. The sight is well maintained and while we didn’t have access to the hospital portion of this rescue center, the enclosures were very roomy and well kept. The residents looked healthy and appeared to be friendly, with a few exceptions who appeared quite shy. Maintained on a donation basis only and with the help of many volunteers, the rescue center is so worth a visit. Our tour guide Josie or Jos, provided so much information regarding each animal and or bird, referencing them by name, and proving lots of back stories on how each resident came to be at the facility. Jos Aldo provided a history of Costa Rica’s stance on wildlife and how they should be left to live in their natural habitat, if possible. You can see “live camera” updates on U Tube and if in Costa Rica take the time to visit or even donate to their cause if so inclined.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you so much for sharing your experience in such detail! We're truly happy to hear that you enjoyed your visit to the rescue center and appreciated the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and of course, our guide Jos. Each animal has a unique story, and we take great pride in being able to share them with our visitors. Feedback like yours inspires us to continue our work with love and commitment. We hope to welcome you again soon, and thank you for supporting this wonderful cause!
This was a wonderful opportunity to see Costa Rican wildlife up close (but not too close). Our guide seemed very knowledgeable and passionate about the welfare of the animals.
Jorge was a wonderful driver.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you very much for sharing your experience. We’re glad to hear you enjoyed getting close to nature and that Jorge and our guide made your tour special. We look forward to exploring more with you soon!
The sloths, Toucan, Macaws and other rescued creatures are being so well cared for and in most cases rehabilitated for return to their natural habitat. The staff is wonderful and so informative. They are doing wonderful things and I recommend this trip to everyone who loves animals!
.
Just know that the word private in the title of the trip means private transportation. Once you get to the rescue center, you will be put with a small group (about ten people). HOWEVER, we were pleasantly surprised that our visit at the center was titled "Slothies and Coffee". It was a small group sloth experience that we were not expecting. We were treated to coffee and pastries as we learned about the rescue center, and then they brought out Landon the Sloth. We were right next to his tree - no cage to disrupt viewing- and we watched him forever. Super cool! Then we were taken on a tour of the remainder of the center to look at the other animals.
This time at the Toucan Rescue Center was truly one of the most experiences in Costa Rica! A very well educated group of staff working diligently to save animals and birds. I learned more about sloths than I could imagine!! And watching Millie was a spectacular treat I’ll never forget. I encourage everyone to spend time at this tour!!
Oscar my driver was very nice and knew a lot about coste rica. If you are looking for a solo trip he will make sure you feel safe. The tour was great and all the animals are well care for and healthy. They get all their favorite foods and bedding. Very nice place.
The Wildlife Center itself was wonderful. Sadly, lots of rescues, but all very well-maintained on rustic grounds and with people who have great knowledge of all of them; and seem like they really care. We were glad to have this very personal experience . What we didn't like was that the Viator listing made it seem like we were being picked up by a professional tour bus and traveling waaaaaay out into the forest/jungle to visit this place. In fact, some random (but wonderful) guy picked us up in his personal vehicle- and the trip was extremely short, just out of San Jose. Overall, the guy was great and he pointed out things here and there. His English was better than he thought it was; but for the money we paid- I would have rather given it directly to the driver for his knowledge and safe driving, rather than dole it out to the Company who sent him. All-in-all, a good trip but, we know what the company paid for our admission and we know how far the distance was. The fair price should have been way less than $150 per person. Had we know about the sanctuary ourselves, we could have taxi'd there, visited; and then left a good donation AND tipped our taxi driver for about $165.00 all in. That's the only reason they got three stars: random dude in his own car and overpriced.
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Thank you very much for your comments about the tour and we are glad to know that you enjoyed the visit. I take this opportunity to tell you that the price of the tour includes transportation, admission to the place, and the difference is the donation made to the wildlife refuge. Thanks to the donations made, this place continues to provide care to these animals that need it so much. Thank you again because with your visit, you are contributing with a very worthy act of recognizing all the people who work every day to keep this place running.
This was my first time of ever seeing a sloth and omg! so worth the trip:) Oskur was my guide from Destiny Travel and he was so friendly and provided me with so much information about Costa Rica! Joci was my tour guide at the Rescue and she was great! So full of information and background of every animal we came across. This tour may be a little pricey but all proceeds go to the Rescue and it's by reservation only, so you'll pretty much be the only ones there! Have fun!
Everything I expected. Thanks for a wonderful afternoon. This trip was both enjoyable and informative 👌
Response from Host, May 2024
Thank you for your comments, we are glad to know that the service and the excursion were to your satisfaction. Thank you for allowing us to serve you.
Our guide was amazing. I learned quite a bit from her about sloths, the macaws, the wild cats, and the rescue, rehabilitation, and release work they do there. I would love to be able to volunteer there someday!
Response from Host, May 2024
Thank you for your comments, we are glad to know that the service and the excursion were to your satisfaction. Thank you for allowing us to serve you.
The Toucan Rescue Ranch is doing critically important work rehabbing injured sloths, birds and other native Costa Rican Animals. The cost of this excursion helps them greatly and you will have an incredible experience learning and observing the animals. Everyone there is incredibly passionate and eager to share their knowledge. An amazing experience!
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Michelle we are so happy to read your comments about this tour and that you we are able to learn about the project and the animals. Thank you very much becuase with your visit you are helping this place to continue with this amazing work .
Oscar was a wonderful driver and tour guide!! Very knowledgeable and friendly. Proud of his country and wanted to show us all around! The Sanctuary was impressive great tour getting to know the animals! They do amazing work and educate people!
Response from Host, Feb 2024
It is good to know you had such a good time during the excursion. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Very enjoyable day out. Pleasant drive. Staff at the rescue centre were well informed and provided a very special and comprehensive guide.
Response from Host, Nov 2023
We are glad to know that you enjoyed the visit to the rescue center...Thank you for sharing your comments.
Great tour! Was picked up promptly by my guide, Oscar, and went to the Toucan Ranch Rescue. This was an opportunity to learn about their rescue efforts and see Milo, one of the resident sloths, up close. While I was in CR, I saw other sloths but never with as much visibility as at the TRR. The guide at TRR was informative and answered all of my questions. Oscar took me through downtown San Jose on the way back to the hotel to show me the vibrancy of the downtown and Central Market.
Response from Host, Oct 2023
We are very happy to know that your visit to this site was the best and that both the plant guide and the guide Oscar treated you in the best way. Thanks for sharing your comments
A truly beautiful experience. Lots of quality time up close with the animals. Our guide was super friendly and very knowledgeable about every animal. If you love animals, this trip will warm your heart!
Andrea was a wonderful guide and we enjoyed learning about the rescue program and the animals. Excellent experience.
Perfect activity for anyone looking to learn more about the animals of Costa Rica. The presentation about the animals at the ranch was well done and I loved walking around to see all the animals up close. The guide was very informative and took her time with us, answering all our questions.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Thank for your comments.. We are happy to know that the tour met your expectations and
that you enjoyed our services. !!
All of it. Daniel is an remarkable guide. He knows everything. Whether it is flowers, snakes and Birds. Also, he engages us.
Response from Host, Feb 2022
Hello Patricia.. Glad to know you enjoyed the excursion and that Daniel did a good job..thank you for sharing your feedback ...Pura vida
A short drive from San Jose in a beautiful air conditioned van. The rescue center was very nice and the guide was passionate and knowledgeable. It’s a little pricey, but a great tour
Response from Host, Dec 2020
Hello Shayne...We are happy to know you had a beautiful day at the Sloth Ranch. Thank you for sharing
your experience with others and for letting us be part of your experience. With your visit, you are contribuiting to maintain a place that really cares about animals , among others places along the country - Many thanks !!!
I am not speaking of the Toucan Wildlife Rescue Center. They are doing blessed work before your eyes. Book this adventure in San Jose and save yourself over $200.00. Viator and the sub-contractor Destiny are overcharging and unable to explain the what the price of the excursion entails. Not as advertised.
Response from Host, Feb 2020
Dear John, it is a pleasure to greet you and we welcome your comments and appreciations regarding the tour. I would like to comment that certainly if someone wishes to visit the Ranch by their means, it can be done without any problem as you indicate. The tour we offer is a private tour as indicated by our announcement. I also want to tell you that 65% of the cost of this tour is given as a donation to this place, which is a foundation without government help and non-profit. As you understand, this place is maintained through the donations they receive from all the visitors and we greatly appreciate the fact that you have been part of this tour, since with your visit you are helping to rescue and care for endangered+injured species. Thank you very much and pura vida
From $150.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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