When you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, you’re probably excited to see some wildlife up close. In the wild, it can be difficult to see wildlife if you don’t go with a guide, and even then, you’ll likely spot animals through a pair of binoculars.
It’s for that reason I always recommend wildlife lovers visit the rescue centers of Costa Rica to not only see animals up close but also learn more about wildlife preservation and environmental conservation efforts in Costa Rica.
One of my favorite rescue centers is the Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center in Alajuela within close driving distance of the airport. This is a wonderful activity to do either on your arrival or departure day depending on how much time you have to spare before/after your flight.
Here’s what to expect when visiting the Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center!
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Rescate Wildlife Rescue Quick Facts
I highly highly recommend doing a guided tour which is offered in English, and takes about 2.5 hours, and you’ll see each animal and also learn the stories about why they are residents of the Sanctuary. The guide will also tell you about the conservation efforts and wildlife hospital on the premises. On-site, you’ll also find a delicious restaurant and ice cream shop perfect if you plan a long day.
Here are some more quick facts to know before visiting the Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center!
| Distance from San Jose Airport: | 10 miles (about 20 minutes by car depending on traffic) |
| Address: | 2.3 km al este del cruce de Manolo’s, ruta 3, hacia el B° San José, Provincia de Alajuela, Alajuela (Or just put “Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center” into either Google Maps or Waze to navigate) |
| Hours: | Open 7 days per week from 9 AM to 5 PM |
| Admission: | General Admission $35, Admission + Guided Tour (I highly recommend!) $50. You can book either in advance on their website or in person on arrival. If you’re booking a guided tour, their website states you should reserve your tickets in advance. |
Why You Should Visit the Rescate Wildlife Rescue
The Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center receives over 3,000 injured or orphaned wild animals every year and has the largest Veterinary Hospital in Central America where they receive these animals, care for them, and retain the ultimate goal of returning them to their natural habitat.
Any animals that cannot be returned to the wild become residents of their animal sanctuary. The Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center also runs different educational programs and breeding programs for endangered species.
When you visit, you’ll know you’re not only getting the chance to see amazing wildlife and learn about efforts in Costa Rica, but also you’re supporting a great cause.
Getting there (+Parking):
It’s the most convenient to arrive by car and there is also a free, private parking lot. Located about 20 minutes outside of Alajuela, you might also take a taxi or rideshare if you don’t have access to a car.
What to Expect During Your Visit:
Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center is divided into different zones dedicated to different types of wildlife, from birds and reptiles to mammals like sloths and monkeys.
On your guided tour, you’ll learn about the stories of the animals, understand how they came to be at the sanctuary, and how the center aims to preserve biodiversity in Costa Rica. Know that you will not be permitted to interact directly with the animals and they may ask you to leave if you touch or feed the animals.
The environment at the center mimics the lush, tropical landscape of Costa Rica. The area is beautiful, and as you’re eating a snack or lunch at their restaurant you might find wild iguanas resting within picture-taking distance.
Definitely bring your camera when you visit (but no flash photography), comfortable walking shoes, and water bottles. Alajuela can be very hot year-round.
You’re permitted to bring sandwiches or snacks into the park, but no alcoholic beverages. Pets are not allowed due to the wild animals roaming close by, with the exception of service animals.
Book your SKIP THE LINE ticket on Viator (with FREE cancellation!)
Other Things To Do Nearby:
If you have more time to spend near the San José and Alajuela area, you might want to check out some of the other opportunities for nature or cultural activities close by.
- Walking tour in San Jose – A walking tour in San Jose will lead you through all the main highlights of the capital city such as the Central Market and National Theater
- Coffee Tour – Costa Rica is famous for its coffee and much of it is grown in the Central Valley near where the rescue center is located. Doka Estate or Hacienda Alsacia (Starbucks’ farm) are nearby locations where you can learn about the coffee-making process from bean to cup.
- Poas Volcano – About an hour away from Alajuela, the Poás Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in all of Costa Rica. You can hike to the viewing platforms where hopefully if it’s not cloudy, you can see the emerald-green lake
- La Paz Waterfall Gardens – Here you’ll have the opportunity to view five stunning waterfalls, butterfly and hummingbird gardens, and opportunities to see wildlife like monkeys, toucans, and other exotic birds.
- The Gold and Jade Museums – The Pre-Columbian Gold Museum and Jade Museum are popular spots due to their extensive collections of gold artifacts from Costa Rica’s pre-Columbian era and American jade artifacts, respectively. If you love history and archaeology you should add these two spots to your list
Is the Rescate Wildlife Rescue Worth Visiting?
In short, yes! Costa Rica is an amazingly biodiverse country with tons of wildlife, however, it isn’t always possible to see animals in the wild. This is a family-friendly activity that will allow you to both see diverse wildlife and also educate yourself on how the environment can be preserved.
I highly recommend you spend the 2.5 hours doing a guided tour and learning all about the incredible animals in Costa Rica! An added bonus is that you know your entry fees go to a great cause, helping preserve the beauty of this amazing country for years to come.
Book your SKIP THE LINE ticket on Viator (with FREE cancellation!)
Lindsay Gantz lives in Monteverde, Costa Rica with her husband who is Costa Rican. She helps visitors plan trips to Costa Rica and also organizes small group trips for solo female travelers. You can reach her on Instagram or by email at [email protected]
