Rescate Wildlife‘s lifetime care animal sanctuary directions are simple: located in La Garita de Alajuela, just 15 minutes from Juan Santamaría International Airport and 40 minutes from San José. If you are coming by taxi or local bus, the driver may better recognize our previous name, “Rescate Animal Zooave“.
Our walking trails are fully accessible and we have rental wagons for children as well as complementary wheelchair loan. We also have ample parking space.
2.3 km al este del cruce de Manolo’s, ruta 3, hacia el B° San José, Provincia de Alajuela, Alajuela, Costa Rica
From Alajuela’s downtown:
Board the bus called Dulce Nombre it will also have “ZooAve” on the front which is our old name. It will be Route 207 at the Fecosa Terminal located in Alajuela city center. Transport Service from Alajuela Turrucares – La Garita S.A.- Gate 13. The bus stops in front of Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center.
From San José’s downtown:
Ride the Alajuela -San Jose Bus from the General Cañas highway, with the TUASA transport Service company, located at Av.2 San Jose, Costa Rica, North Side of La Merced park. Then, from Alajuela center take next bus from Route 207 at Fecosa Terminal, located in Alajuela city center. The bus will say “Dulce Nombre” and have “ZooAve” on the front, which is our old name. Transport Service from Alajuela Turrucares- La garita S.A.- Gate 13. Bus stop at front of the Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center.
Use the application and give the driver our address:
2.3 km al este del cruce de Manolo’s, ruta 3, hacia el B° San José, Provincia de Alajuela, Alajuela, Costa Rica
From the center of Alajuela:
From Alajuela’s central Cemetary, take the road to Grecia, 2km to the East, route to Barrio San Jose, turning left hand at the Catholic Church intersection, 3.8km heading to La Garita, Alajuela.
From the center of San José:
North side of Sabana park, take General Cañas Highway from San Jose to Alajuela, Continue 15 km,route to San Ramón, until Manolo’s intersetion, taking right hand, 700 m West.
From the Airport SJO:
Take the General Cañas highway from the airport in the direction of Grecia, 8km north, then turn to the right at Manolo´s intersetion, 2.3km east, route 3 to Barrio San Jose.
Frequently asked questions
What to expect on your visit at Rescate Wildlife.
We are open every day from 9:00am to 5:00pm, every day of the year! You can also find our opening hours HERE.
Yes we have a free private parking lot. Our staff will guide you to a free spot for your car. Find our more about your visit here.
Children are from 2 years old to 12 years old. Below 2 years old are free, and 13 years old would be considered an adult rate. For more information click HERE.
For a regular entrance you do not need to reserve ahead of time, but if you are interested in a guided tour, you do need an online reservation. Here is the link to our reservation platform: TICKETS & TOURS
Yes, there is not problem for you to bring in food to enjoy a snack or a picnic. We ask that you not bring in any alcoholic beverages or BBQ’s.
No, we do not allow pets. We have a lot of animals that are roaming wild, including Iguanas, peacocks and other birds. For the safety of your animals and ours it is not permitted to bring in any pets.
Yes, you can bring in service animals, as long as you have the appropriate documentation and the animals are identified as so.
Yes, we have a restaurant onsite which is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm as well. The restaurant is open to the public, you do not need to visit the sanctuary in order to eat there. Would you like to get more information and see the menu? Click HERE.
Yes, we have free wifi in various parts of the sanctuary, including the main entrance and restaurant. There is not wifi on all of the trails.
No, these are wild animals and we do not permit any interactions with them. Our animals are well looked after and fed a nutritious diet, feeding them can cause health issues, or unwanted or unsafe interactions. Please respect them by keeping your distance. If we find that anyone is feeding or touching the animals we do reserve the right to escort them out of the property.
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