Q: What are your opening hours?
A: We are open every day from 9:00am to 5:00pm, every day of the year! Find out more here.
Q: Do you have a parking lot?
A: Yes we have a free private parking lot.
Q: What age is considered a child?
A: 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.
Q: Do I need to make a reservation ahead of time?
A: 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. Click HERE to get to our reservation platform.
Q: Can I bring my own food?
A: 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.
Q: Can I bring in my pets?
A: 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.
Q: Can I bring my service animal?
A: Yes, you can bring in service animals, as long as you have the appropriate documentation and the animals are identified as so.
Q: Is there a restaurant?
A: 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.
Q: Is there WIFI?
A: 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.
Q: Can I pet or feed the animals?
A: 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.
Q: How long is the tour?
A: Approximately 2.5 hrs.
Q: What time are the tours?
A: We have a tour at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.
Q: What is the difference between a guided tour and regular entrance?
A: With the guided tour you will get to hear the personal stories of the animals, why they are in the sanctuary, our behind the scenes programs that are not open to the public, and ways that you can make a difference not only on your visit to Costa Rica, but in your regular life as well. You also have a better chance of spotting the animals, as our guides know their favorite spots! With the regular entrance you will be able to explore the sanctuary on your own.
Q: Do we walk the whole tour?
A: Yes, there are about 2 km of paved trails, with rest stops if needed.
Q: Can we see sloths?
A: Yes! There are sloths within the Sanctuary and also wild ones are around if you are lucky!
Q: How many animals can we see?
A: We have over 700 residents in the sanctuary with over 120 different species of animals. Including sloths, felines and big cats, various monkey species, a Tapir or Danta, Macaws and many bird species, and so much more!
Q: Do you have howler monkeys?
A: We often have howler monkeys in our clinic and rehabilitation center, but at the moment we do not have any in our sanctuary.
Q: Is the tour appropriate for kids?
A: Yes! This is a tour for everyone, and we hope that your little ones will enjoy it as much as you.
Q: Is this a private tour?
A: In general no. If you would like to check availability and schedule a private tour, please email reservations(at)rescatewildlife.org.
Q: Do we need a reservation for the tour?
A: Yes, you do need a reservation ahead of time. We might have certain dates blocked out for big groups or schools. You need to reserve at least 24 hrs ahead of time, but it will always be subject to availability.
Q: How many people are on the tour?
A: We have a minimum of 2 people up to 15 with the regular reservation. Though generally it is less than 10 people.
Q: Is lunch included?
A: It is not included, but you are more than welcome to enjoy lunch in our onsite restaurant Kivu before or after your tour.
Q: Is transportation included?
A: No transport is not included, but it is easily accessible via Uber, Taxi, or bus if you do not have your own transportation.
Q: Do you have a place to store my luggage?
A: Yes, we have lockers available for 1,000 colones for the day.
Q: Can I pay with credit card or US Dollars?
A: Yes, you can pay with any major credit card, in US Dollar, Colones, or Apple Pay.
Q: Can we bring our own food?
A: Yes, you can bring your own food apart from alcoholic beverages, or BBQs. We ask that you not feed the animals.
Q:What if it rains during or before our tour?
A:You get wet! The tour will always run as long as conditions are safe. We do recommend that you bring rain gear during certain times of the year. Or we do sell ponchos at the main entrance as well.
Q: What will I be doing?
A: This depends on the Internship you’re choosing. For more information just apply on our application-form and we will send you a detailed list of everything you will be doing. Alternatively you can also check out each Internship-Website here: Veterinary Internship, Wildlife Internship & Road to Freedom Internship
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Costs vary depending on length or stay or time of year. For more information, inquire now!
Q: How do I get there?
A:We can organize for a driver to pick you up at the airport or anywhere in Costa Rica. We are located in La Garita, Alajuela about 15 minutes from the San Jose airport. Get our exact address here.
Q: What should I pack?
A:Once you sign up for our programs, we will send you a packing list and a manual to help you prepare for your experience with us
Q: Do I need vaccinations?
A:We require Covid vaccine or a negative test, we recommend that you are vaccinated for tetanus
Q: How many days/hours will I be working?
A:Interns work 5 days per week, 8 hours per day with two consecutive days off
Q: How many other people will be participating?
A:Vet -we limit participation to 4 interns, Wildlife-we limit participation to 10 participants, Road to Freedom-we limit participation to 6 participants
Q: What is there to do on my days off?
A:There are various tours and activities that can be done as a day trip from the central valley, or you are able to explore the country with maybe a visit to the volcanos, Manuel Antonio, or other beach areas.
Q: Can you help me organize a holiday in Costa Rica?
A: Yes, for more information on traveling outside of your stay with us, you can email Amy at amy(at)rescatewildlife.org
Q: What kind of after hours activities are there?
A: We have various different things that can be done in the evenings including night tours, our onsite movie theater, going out for dinner with other volunteers/Interns, heading to the local farmers markets, games nights and more!
Q: Do you have a pool?
A:There is a pool at Rescate in La Garita Alajuela, and a pool at the local hotel near Bosque Escondido in Nicoya.
Q: Can I hold the animals?
A: No, there is a strict policy on contact with the animals. If you are in the Vet program you will have a little bit more hands on approach, but it is strictly based on medical care. You will not be cuddling any animals. Wildlife and Road to freedom interns will not have any physical contact with the animals.
