Three-toed sloth lounging in the trees
Three-toed sloth lounging in the trees

Visit Jaguar Rescue Center, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Embark on an educational and interactive experience at the Jaguar Rescue Center, where you'll learn about the rescue, rehabilitation, and protection of Costa Rica's diverse wildlife.

Overview

Embark on an educational and interactive experience at the Jaguar Rescue Center, where you'll learn about the rescue, rehabilitation, and protection of Costa Rica's diverse wildlife. Get up close with animals such as sloths, monkeys, and macaws during a guided tour, and support the center's ongoing efforts to care for ill, injured, and orphaned creatures. Located near the charming surf village of Puerto Viejo, this rewarding tour offers unique opportunities for animal enthusiasts of all ages.

Highlights

  • Explore the Jaguar Rescue Center and learn about their efforts to rescue, rehabilitate, and protect Costa Rican wildlife
  • Support a worthy cause while enjoying an unforgettable experience for all ages
  • Experience close encounters with wildlife and learn from dedicated staff and volunteers

Know before you go

Duration
2.5 hours
Recommended for
All ages
Group
Small group

What you'll do

Embark on an unforgettable journey at the Jaguar Rescue Center, located just 4 miles from the vibrant surf village of Puerto Viejo on Costa Rica's southern Caribbean coast. This tour not only offers a thrilling experience for children and adults alike but also supports the center's daily efforts to rescue, rehabilitate, and protect the wild animals of Costa Rica.

Your adventure begins with a guided tour of the rescue center, where you'll learn about the facility's history, from its first rescue of a malnourished baby jaguar to its current focus on rehabilitating birds, reptiles, amphibians, and small primates. You'll have the chance to get up close and personal with a variety of animals, such as monkeys, three-toed sloths, and anteaters. The center also offers educational research and internship programs and releases rehabilitated animals into the nearby La Ceiba primary forest reserve.

As you explore the center, your knowledgeable guide will provide fascinating insights into the lives of the animals and the center's programs. You'll see firsthand how the dedicated staff and volunteers work tirelessly to provide a safe haven and rehabilitation for these vulnerable creatures. Whether you're an animal lover or simply curious about Costa Rica's diverse wildlife, this tour offers a rewarding and educational experience.

After the tour, you may wish to participate in one of the center's additional offerings, such as four-week volunteer opportunities or longer interactive programs. These initiatives allow visitors to make a lasting impact on the center's ongoing mission to protect and preserve Costa Rica's wildlife.

Traveler reviews

4 total ratings, 4 with reviews
4.3 out of 5
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
4.5
Guides, Drivers and Staff
4.8
Transport
5.0
Brian
Brian S.
Horizon City, TX | Reviewed on Jan 07, 2023
Not quire as amazing as seeing animals in the wild but at the same time we got to see some animals much closer than ever before and a few we had yet to see. Great guide and overall wonderful experience. Read more

Not quire as amazing as seeing animals in the wild but at the same time we got to see some animals much closer than ever before and a few we had yet to see. Great guide and overall wonderful experience.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
R
Roveen B.
Berkeley, CA | Reviewed on Jan 04, 2023
Awesome experience, and a really worthy cause. We had an excellent guide (a Canadian volunteering) who made everything really fun and enjoyable, in addition to being super informational. Read more

Awesome experience, and a really worthy cause. We had an excellent guide (a Canadian volunteering) who made everything really fun and enjoyable, in addition to being super informational.

Tips for future travelers

There are no Jaguars per se at this place, so the name is a misnomer.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
We used rental banana bikes from our hotel to get to the tour. It was soaking rain, but part of the experience!
Edward
Edward G.
Gloucester, MA | Reviewed on Jan 02, 2023
Ain't no jaguars here. Rescue center for others. mainly baby sloths. CCTV would have been appreciated, Understand the need to keep them isolated. Short trip and worthwhile Read more

Ain't no jaguars here. Rescue center for others. mainly baby sloths. CCTV would have been appreciated, Understand the need to keep them isolated. Short trip and worthwhile

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
John
John K.
Canton, GA | Reviewed on Aug 19, 2022
This was the most crowded tour and place that we visited in our whole two weeks but it was worth it. The work they do here is incredible and the volunteers and staff are to be commended. Read more

This was the most crowded tour and place that we visited in our whole two weeks but it was worth it. The work they do here is incredible and the volunteers and staff are to be commended.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport

Itineraries with Visit Jaguar Rescue Center

Costa Rica Wildlife Road Trip - 8 Days

This self-drive tour is ideal for families who love animals and exploring the outdoors. You'll spot plenty of the country's adorable mammals like sloths and monkeys, as well as rare species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and tropical fish. Along the way, stay at unique eco-lodges

Caribbean Coast Adventure - 9 Days

On this 9-day trip, you will experience the best of the country's tropical flora and fauna. From rainforest hikes to snorkeling in coral reefs.  This itinerary is ideal for travelers going to Costa Rica during the "green season" (May - November), as the Caribbean coast stays relatively dry during these rainy months. It's also the best time to see turtles nesting on the beaches in Tortuguero National Park (July-October).

Wildlife, Rainforest & Beach Adventure - 14 Days

Go from coast to coast as you encounter wildlife, swim under jungle waterfalls, and unwind on magnificent beaches on this well-rounded Costa Rican adventure. You'll start in the rugged Osa Peninsula, where you'll find untouched shores and a plethora of tropical animals. Then explore the rainforests of Monteverde and Arenal before embarking on a two-day whitewater rafting trip down the famous Pacuare River. End your unforgettable stay in the Caribbean town of Puerto Viejo, where you'll snorkel, surf, and enjoy "pura vida".

Caribbean Coast Adventure Tour - 11 Days

On this 11-day trip, you will experience the best of the country's tropical flora and fauna. From rainforest hikes to snorkeling in coral reefs.  This itinerary is ideal for travelers going to Costa Rica during the "green season" (May - November), as the Caribbean coast stays relatively dry during these rainy months. It's also the best time to see turtles nesting on the beaches in Tortuguero National Park (July-October).