Of course, you can have countless adventures when you are here. You can take long trips to impressive volcanoes, beautiful sandy beaches, rushing waterfalls, and exotic rainforests brimming with wildlife. But what if you just need a short break? A last-minute plan. You are tired from last night’s party and do not want to travel very far. All you need is a day away from the hustle and bustle of the city, to recharge your batteries. Thankfully, Costa Rica has you covered, because, in this incredibly biodiverse country, nature is never far from your doorstep…
Just a 30 - minute drive from the center of San José, you can be walking through the wildlife sanctuary at Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center. Nestled seamlessly into 30acres of tropical forest, it is the perfect place to unwind, and experience the healing power of nature.
Photo by @puravidablonde
Rescate Wildlife’s Lifetime Care Sanctuary is home to 800 non-releasable animals, including many of Costa Rica’s most iconic species. Marvel at all four native primates, including endangered spider and squirrel monkeys; drop your jaw spotting a jaguar; or see a slovenly sloth, most likely sleeping in the tree-tops! Whether an amateur or professional photographer, be sure to have your camera poised for that perfect shot.
Birdwatchers, bring your binoculars because as well as rescue birds in naturalized enclosures, you will be delighted to discover many songbirds, hummingbirds, and Great Curassows living wild and free in the forest.
You can arrive in time for breakfast, or stay for lunch. Onsite restaurant, Kivu, offers a delicious mix of Tico, Mexican, and USA cuisine, and their selection of Costa Rican coffees, alcoholic beverages, and fresh fruit juices, will also be welcome in the tropical heat. Relax, and bon provecho, as you listen to toucans calling, and watch vultures soaring over the Central Valley.
The entry fee to the Lifetime Care Sanctuary is $30 for an adult, $15 for a child (2-12 years), and $25 for a senior citizen. This might seem steep, but considering they rescue 3000 animals a year, and it takes $25 to feed a macaw, $80 to feed a howler monkey, and $150 to feed an ocelot, for just one month, you can understand why. Veterinary equipment, medicines, and enclosures also cost the Center thousands of dollars every year. Their income relies on visitors to the sanctuary, and following months of closure due to the pandemic, they, and the wildlife of Costa Rica, would certainly appreciate your custom.
Photo by @puravidablonde
This non-profit Rescue Center is accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, and a holder of the Blue Flag Award for Animal Welfare. The vast majority of the animals rescued are released back into the wild - only 2% move into lifetime care. They have also been breeding rescued endangered species, and releasing their offspring, for over 20 years. You can rest assured your entry fee is saving Costa Rica’s wildlife.
If you do not have your own transport, a taxi from the center of San José can take you to Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center for around ¢15.000, or $25, or an Uber taxi is less expensive at around ¢9.000, or $15.
Their facilities are fully accessible to all abilities and family-friendly. Pets are not permitted.
Visit their website for more information: https://www.rescatewildlife.org
Although there is the option to make a reservation through their website, it is not necessary to do so. Open every day of the year, 9 am to 5 pm, Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center is always there to help you find sanctuary in the city.
