The Sloth Sanctuary in Costa Rica is a wonderful and heart-warming venture by a family of animal lovers. Located on the west coast 19 miles/30.5 kms south of the city of Limon, just a 30 minute drive.
Dedicated towards rescue, rehabilitation and research of sloths, they have provided a natural and protected habitat for these lovable creatures. Don’t forget to read TIPS at the bottom.
Chewbacca, posing for us!
Sloth Sanctuary Costa Rica (Closed on Mondays)
This 320-acre natural rainforest is funded solely by proceeds from educational tours, sales from the gift shop and inn. Donations from well-wishers around the world also help. For the safety of the sloths, there is NO direct contact with them. Holding or touching sloths is strictly prohibited.
Millie, being all charming and cute!
Tours (arrive 20 minutes early to register)
- Buttercup Tour (2 hours)
- Insider’s Tour (3 hours)
1. Buttercup Tour (hourly 8am-2pm)
This fun, informative tour on Sloths is delivered by very knowledgeable bilingual (Spanish/English) guides. Learn how sloths live, what they eat, why they are unique and how human encroachment affects them. You will also learn that sloths aren’t really all that slow when they are in danger.
Buttercup, Queen of the sanctuary, the very first rescue, taking a nap
You will meet Buttercup, the Queen of the sanctuary and see other sloths in enclosures at the learning center. The tour also includes a 45-minute canoe ride along the shallow Estrella River to experience the sloths’ habitat. The boatman, a local guide will help you spot sloths and other reptiles along the way.
Aww, leave me alone! I jus’ wanna sleep.
2. Insider’s Tour (9am & 1pm)
This tour includes everything in the Buttercup tour AND a visit to the SLOTHPITAL clinic. Here “behind the scenes”, you will see recovering rescued sloths and infant and baby sloths in the NICU/Nursery.
Canoe ride on the Estrella River in the Sloth Sanctuary natural habitat, Costa Rica
Buttercup Inn (Available Tuesday-Saturday nights)
This delightful and cozy inn right in the heart of the sanctuary offers a choice of room-styles. If you stay at the inn, you HAVE to take an “Insider’s Tour”. You can take the tour without staying at the inn. To book a room, click here.
A sloth way-up in a tree in the natural habitat of the Sloth Sanctuary, Costa Rica
Tortoise sunbathing on the Estrella River in the Sloth Sanctuary, Costa Rica
Emerald Basilisk spotted in the Sloth Sanctuary habitat, Costa Rica
You should also consider visiting:
The West Coast – Playas Flamingo, Brasilito and Tamarindo
The East Coast – Playas Negra and Cocles
Central Costa Rica – Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna
TIPS:
- Carry drinking water with you. It gets pretty hot and you get pretty thirsty. Buying bottled water is a costly affair.
- Carry mosquito repellant. There are plenty of mosquitoes in the river and you would need some form of protection.
- Visit light, do not keep valuables or purchases in your car, it could get broken into.
- Keep some money handy to leave a tip for your boatman.
- Be respectful of the DO NOT TOUCH the sloths policy.
