Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica

Santuario de Perezosos de Costa Rica

A rescue and rehabilitation center dedicated to injured and orphaned sloths near the Estrella River. Guided tours and canoe trips let visitors observe these animals up close while learning about conservation.

Things to do

• Buttercup Tour — Take the signature guided tour named after Buttercup, the sanctuary's founding sloth rescued in 1992, to learn about the center's mission.
• Canoe trip on the Estrella River — Paddle through the canals and wetlands to spot wild sloths, birds, caimans, and monkeys in their natural habitat.
• Visit the sloth nursery — See orphaned baby sloths being hand-reared and learn about the rehabilitation process for injured animals.
• Meet both sloth species — Observe both the two-toed (Hoffmann's) and three-toed sloths up close and learn to tell them apart.
• Walk the sanctuary grounds — Stroll the trails and rainforest gardens where recovering sloths and native wildlife can be spotted.
• Learn about sloth conservation — Attend the educational talks explaining threats like power lines, dogs, and habitat loss facing Costa Rica's sloths.

Food to try

• Casado — A hearty local plate of rice, beans, plantains, salad, and a choice of meat or fish, common in Limón sodas.
• Rice and beans (Caribbean style) — The Limón version cooked in coconut milk with kidney beans and spices, distinct from the inland gallo pinto.
• Rondón — A Caribbean coconut-milk stew of fish, tubers, and vegetables reflecting the region's Afro-Caribbean heritage.
• Patí — A spicy meat-filled pastry turnover sold as a popular Limón street snack.
• Agua de sapo — A refreshing local drink made from tapa dulce (raw cane sugar), ginger, and lime.
• Fresh tropical fruit — Sample mango, pineapple, and other fruits grown in the fertile Estrella Valley region.

Local customs & good to know

• Book tours in advance — Tour times are fixed and the sanctuary can fill up, so reserve ahead rather than showing up unannounced.
• Never touch the sloths — Handling stresses these wild animals and is not permitted, respect the no-contact conservation policy.
• Embrace the Caribbean pace — Limón province has a relaxed Afro-Caribbean rhythm, so allow extra time and greet locals warmly.
• Bring rain gear and repellent — The Caribbean coast is humid and rainy year-round, so pack waterproofs and insect protection.

Nearby

• Cahuita — 10 km
• Cahuita National Park — 13 km
• Puerto Viejo de Talamanca — 23 km
• Puerto Limón — 25 km