Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center in Alajuela is Costa Rica’s largest and most respected wildlife sanctuary and rehabilitation facility, dedicated to saving and protecting the country’s incredible biodiversity. At this non-profit sanctuary, more than 3,000 wild animals pass through each year, from orphaned baby sloths and monkeys to injured birds, reptiles, and mammals. The center also operates the only wildlife hospital in Costa Rica and works on conservation programs including breeding and release efforts to help fragile species return to their natural habitats. When you visit, your entrance directly supports the ongoing care, rehabilitation, and protection of animals that cannot be returned to the wild.

Your visit can include walking through spacious natural enclosures designed to mimic real habitats and spotting animals like toucans, iguanas, capybaras, and even jaguars and tapirs that now live out their lives safely with expert care. Guided tours also introduce you to animal stories and conservation efforts. The sanctuary’s botanical gardens and surrounding grounds are home to free-roaming wildlife as well, so you might also encounter hummingbirds, peacocks, or other native creatures as you explore.

If you would like to help the staff care for the animals, you can check their Amazon Wishlist before your journey to Costa Rica.

The world-renowned Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) has for over 50 years conducted an impressive number of studies of tropical biology and related fields, generating crucial knowledge for understanding different ecosystems.

La Selva Biological Station (est. 1953) is the principal station for studies and education in Costa Rica, situated on 1,600 hectares (3,953 acres) of old-growth and new-growth tropical wet forest. A quick list of the biodiversity described at the station: 2,080 varieties of plants, 420 species of trees, 467 species of birds and approximately 700 species of ants.

A resident naturalist guide will explain the importance of La Selva to tropical conservation and lead you on a walk through the rainforest, spotting wildlife and giving insight into natural history in addition to plants, fungi, insects and more.

Be sure to bring your binoculars and camera, although your guide will have a spotting scope for your viewing and for great photos. This hike takes around 2–3 hours.

As the night unfolds, it’s time to move to the dance floor. Slip on your dancing shoes and enjoy a lively introduction to Latin rhythms, including salsa, merengue, cumbia, and bachata. No experience required, just a sense of fun.

A chocolate tour in Costa Rica is the perfect way to explore the country’s culture, nature, and cacao heritage. In the lush region of Sarapiquí, known for its tropical rainforest and agricultural traditions, you will discover the fascinating journey of cacao “from bean to bar.” This hands-on experience allows you to learn the history of chocolate, take part in demonstrations, and taste authentic artisanal Costa Rican chocolate. Guided by local experts, you’ll understand why cacao has been called the “food of the gods” and how it continues to be a vital part of rural life in Costa Rica.

The El Lugar Birdwatching Tour invites you to explore the lush tropical paths that weave through the property, offering an easy and immersive way to connect with the surrounding rainforest wildlife. The trail spans just over half a mile and is ideal for guests who prefer a gentler pace. For those who would benefit from extra assistance, a golf cart can be arranged. This is a peaceful, unhurried outing where you simply follow the sounds of birdsong and let your guide help you spot movement and color among the branches.

This area sits at the convergence of northern and southern migratory bird routes, creating a remarkable biodiversity hotspot. Over 450 of Costa Rica’s 903 bird species can be found in this region, with 130 documented right on the El Lugar property.

Explore the fascinating biodiversity and cultural heritage of Costa Rica on a gentle guided walk through a small ecological reserve just outside La Fortuna. This easy 0.5-mile (800-meter) trail loops through lush secondary rainforest teeming with wildlife and tropical plant life. You are likely to see sloths, birds, frogs, armadillos, caimans, and more.

Along the way, you’ll encounter a variety of ecosystems and conservation projects, from butterfly gardens to wetlands. You’ll also get a brief but insightful look into the traditions of the Maleku people, an Indigenous group known for their deep connection to the environment.

During the day, many people have the opportunity to see and learn about the rainforest, but what goes on there at night?

Your expert guide will lead you into the pitch-black darkness of the forest, away from the lights of human dwellings. Your guide will provide headlamps and will carry a powerful flashlight to illuminate the creatures of the night. You will learn fascinating things about the forest and its nighttime inhabitants and discover a whole new world most do not see.

The canopy tour offers an easy and balanced way to see the rainforest from a perspective few get to experience. This course features thirteen platforms and eleven individual cables divided into two sections. You will spend about two hours traversing the trees, reaching heights of around 25 meters above the ground. The dual-cable system provides a smooth and secure glide, allowing you to focus on the surrounding greenery.

The second half of the tour picks up the pace with longer stretches, including one cable that spans 430 meters. Nine of the platforms are nestled right within the branches, putting you at eye level with the local birdlife and bromeliads.

In the rugged hills just off Lake Arenal and next to Arenal Volcano is a private conservation area of 250 hectares (618 acres) with unusual trails. Your naturalist guide will lead the walk, point out animals and share the secrets of the rainforest and the creatures that live there.

You get a unique perspective of the forest as you rise through its levels to the canopy and above, with gorgeous views of the forest and Arenal Volcano from the high bridges. There are 16 bridges, ranging from 5 m / 16 ft long and 1 m / 3 ft high, to 97 m / 368 ft long and 24 m / 79 ft high.

There is abundant bird life in the forest, and sometimes other animals are seen, such as different types of monkeys, agouti, coati, sloths, iguanas and snakes.

Due to its excellent location, the Arenal Observatory trails are recognized for offering some of the most spectacular landscapes and wildlife observation opportunities in Costa Rica. Up to eleven kilometers of trails, with a choice of distance, two observation towers and two hanging bridges offer unique opportunities to immerse yourself in the nature of Arenal Volcano National Park.

Enjoy spectacular views of the volcano and Lake Arenal while you explore the 350-hectare natural reserve. There are birdwatching opportunities, including a visit to “The Nest” observation towers to explore the forest canopy, an on-site museum, as well as the Danta waterfall and hanging bridges.

Explore one of Guanacaste’s most remarkable landscapes as you navigate the Tempisque River by boat, with the El Viejo National Wildlife Refuge on one side and Palo Verde National Park on the other. Your guide helps you observe the rich ecology that thrives along the riverbanks, where you may see monkeys, wading birds, and other species that depend on the river’s seasonal rhythms.

The scenery shifts as you move along the water, revealing broad marshes, gallery forests, and sweeping views of the surrounding hills. It is a peaceful and memorable adventure that invites you to slow down, admire the landscape, and connect with Costa Rica’s extraordinary wildlife.

Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace in the vibrant coastal town of Tamarindo, known for its stunning beaches, laid-back vibe, and wide range of activities. Your guide and private transportation are at your disposal to help plan and coordinate anything you’d like to do.

Here are a few ways to make the most of your day:

• Beach time. Soak up the sun on the golden sands of Tamarindo Beach, a favorite for swimming, surfing, or simply relaxing.
• Town stroll. Wander through the town center, where you’ll find local boutiques, art galleries, cafés, restaurants, and beach bars.
• Sunset catamaran cruise. Sail along the coast as the sun sets over the Pacific, with the chance to snorkel or relax on deck.
• Horseback riding. Explore the nearby coastline and scenic trails on horseback.
• Spa and wellness. Treat yourself to a massage or wellness treatment at one of Tamarindo’s local spas.

Marvel at the beauty of the tropical Pacific Ocean aboard a catamaran, with a dedicated crew.

This afternoon you’ll cruise along the coast, seeing beautiful beaches and islands with their bird life, until reaching a secluded beach where you have the option to swim, float, and snorkel. Dolphins are commonly seen as you sail, often playing with the boat along the way.

As the afternoon passes, you will cruise along a lovely stretch of water and take in one of the Pacific Coast’s renowned sunsets. A delicious grilled buffet will be served, with plenty of refreshments, with and without alcohol.