Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary
A sanctuary dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing Costa Rican wildlife, offering educational tours and stunning views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Animals are most active
Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary
Best Time
Animals are most active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sanctuary dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing Costa Rican wildlife, offering educational tours and stunning views.
"A wonderful place to learn about conservation and see amazing rescued animals."
🚗 4x4 Recommended for Access
The drive up is steep; a 4x4 vehicle makes it much easier. Enjoy the scenic route!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The tour involves walking on gravel paths and gentle slopes with some stairs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rescued Wildlife Encounters
Sanctuary grounds
See rescued spider monkeys, sloths, parrots, and more, many of whom cannot return to the wild.
Conservation Education
Throughout the tour
Learn about vital conservation efforts in Costa Rica from knowledgeable guides.
Panoramic Ocean Views
Near sanctuary entrance and hotel pool
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific coast from elevated vantage points.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary
Getting to Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Looking for a good Animal sanctuary in Manuel Antonio or Dominical
🚗 4x4 Recommended for Access
The drive up is steep; a 4x4 vehicle makes it much easier. Enjoy the scenic route!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The tour involves walking on gravel paths and gentle slopes with some stairs.
Uvita Costa Rica Travel Tips
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially on warmer days. The tour is about an hour long.
📸 Respect Animal Space
No touching the animals is allowed, which is great for their well-being.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 4x4 Recommended for Access
The drive up is steep; a 4x4 vehicle makes it much easier. Enjoy the scenic route!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The tour involves walking on gravel paths and gentle slopes with some stairs.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially on warmer days. The tour is about an hour long.
📸 Respect Animal Space
No touching the animals is allowed, which is great for their well-being.
👍 Support a Great Cause
Your visit directly supports animal rehabilitation and conservation efforts.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary for its dedicated conservation work and the well-cared-for animals. The knowledgeable and engaging guides enhance the experience, making it educational and heartwarming. While the drive up can be steep, the stunning views and the positive impact of supporting the sanctuary make it a highly recommended visit for all ages.
"Super amazing animal sanctuary. Our tour guide was lovely and did a great tour. The enclosures are very clean and big for their permanent residents."
Elizabeth C
"This is a wonderful place to learn about the conservation efforts happening in Costa Rica.
It’s a little bit of walking and you have to drive up a steep hill, but the views are gorgeous at the top. The animals are interesting. They have lots of rescues that are in the process of rehabilitation. And then they let you get closer (no touching) to the animals who were not able to go back into the wild because they’re not healthy or just like being around humans.
The tour is about an hour. And you’ll see lots of species. I highly recommend supporting this positive organization that supports the local wildlife. This is great for kids and adults."
Jen Petri
"Amazing place!
The work they do with the animals is such a fantastic feel good story! Giving back to the area and caring for abandoned, abused or injured animals. Yan was a fantastic tour guide, sharing his wealth of knowledge, while keeping it entertaining and engaging for all guests!"
James Lee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The sanctuary is located up a steep hill. While accessible by regular car, a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended for easier navigation. The drive itself offers gorgeous views of the coastline.
The road is steep, which is why a 4x4 is suggested. However, many visitors manage with standard vehicles, especially during dry season. The views are a reward for the climb.
Public transport options are limited for reaching the sanctuary directly due to its elevated location. It's best to arrange private transport or a taxi.
From Manuel Antonio, it's recommended to hire a taxi or arrange a private transfer. The drive takes approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Yes, there are parking facilities available at the sanctuary for visitors arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While specific prices can vary, a guided tour is typically offered, and your admission fee directly supports the sanctuary's conservation work. It's advisable to check their official website or contact them for the most current pricing.
It is highly recommended to book your tour in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred time slot and ensure availability.
The sanctuary typically operates during daylight hours, with tours usually starting in the morning and continuing through the afternoon. It's best to confirm their exact operating hours and tour schedules directly.
Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary is generally considered good for kids and adults alike. There are no specific age restrictions mentioned for entry.
The sanctuary experience is primarily centered around guided tours, which are essential for learning about the animals and conservation efforts. It's unlikely you can explore independently.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The guided tour at Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary typically lasts about an hour, providing a comprehensive overview of the animals and their stories.
You can expect to see a variety of rescued animals, including spider monkeys, two-toed sloths, parrots, kinkajous, anteaters, and crocodiles, among others.
No, touching the animals is not permitted. This is a crucial rule to ensure the well-being of the rescued wildlife and to respect their rehabilitation process.
The trails are generally on gravel and gentle slopes with some stairs. While not strenuous, it requires some mobility. It's considered good for kids and adults.
Yes, restroom facilities are available for visitors at the sanctuary.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but always be mindful of your surroundings and avoid using flash, which can disturb the animals.
The enclosures offer great opportunities, and the panoramic views from the top of the hill are stunning. Capture the animals in their habitats and the scenic landscape.
For commercial photography or videography, it's best to contact the sanctuary in advance to inquire about their policies and any necessary permits.
Dedicated photography tours are not typically advertised, but the standard guided tour allows ample opportunity to capture the wildlife and scenery.
A camera with a good zoom lens is recommended for capturing wildlife details. Comfortable handling for walking is also key.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Wear comfortable shoes as there's walking involved on natural paths. Bring plenty of water and snacks. The 'no touching' rule is important for animal welfare and easy for kids to understand. The sanctuary's mission of rescue and rehabilitation provides a great talking point about caring for animals.
🌿 Nature & Wildlife Enthusiasts
Highlights for enthusiasts: Learn about specific rehabilitation cases and conservation strategies. The knowledgeable guides share in-depth information. The panoramic views also offer a chance to appreciate the natural beauty of the region, connecting the wildlife to its environment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mission of Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary
Many animals at Alturas are permanent residents because they cannot be safely released back into the wild due to their injuries or lack of survival skills. These animals become ambassadors for their species, helping to educate the public about the challenges wildlife faces. The sanctuary ensures these animals live in clean, spacious enclosures that mimic their natural habitats as much as possible.
Supporting Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary means contributing directly to these vital conservation efforts. Visitors play a role in funding medical care, food, and habitat maintenance for the animals. It's a feel-good experience that combines wildlife viewing with a meaningful contribution to animal welfare and environmental protection.
Navigating the Sanctuary Trails
Guides lead visitors through different sections of the sanctuary, explaining the stories of individual animals and the conservation work being done. The tour is designed to be informative and engaging for all ages, typically lasting around an hour. It's important to stay with your guide to fully appreciate the educational aspects and to ensure you don't miss any key insights into the animals' lives.
Remember to bring water, especially during warmer months, as you'll be walking outdoors. The gentle slopes and clear paths make it accessible for most visitors, including families with children. The effort of walking is rewarded not only by the close encounters with wildlife but also by the stunning panoramic views of the Pacific coast from the sanctuary's elevated position.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit