Prepare for an extraordinary wildlife encounter at Las Pumas Refuge, the largest animal shelter in Latin America. This remarkable sanctuary is home not only to majestic big cats like pumas and jaguars but also to a diverse array of animals, including monkeys, tropical birds, and many others. Las Pumas serves as a vital refuge for animals that can no longer thrive in the wild, offering them a safe and nurturing environment. For nature enthusiasts, this haven is a true paradise, featuring an extensive network of trails to explore and immerse yourself in the wonders of the natural world. After an exhilarating start to your day at Las Pumas, a short drive will bring you to the charming town of Bijagua, where a delightful Costa Rican lunch awaits. Bijagua is renowned for its unique distinction as "sloth territory," making it an exceptional destination to observe both the two-toed and three-toed sloth species that call Costa Rica home. Nestled amidst the captivating landscapes of the Miravalles and Tenorio volcanoes' eastern slopes, the panoramic views of Costa Rica's topography are truly awe-inspiring. As you venture through this picturesque region, keep your eyes peeled, as the abundant wildlife thrives in their natural habitats, offering you the chance to spot a multitude of fascinating creatures. This adventure is perfect for the whole family, creating lasting memories that can be shared and cherished together. So gather your loved ones and embark on this remarkable journey, where you can witness the beauty of nature and experience the wonders of Costa Rica's wildlife up close

Sloth Search & Discovery in Bijagua, Costa Rica   Journey into the lush forests of Bijagua, nestled between the Miravalles and Tenorio volcanoes, and search for one of Costa Rica's most iconic animals—the sloth. Explore this wildlife-rich region with a local guide, scanning the treetops for sloths resting among the branches while discovering the remarkable biodiversity that surrounds them.   Search for Sloths in Their Natural Habitat   Walk through the tropical forest and look high into the canopy for sloths living freely in their natural surroundings. Watch their slow, deliberate movements among the branches and, with some luck, you may even encounter a mother sloth carrying or resting with her young. Every sighting happens naturally, making each walk through the forest different.   Discover the Wildlife of Bijagua   Sloths aren't the only animals that call this region home. Bijagua's humid rainforest environment supports an impressive variety of wildlife, including colorful frogs and reptiles. Keep your eyes open for species such as the Red-Eyed Tree Frog, Green-and-Black Poison Dart Frog and Blue Jeans Frog as you explore.   Explore a Different Side of Guanacaste   Located near the Miravalles and Tenorio volcanoes, Bijagua offers a greener, quieter side of Guanacaste where rainforest and wildlife take center stage. For nature and wildlife lovers, it's an opportunity to slow down, explore on foot and experience Costa Rica's biodiversity up close.   Look up into the trees—you never know who might be looking back.

Diamante is a world-class habitat for rescued animals that are in need of care and are not fit for life in the natural environment. They have a qualified and dedicated team that cares for each and every animal in this sanctuary. Some of the animals were born in custody for programs of scientific and educational purposes, others were rescued and directed by the authorities of Costa Rica. The unique design of the sanctuary allows guests to witness nature in its purest form, teaching visitors about key aspects of biology, ecology and natural history of the animals. The bilingual team is also known for excellent customer service and focus on raising awareness among people and showing everyone the importance of respect and protection of wildlife and nature. You will see a big variety of toucans, small birds, reptiles and butterflies, as well as sloths, monkeys and even pumas. In the blue butterfly garden you will feel like you're living in a fairy tale, you will be inside a world-class butterfly observatory. This is not only a beautiful, unforgettable experience, but also an educational one!

Discover Diamante's remarkable Animal Sanctuary, the largest haven of its kind in all of Guanacaste, crafted in partnership with La Paz Waterfall Gardens. Our dedicated team of professionals has meticulously designed these habitats to create a natural haven for our animals while providing an opportunity for visitors to observe and interact with them respectfully, without disrupting their natural surroundings. We kindly ask that you refrain from feeding the animals, as this helps maintain their natural eating habits. This is an enriching and family-friendly tour that offers you a unique glimpse into the lives of a diverse range of animals in need. Many of our beloved residents were born in other wildlife management programs or utilized for scientific research and are no longer suited for survival in the wild. Within the sanctuary, you'll encounter sloths, monkeys, jaguars, toucans, pumas, various reptile species, and other tropical birds. Additionally, we invite you to explore our world-class butterfly observatory, a captivating wildcat habitat, and even an area dedicated to Costa Rica's diverse frog species – yes, including the fascinating, albeit poisonous ones!  

Discover the captivating cowboy culture of Guanacaste, Costa Rica, where livestock grace the landscape at every turn. Immerse yourself in a tour that unveils this rustic world from a fresh perspective, offering glimpses of diverse tropical birds, reptiles, and playful monkeys. Traverse the picturesque Guanacaste Pacific coastline, aptly named The Gold Coast for its sprawling 400 miles of pristine beaches. This journey is the epitome of an authentic rural Costa Rican experience, immersing you in a cultural tapestry that will undoubtedly leave you in awe.   Horseback riding is an activity suitable for all ages, with our horses carefully matched to riders' ages and experience levels. Our expert guides are dedicated to ensuring a delightful experience with a primary focus on safety. Among our most popular tours, this equestrian adventure is not to be missed. Experience it firsthand—children as young as 7 years old can ride their own horses, while those under 7 can share the experience with an accompanying adult.

Explore Guanacaste’s countryside on a relaxed horseback ride through mountain trails, pastures, and tropical forest. With its long-standing ranching traditions, this region offers a welcoming setting to enjoy Costa Rica on horseback. Along the way, take in views of the surrounding hills and keep an eye out for wildlife, including monkeys and tropical birds. The leisurely pace gives you time to appreciate the scenery. Horses are matched to each rider’s age and experience, and our guides provide instructions and support throughout the tour. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, it’s an enjoyable way to spend time outdoors and discover a different side of Guanacaste.

African Safari Adventure at Ponderosa Adventure Park, Liberia   Experience something completely different in Guanacaste with a safari-style adventure surrounded by animals from around the world. Located in Liberia, Costa Rica, Ponderosa is home to approximately 300 animals representing 22 different species, including 11 species from Africa. Giraffes, zebras, watusis, wildebeests, dromedaries, ostriches and other animals live across a spacious 30-hectare area designed to give visitors an up-close wildlife experience.   Take a Safari Through the Park   Climb aboard a safari truck and explore the park accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. As you travel through the property, your guide will introduce you to the different animals and share information about the species you encounter along the way.   Get Up Close to the Animals   One of the highlights of the experience is just how close you can get. See giraffes, zebras and other animals as you travel through their surroundings, with opportunities to interact with some of the animals and even offer them carrot sticks. It's a fun way for families to experience wildlife together without leaving Guanacaste.   Enjoy a Costa Rican Lunch   After your safari adventure, you can enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch inside the park, giving you time to relax before continuing your visit.   Discover La Perla Waterfall   There's more to Ponderosa than the safari. The El Salto River runs through the property, where you'll find the beautiful La Perla Waterfall and a swimming area.   Bring your bathing suit and enjoy some time by the water as part of your day at the park. Safari. Wildlife. Waterfall. Swimming. Discover a completely different side of Guanacaste.

Get ready for an amazing ocean safari adventure. Hop on a panga for a beautiful ocean tour. You will go with our experienced English speaking guide and captain as you look out and explore the waters searching for the gorgeous Costa Rican marine life. You just might see whales, dolphins, turtles, rays, and all different kinds of fish. While on the tour you will not only learn about marine wildlife but also about the beaches and different geographical formations that you see during your trip. Learn while you take an adventure! Next, we will stop at the best snorkeling spots where you will enjoy snorkeling and see the wildlife under the surface. The beaches around Flamingo are some of the most beautiful and secluded beaches you will ever see, your captain and deck mate will select the best snorkel spot of the day judging the wind and sea conditions for the clearest views possible. The volcanic lava reefs in the area are filled with a multitude of reef fish and sea urchins, starfish, and anemones.

In recent years, the encroachment of civilization into the natural habitats of these incredible primates has led to a significant increase in the number of orphaned monkeys. This trend shows no signs of slowing down. As part of your tour, a portion of the fees you pay goes directly towards supporting the sanctuary's ongoing maintenance and compassionate care for these vulnerable animals.   Orphaned baby monkeys, often without the opportunity for adoption by another monkey family, find their way to this haven. Lacking the essential survival skills needed in the wild, the Monkey Sanctuary offers them a permanent, loving home.   Your visit here offers a unique opportunity to interact with a diverse array of monkey species, including the renowned Howler Monkey. Yet, the sanctuary extends its mission beyond just primates, as it also provides refuge for rescued sheep, horses, and various other animals in need.   Escape the confines of your hotel or resort for an enriching afternoon reconnecting with nature, all while supporting a noble cause at the Congo Trail Monkey Sanctuary.

In our night expedition, we will take you to Playa Grande, where for years the green sea turtles that hatched in Playa Grande have returned to lay their eggs. The green turtle is a large, weighty sea turtle with a wide, smooth carapace, or shell. It inhabits tropical and subtropical coastal waters around the world and has been observed clambering onto land to sunbathe. Follow our knowledgeable guides around Playa Grande or Tamarindo where you can see some of the turtles disembark to lay their eggs. This is a very family friendly experience so bring the kids and give them an experience they will never forget. Costa Rica is so much more than beaches and oceans, we also have a rich culture and unique educational adventures like watching the turtles. Please remember to be respectful of the turtle habitat and do not disturb the natural process.  

Our naturalist guides can take you to great areas in Rincon de la Vieja National Park to add to your bird count. Central America, in general, and Costa Rica, in particular, are in a privileged geographical position, making the region a planetary birding paradise. The equatorial country is inserted between tropical areas, making it an important host for a wide variety of fauna and flora species. Birds are one of the biggest animal groups in Costa Rica - both resident and migratory flock here from all parts of the world.   Costa Rica has 12 of the planet’s 18 different life zones and a wide range of micro-climates. One respected catalog recently posted a count of 930 species observed in Costa Rica. Many birding groups have identified over 100 species in a single day's outing in various Costa Rican locations; 150-species days have been reported. Some highlights are Quetzals, Macaws, Toucans, Tanagers, Eagles, aquatic birds, hummingbirds and Manakins.

Our Sanctuary is completely open to the public. Come see Pumas living in their natural habitat albeit in a controlled environment. Here is where we maintain the animals that couldn’t go back to nature because of various reasons. Sometimes animals with physical injuries can no longer fend for themselves, or animals once illegally kept as “pets” that got used to humans and can no longer survive in the wild. Each animal lives in a naturalized enclosure and each one has a different story behind their rescue that explains why they remain in captivity. This is a perfect family friendly activity. Spend a few hours at the sanctuary and learn about the Pumas of Costa Rica, as well as how they are protected and cared for. These sanctuaries can be found all throughout Costa Rica as the country is very environmentally conscious and knows that the best thing is to keep the ecosystem clean and intact.

See over 50 species of animals in one day! Includes Giraffes, Jaguars, Toucans, Sloths, and more! Visit 3 different animal sanctuaries where the habitats are designed to provide a natural setting for the animals. All the while allowing visitors to interact safely and enjoy up-close monkeys, crocodiles, exotic birds, and many more species. You will experience a world-class wildcat habitat, butterfly observatory, and both the two and three-toed sloths. Then it's off to the African park which contains some 300 animals from 22 different species, 11 of them are African species that you can observe, and some you can feed. They live comfortably in a freedom-controlled 30-hectare area. Finally, make a stop at the Congo Trail Monkey sanctuary to see a number of different species that have been rescued. Did you know that Costa Rica is home to around 175 amphibians? 85% of them are frogs, but there are representatives of all three orders of amphibians.

Begin your day with a sunrise adventure in one of the world's most diverse ecosystems, Palo Verde National Park. This destination is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, boasting 15 distinct ecological zones, from dry forests to mangrove swamps. Here, you can encounter Costa Rican crocodiles, playful monkeys, graceful iguanas, vibrant parrots, and a stunning array of exotic birds.   Located within the Tempisque River Conservation Area in Guanacaste, this park is dedicated to preserving vital floodplains, marshes, limestone ridges, and seasonal pools against the encroachment of civilization. Its remarkable avian diversity was a driving force behind its creation, making it a significant hub for bird species in Central America.   The Palo Verde National Park Riverboat Tour takes you on a journey along the Tempisque River, where you'll witness an impressive concentration of waterfowl, offering a captivating experience for birdwatchers and nature lovers. This tour allows you to immerse yourself in the heart of this unspoiled wilderness and gain a deep appreciation for the park's vital role in safeguarding Costa Rica's natural treasures.

ATV, Horseback Riding & Monkey Wildlife Park Combo in Guanacaste, Costa Rica   Experience three different sides of Guanacaste in one adventure with the ATV, Horseback Riding & Monkey Wildlife Park Combo at Congo Canopy. This approximately 3.5-hour experience combines a guided 400cc ATV adventure, a relaxing horseback ride through the countryside, and a visit to the Monkey Wildlife Park. Choose between a Mountain or Beach ATV route, explore Guanacaste on horseback, and finish your adventure seeing monkeys and other rescued wildlife, all in one combination tour.   Choose Your ATV Adventure Start by choosing the ATV experience that best matches the kind of adventure you're looking for. On the Mountain ATV route, ride through forest and mountain trails, changing terrain and small river crossings as you explore the Guanacaste countryside. During the rainy season, trail conditions may also allow a visit to a seasonal waterfall. Choose the Beach ATV route and follow backroads and coastal trails toward the Zapotal and Matapalo beach area, where you'll have time for a short beach stop before continuing your adventure.   Explore Guanacaste on a 400cc ATV Get behind the handlebars of a 400cc ATV and follow your professional guide away from the main roads and into the landscapes of Guanacaste. Depending on the route you choose, you'll experience mountain scenery, tropical forest, countryside or the Pacific coast. Wildlife may sometimes be spotted along the way, including monkeys, birds and other animals native to the region. Wildlife sightings occur naturally and cannot be guaranteed. ATV drivers must be at least 16 years old, and a passenger option is available.   Continue Your Adventure on Horseback After your ATV adventure, change the pace with a guided horseback ride through the Guanacaste countryside. Follow mountain and forest trails while enjoying the scenery from horseback and discovering another side of the area's natural landscape. The horseback portion is a calm guided trail ride rather than a galloping experience, making it a relaxing contrast to your ATV adventure. Children ages 3 and older can participate in horseback riding, with younger children riding with a parent when appropriate. The maximum horseback riding weight is 200 lbs per rider.   Visit the Monkey Wildlife Park Complete your combo with a visit to the Monkey Wildlife Park at Congo Canopy. See monkeys and other rescued wildlife while learning more about the animals in our care. The wildlife park is a viewing experience. For the welfare and safety of both guests and animals, wildlife cannot be held or fed.   Three Ways to Experience Guanacaste This combination brings together three very different experiences in one visit—the excitement of exploring by ATV, the slower pace of horseback riding, and a wildlife experience to finish the day. Professional guides accompany the activities, and required ATV safety equipment is provided. In approximately 3.5 hours, you'll experience the trails, countryside and wildlife of Guanacaste in one complete adventure.   Ride the trails. Explore on horseback. Discover the wildlife. Book online to choose your date, select your Mountain or Beach ATV route, add transportation if needed, and see current availability.