La Fortuna Animal Sanctuary

Proyecto Asis operates one of the most established animal sanctuaries near La Fortuna, Costa Rica. Located just 7 km from downtown La Fortuna and minutes from Arenal Volcano National Park, our wildlife rescue center has been rehabilitating and caring for injured, orphaned, and confiscated wild animals for over 20 years.

Visitors to the La Fortuna animal sanctuary can observe rescued sloths, monkeys, exotic birds, reptiles, and many other native Costa Rican species — all in a natural, forested setting designed to support their recovery and, wherever possible, their return to the wild.

What is the Proyecto Asis animal sanctuary?

Proyecto Asis is a licensed wildlife rescue center and animal sanctuary accredited by SINAC (Costa Rica’s National System of Conservation Areas). We are also a proud and active member of the Stop Animal Selfies campaign, which promotes ethical and responsible tourism with wildlife. Our commitment to conservation is further recognized through two official certifications: the Animal Welfare Blue Flag and membership in the Agua y Paz (Water and Peace) Biosphere Reserve — both reflecting our dedication to wildlife rehabilitation and the conservation of Costa Rica’s natural resources. We receive animals that have been injured by vehicles or power lines, confiscated from illegal wildlife trade, or brought to us as orphaned young that cannot survive alone in the wild.

Our team of wildlife biologists and veterinary staff assesses each animal upon arrival, provides medical treatment, and designs an individualized rehabilitation plan. Animals that recover fully are released back into the wild. Those that cannot survive independently remain at the sanctuary under permanent care.

When you visit the La Fortuna animal sanctuary, your entrance fee directly funds the rescue operations, veterinary care, and daily feeding of all resident animals.

Animals you can see at the sanctuary

Proyecto Asis is home to a wide variety of rescued Costa Rican wildlife. Current residents include:

• Primates: White-faced capuchin monkey, Spider monkey
• Birds: Scarlet macaws, Great green macaws, Blue-and-yellow macaws, Hybrid macaws, Parrots, Parakeets, Curassow, Boat-billed heron
• Mammals: Peccaries, Margay, Coatis, Kinkajou
• Reptiles: Spectacled caimans, Turtles
• Sloths: Two-toed sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni) and three-toed sloth (Bradypus variegatus)

The animal population changes as new rescues arrive and rehabilitated animals are released. Every visit to the sanctuary offers a different experience.

Sanctuary tours and experiences

Proyecto Asis offers several ways to experience the La Fortuna animal sanctuary, from guided wildlife visits to hands-on volunteering programs.

Wildlife Regular Tour (1.5 hours — $40 per adult / $25 children)
A bilingual guide leads you through the entire rescue center, introducing you to the resident animals, explaining their rescue stories, and describing the rehabilitation process. Ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers of all ages.

Sloth Sanctuary Tour (1.5 hours — $35 per adult / $25 children)
A dedicated tour focused exclusively on the rescued sloths at our sloth sanctuary. You observe both Costa Rican sloth species from elevated viewing platforms at very close range. Learn more about the sloth sanctuary tour.

Wildlife Tour + Volunteer (2.5 hours — $60 per adult / $35 children)
Join our morning feeding and enrichment routines alongside the rescue team. You help prepare food and assist with animal care under staff supervision. A hands-on experience for animal lovers and prospective veterinary students. See the volunteer tour.

Tour schedules and prices

• Days: Monday to Saturday
• Tour times: 8:30 am, 10:30 am, and 1:30 pm
• Wildlife Regular Tour: $40 USD per adult · $25 USD per child (ages 5–9), 1.5 hours.
• Sloth Sanctuary Tour: $35 USD per adult · $25 USD per child (ages 5–9), 1.5 hours.
• Wildlife + Volunteer: $60 USD per adult · $35 USD per child, 2.5 hours.

All tours are led by bilingual guides (English/Spanish). Advance booking is recommended, especially from December to April during Costa Rica’s high season.

How the animal rescue center works

Wild animals arrive at Proyecto Asis through several channels: members of the public who find injured or orphaned animals, referrals from SINAC rangers, confiscations by law enforcement from the illegal pet trade, and transfers from other rescue facilities.

Upon arrival, each animal undergoes a full veterinary assessment. Treatment may include surgery, nutritional rehabilitation, or behavioral conditioning before the animal is moved to an appropriate enclosure. The goal is always release — but for animals with permanent injuries or that have been humanized through captivity, the sanctuary becomes a permanent home.

Guests on the wildlife tour learn about active rescue cases and the release program during their visit.

Frequently asked questions

Is the La Fortuna animal sanctuary suitable for children?
Yes. The sanctuary is family-friendly and guides adapt explanations for all ages. Children under 5 enter free. Children aged 5–9 pay $25 USD for the Wildlife Tour or Sloth Tour. The walking terrain is flat and easy.

Can I touch the animals at the sanctuary?
No. For the welfare of the animals and the safety of visitors, physical contact is not permitted. Many animals are in active rehabilitation and human contact can set back their recovery. The enclosures and viewing platforms are designed to provide very close observation without disturbing the animals.

What is the difference between an animal sanctuary and a zoo?
At Proyecto Asis, every animal has a rescue story and a rehabilitation goal. Animals are not bred in captivity for display — they arrive because they need care. The sanctuary exists to help animals, not to exhibit them. Visitor fees fund that mission directly.

How far is the animal sanctuary from La Fortuna town?
Proyecto Asis is approximately 7 km from downtown La Fortuna, near the road toward Arenal Volcano National Park. The drive takes about 10–15 minutes. Free parking is available on site.

Do you offer private tours for groups?
Yes. Private guided tours can be arranged for groups of any size. Contact us via WhatsApp at +506 8679-5867 or by phone at +506 4000-1553.

What should I bring to the animal sanctuary?
Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, a light rain jacket, water, and a camera. Photography is welcome throughout the sanctuary.

How to visit the La Fortuna animal sanctuary

Proyecto Asis is located near La Fortuna, Alajuela, Costa Rica, minutes from the base of Arenal Volcano. See our exact location here. We recommend booking your tour in advance online or via WhatsApp to secure your preferred time slot. Walk-ins are welcome when space permits.

For bookings and inquiries: +506 4000-1553 (phone) or +506 8679-5867 (WhatsApp).

Good morning! ☀️
Boat-billed herons and Russet-naped wood rail 💚