Near La Fortuna Arenal Volcano National Park you will find an option to learn from this outstanding animal in our sloth sanctuary (see our location here).
Our Sloth Rescue Center is run by Proyecto Asis. After more than 20 years caring for wild animals and the opportunity of releasing back to nature many species (including sloths) we are now offering you an educational tour to learn from them in this sloth sanctuary.
The sanctuary purpose is to rescue and rehabilitate sloths that have been brought to our place as they needed immediate attention. The tour we offer will help you understand them better and you will get to know what implies to care for them in order to release them or to keep them alive if the first purpose is not an option for them anymore.
We are dedicated to take care of the two species of sloths in Costa Rica.
The design of our sloth sanctuary allows guests to see the them in a safe environment that does not interfere with the animals, so that we keep the rehabilitation process as it must be.
Come join us in this educational tour where you will learn from their history to their liberation process and observe their natural behavior from platforms located right outside their enclosures.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes approximately.
Schedule: Monday to Saturday
8:30 am, 10:30 am & 1:30 pm
Price per person: $35 USD
Kids 5 to 9 years old: $25 USD
What’s included in the sloth sanctuary tour
The Proyecto Asis sloth sanctuary tour is a fully guided experience led by trained wildlife educators. Your admission includes:
- Guided tour of the sloth sanctuary enclosures (1.5 hours)
- Up-close observation of both Costa Rican sloth species from dedicated viewing platforms
- Educational talk on sloth biology, behavior, and the rehabilitation process
- Information on our release program and how rescued animals are returned to the wild
- Access to the sanctuary grounds and photo opportunities from the platforms
- Bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
Note: For safety and animal welfare, physical contact with the sloths is not permitted. This policy protects the animals’ stress levels and supports their successful rehabilitation.
Meet the two sloth species of Costa Rica
Costa Rica is home to two distinct species of sloths, and you can see both at Proyecto Asis:
The three-toed sloth (Bradypus variegatus) is the more commonly spotted species in Costa Rica’s rainforests. Recognizable by its distinct dark facial markings and characteristic slow movement, this species spends nearly its entire life in the forest canopy and feeds almost exclusively on the leaves of specific tree species.
The two-toed sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni) is nocturnal and slightly larger than its three-toed cousin. It tends to be faster-moving and has a broader diet that includes leaves, fruits, and flowers. Two-toed sloths arrive at our rescue center most often due to electrocution from power lines or injuries caused by dogs.
Understanding the differences between these species — and the threats they face — is a central part of your tour experience at Proyecto Asis.
A typical sloth sanctuary tour experience
When you arrive at Proyecto Asis your guide will introduce you to the sanctuary and explain how injured or orphaned sloths are brought to the center. You will then walk to the sloth enclosures, where the animals are housed in spacious, tree-filled habitats designed to replicate their natural environment as closely as possible.
From the observation platforms you will be able to watch the sloths at rest and in movement — often surprisingly active once you know what to look for. Your guide will point out individual animals by name, explain their history, and describe the rehabilitation goals for each one. The tour ends with a Q&A where your guide answers questions about sloth conservation and what visitors can do to help.
What to bring and practical information
- Comfortable walking shoes or light hiking footwear
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- A light rain jacket (La Fortuna receives frequent afternoon showers year-round)
- A camera — photography from the platforms is welcome and encouraged
- Water bottle
Proyecto Asis is located approximately 7 km from downtown La Fortuna, near the road to Arenal Volcano National Park. We recommend arriving 10 minutes before your tour start time. Free parking is available on site.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the sloth sanctuary tour cost?
The tour is $35 USD per adult and $25 USD for children aged 5 to 9. Children under 5 are admitted free.
Can I hold or touch the sloths?
No. For the health and welfare of the animals, physical contact is not allowed. Our sloths are in an active rehabilitation process and human contact can cause stress that negatively impacts their recovery. You will, however, get very close views from the observation platforms.
What is the difference between the sloth sanctuary tour and the wildlife tour?
The sloth sanctuary tour focuses exclusively on our resident sloths and takes approximately 1.5 hours. The wildlife tour covers the full Proyecto Asis rescue center including all resident species — sloths, monkeys, birds, reptiles, and more — and runs approximately 2.5 hours. We also offer a combined Wildlife Tour + Sloth Sanctuary for visitors who want both experiences.
Is the sloth sanctuary tour suitable for children?
Absolutely. The tour is designed for all ages and the guides adapt their explanations for younger visitors. Children aged 5 and above are welcome. The terrain is flat and easy to walk.
How do I book the sloth sanctuary tour?
You can book directly online using the button on this page. We also accept bookings by phone at +506 4000-1553 or via WhatsApp at +506 8679-5867. We recommend booking in advance, especially during high season (December to April).
Do you offer private or group sloth tours?
Yes. Private tours can be arranged for groups of any size and include a dedicated guide. Please contact us directly via WhatsApp or phone to arrange pricing and scheduling for private groups.
Why visit a sloth rescue center instead of seeing sloths in the wild
Wild sloths spend most of their time motionless high in the forest canopy, making them extremely difficult to spot and observe in detail. At Proyecto Asis, the elevated platforms are positioned at canopy level, giving you a close, unhurried view of sloths behaving naturally without the uncertainty of a wildlife search. More importantly, your visit directly funds the rescue, care, and release of wild animals — making it both a memorable experience and a meaningful contribution to Costa Rican wildlife conservation.
We have combined our most wanted daily tour + volunteer with this new sloth sanctuary tour. If you want to enjoy both experiences, the wildlife rescue center with several species of animals and the sloth shelter please find out more here:
Wildlife Tour + Sloth Sanctuary combo (save $10)
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