Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center

The Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center is home to about 700 animals belonging to 120 species—including big cats, such as jaguars and mountain lions—though the specific residents change when some are released back into the wild. Visitors can freely wander through the park, seeing animals in their enclosures, or take a guided tour. These take 2.5 hours and increase your chances of seeing some hard-to-spot animals, as the guides can point them out.

• There are picnic areas, a playground, a gift shop, a restaurant, and a café in the park.

• The walking trails are fully accessible. Complimentary wheelchairs are available, and wagons for kids can be rented.

• Tours are offered in English and Spanish.

• Book in advance to take a tour. They’re not private, but will still take place with just one participant.

Rescate is west of Alajuela, about a 15-minute drive from Juan Santamaria International Airport, and about a 40-minute drive from central San Jose. Driving is the easiest way to get there, and there’s plenty of parking, but you may be able to get a taxi from Alajuela or San Jose. There are also direct buses from Alajuela.

Rescate is open daily between morning and early evening. It’s likely to be busier on weekends and holidays, so come midweek if you can. Tours are held once in the morning and once in the afternoon. The center is mostly outdoors, so wear clothing appropriate for the season.

You can see a lot of wildlife in its natural habitat in Costa Rica, but to enjoy animal sightings in a controlled environment—ideal if you’re traveling with kids—there are many other wildlife parks and centers to enjoy. The La Paz Waterfall Gardens are a good place to see birds and butterflies; the Ecocentro Danaus is a small private sanctuary that offers guided tours; and the Centro de Rescate Las Pumas is a good place to see jaguars, sloths, and more.