Sendero Perezoso (Sloth Trail)
A sanctuary dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and caring for sloths, offering educational tours and supporting conservation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Sloths are more active
Sendero Perezoso (Sloth Trail)
Best Time
Sloths are more active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sanctuary dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and caring for sloths, offering educational tours and supporting conservation.
"Absolutely a life changing experience! Watching the babies exercise was the highlight of our trip."
Support a Good Cause
Your tour fee directly funds sloth rescue and care. It's a worthwhile expense! :heart:
Listen to Your Guide
Guides have keen eyes for spotting sloths and share fascinating facts. :telescope:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Meet Resident Sloths
Sanctuary grounds
Get up close with rescued and disabled sloths, learning about their individual stories and care.
Guided Nature Walks
Sanctuary trails
Expert guides help you spot sloths and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
Learn About Conservation
Visitor center
Discover the crucial work of sloth rescue, rehabilitation, and research.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Sloth Encounter in Advance
Understand Sanctuary vs. Wild Sloths
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Support a Good Cause
Your tour fee directly funds sloth rescue and care. It's a worthwhile expense!
:heart:Listen to Your Guide
Guides have keen eyes for spotting sloths and share fascinating facts.
:telescope:No Touching Allowed
Remember, it's a sanctuary, not a petting zoo. Respect the animals' space.
:noentrysign:Optional Boat Tours
Enhance your experience by spotting wild sloths and other wildlife from a boat.
:rowboat:Tips
from all over the internet
Support a Good Cause
Your tour fee directly funds sloth rescue and care. It's a worthwhile expense!
:heart:Listen to Your Guide
Guides have keen eyes for spotting sloths and share fascinating facts.
:telescope:No Touching Allowed
Remember, it's a sanctuary, not a petting zoo. Respect the animals' space.
:noentrysign:Optional Boat Tours
Enhance your experience by spotting wild sloths and other wildlife from a boat.
:rowboat:Bring Binoculars
Great for spotting sloths high up in the trees and observing birds. :binoculars:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Sendero Perezoso as a life-changing and highlight experience, commending the staff's expertise and the heartwarming work of sloth rescue and rehabilitation. While tours are noted as being a bit expensive, the funds directly support a worthy cause, making it a worthwhile visit for many. The inability to touch sloths is a common point of clarification, emphasizing its role as a sanctuary rather than a petting zoo.
"Absolutely a life changing experience! While we were looking at the adult sloths an outdoor male made his way in to check out the girls. We had such a fun time and watching the babies exercise was the highlight of our trip. Amazing staff and very informative! A+++++++++"
CodyT42
"We absolutely loved this place! It was the highlight of our Costa Rica trip. The cost is well worth it; the hosts are experts in the flora and fauna as well as the sloths themselves. Plus we were all too happy to support their wonderful work and research. The resident sloths are adorable; leaving us wanting to cuddle each one. Ignatio guided us through the sanctuary and was a wealth of information! He certainly knows his stuff and will give you some extra time if you're interested in his passion for the flora and fauna, especially the many beautiful birds! The optional boat ride was amazing! Steven, our guide, was also super well informed on all the surroundings. He has a keen eye for lizards, birds, monkeys and the peaceful sloths hanging so high up in the trees. We were fortunate to see a rare sight: a wild sloth lower down in a tree, quite close to the creek. Wow! We couldn't have asked for a better experience! Thank you Ignatio and Steven!"
Jewel Mac
"The sloth sanctuary is one of the highlights on the Caribbean coast. The tours are a little bit expensive, but the money goes for a good cause. They also have rooms inside the sanctuary where you can stay, and if you arrive after they close, you need to tap lightly on the horn and they will open the gates. While there are many sloths and you get to get very close to them, you cannot hold them or touch them, as many people expect. It is not a petting zoo."
Steve Takata
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sendero Perezoso is located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, often associated with areas like Cahuita or Puerto Viejo. Many visitors access it via local buses or taxis from these towns. If you're coming from further afield, flying into Limón Airport (LIO) or San José (SJO) and then arranging ground transportation is common.
No, Sendero Perezoso is typically found on the Caribbean coast, while Manuel Antonio National Park is on the Pacific coast. They are in different regions of Costa Rica.
Travel between the coasts usually involves a combination of local buses or private shuttles. The journey can take several hours, so plan accordingly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While specific prices can vary, reviews suggest the tours are a bit expensive, but the cost supports a good cause. It's recommended to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current pricing.
Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and support the sanctuary's operations.
The sanctuary typically operates during daylight hours for tours. If you arrive after closing, you might need to tap on the horn for assistance.
Guided tours are generally the primary way to experience the sanctuary and learn from their knowledgeable staff. This ensures you have the best chance of spotting wildlife and understanding the conservation efforts.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
You can see both two-toed and three-toed sloths at the sanctuary, often including rescued animals that require lifelong care.
No, it is strictly prohibited to hold or touch the sloths. The sanctuary prioritizes the animals' well-being and rehabilitation, and it is not a petting zoo.
Besides sloths, guides are skilled at spotting various birds, lizards, and monkeys within the sanctuary's natural environment.
Yes, the sanctuary offers rooms where visitors can stay, allowing for a more immersive experience.
Absolutely! Families often find the experience incredibly educational and heartwarming, with opportunities to see adorable sloths up close.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but it's important to be respectful of the animals and avoid using flash, which can disturb them.
Use a zoom lens to get clear shots without getting too close. Patience is key, as sloths move slowly and can be high in the trees.
Yes, seeing baby sloths is a special treat! Capturing their tender moments, like a baby sloth kissing its mother, is unforgettable.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Guides are adept at making the experience educational and fun for younger visitors, pointing out not just sloths but also other interesting creatures. The opportunity to see these slow-moving animals up close is often a highlight of a Costa Rican family vacation. Consider booking a tour that includes a boat ride for an added element of adventure.
❤️ Wildlife Enthusiasts & Conservationists
The opportunity to support a reputable organization that prioritizes animal welfare is a major draw. Many visitors leave inspired by the commitment to conservation and the positive impact the sanctuary has on sloth populations. The optional boat tours also appeal to those eager to spot a wider array of Costa Rican fauna in its natural setting.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Importance of Sloth Conservation
Visitors play a direct role in this mission. The fees from guided tours and stays at the sanctuary directly fund the animals' food, veterinary care, and the ongoing efforts to rehabilitate sloths that have a chance of returning to the wild. This hands-on support allows the sanctuary to continue its invaluable work, making your visit a meaningful contribution to wildlife protection.
Understanding the difference between sanctuary residents and wild sloths is key. While the sanctuary offers incredible opportunities to see sloths up close, the ultimate goal is to protect them, whether they remain in care or are released back into their natural habitat.
Experiencing Sloths in Their Natural Habitat
Guides on these tours are experts at locating sloths, often pointing out individuals camouflaged high in the canopy. Seeing a wild sloth moving slowly through the trees, or hanging peacefully, is a truly magical moment. These excursions also often reveal other fascinating wildlife, such as various bird species, monkeys, and reptiles, showcasing the incredible biodiversity of Costa Rica.
While sightings are not guaranteed, the thrill of discovery adds to the adventure. It's a reminder of the importance of preserving these natural habitats so that future generations can continue to marvel at these gentle creatures in the wild.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit