Sendero Perezoso (Sloth Trail) - Image 1
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Sendero Perezoso (Sloth Trail)

4.3
·1k reviews·, Costa Rica

A sanctuary dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and caring for sloths, offering educational tours and supporting conservation.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning tours

Sloths are more active

CrowdMedium
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Sendero Perezoso (Sloth Trail) - Image 1

Sendero Perezoso (Sloth Trail)

Best Time

Morning tours

Sloths are more active

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A sanctuary dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and caring for sloths, offering educational tours and supporting conservation.

4.3
(1k reviews)

"Absolutely a life changing experience! Watching the babies exercise was the highlight of our trip."

Vertical photo
TIP

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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Meet Resident Sloths

Meet Resident Sloths

Sanctuary grounds

Get up close with rescued and disabled sloths, learning about their individual stories and care.

Reddit
Guided Nature Walks

Guided Nature Walks

Sanctuary trails

Expert guides help you spot sloths and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Reddit
Learn About Conservation

Learn About Conservation

Visitor center

Discover the crucial work of sloth rescue, rehabilitation, and research.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Sloth Encounter in Advance

To ensure you get a spot and support vital conservation work, booking your guided tour at the Sendero Perezoso (Sloth Trail) in advance is highly recommended. This helps the sanctuary manage visitor numbers and dedicate resources to animal care. Reddit

Understand Sanctuary vs. Wild Sloths

While the sanctuary offers close-up views of resident sloths, remember it's not a petting zoo. The focus is on rescue and rehabilitation, with many sloths unable to return to the wild. Seeing them in their natural habitat on optional tours is also a unique experience. Reddit

Best Times

When
Morning tours
Why
Sloths are more active
Crowd
Medium
When
Afternoon tours
Why
Less crowded, still good sightings
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Welcome myself to Costa Rica 🇨🇷 #costarica #puravida #perezoso #sloth
@shanimeloni
2.6M likes • 20.2M views

Support a Good Cause

Your tour fee directly funds sloth rescue and care. It's a worthwhile expense! Reddit :heart:

Listen to Your Guide

Guides have keen eyes for spotting sloths and share fascinating facts. Reddit :telescope:

Parasailing en Manuel Antonio al atardecer #parati #pt #viral #travel #costarica #aventura #fyp #fypシ
@gabycabalceta
15.1K likes • 185K views
🌴✨ ¡Hospedate en un paraíso en Manuel Antonio con piscina privada y hasta un tobogán directo al agua! 🛝💦 Te presento Tree House Villas, un complejo de villas privadas de 3 pisos, rodeadas de selva y totalmente equipadas para que vivás una experiencia única en la playa más visitada de Costa Rica. 🏡 Detalles del hospedaje: 
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Capacidad hasta 10 huéspedes
🛏️ 3 habitaciones 5 camas 3.5 baños.
🍽️...
@deviajecostarica
9.6K likes • 240.5K views

No Touching Allowed

Remember, it's a sanctuary, not a petting zoo. Respect the animals' space. Reddit :noentrysign:

Optional Boat Tours

Enhance your experience by spotting wild sloths and other wildlife from a boat. Reddit :rowboat:

Esta playa de Centroamérica es elegida, cada año, entre las más lindas del mundo 😍 📍Playa Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica 🇨🇷 🏝️ Este paraíso natural se encuentra dentro del Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, en el cantón de Quepos, provincia de Puntarenas. 🏆 Esta playa de la costa pacífica central de Costa Rica es una de las ganadoras de los premios Travelers' Choice de TripAdvisor. En el año 2023 ocupó ...
@boletoalafelicidad
8.3K likes • 558.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Support a Good Cause

Your tour fee directly funds sloth rescue and care. It's a worthwhile expense! Reddit :heart:

Listen to Your Guide

Guides have keen eyes for spotting sloths and share fascinating facts. Reddit :telescope:

No Touching Allowed

Remember, it's a sanctuary, not a petting zoo. Respect the animals' space. Reddit :noentrysign:

Optional Boat Tours

Enhance your experience by spotting wild sloths and other wildlife from a boat. Reddit :rowboat:

Bring Binoculars

Great for spotting sloths high up in the trees and observing birds. :binoculars:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(1k reviews)

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

Heartwarming sloth encounters
Expert and informative guides
Supporting conservation efforts

What People Dislike

Tour price considered high

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. TikTok+1

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. TikTok+1

Travel between the coasts usually involves a combination of local buses or private shuttles. The journey can take several hours, so plan accordingly. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and support the sanctuary's operations. Reddit

The sanctuary typically operates during daylight hours for tours. If you arrive after closing, you might need to tap on the horn for assistance. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience

You can see both two-toed and three-toed sloths at the sanctuary, often including rescued animals that require lifelong care. TikTok+1

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. Reddit

Besides sloths, guides are skilled at spotting various birds, lizards, and monkeys within the sanctuary's natural environment. Reddit

Yes, the sanctuary offers rooms where visitors can stay, allowing for a more immersive experience. Reddit

Absolutely! Families often find the experience incredibly educational and heartwarming, with opportunities to see adorable sloths up close. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed, but it's important to be respectful of the animals and avoid using flash, which can disturb them. TikTok

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. TikTok

Yes, seeing baby sloths is a special treat! Capturing their tender moments, like a baby sloth kissing its mother, is unforgettable. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Sendero Perezoso is a fantastic destination for families. Children are captivated by the adorable sloths and the chance to learn about wildlife conservation in an engaging way. The sanctuary's focus on rescued animals provides a gentle introduction to animal welfare. Reddit

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. Reddit

❤️ Wildlife Enthusiasts & Conservationists

For those passionate about wildlife and conservation, Sendero Perezoso offers a deeply rewarding experience. You'll gain insight into the challenges sloths face and the dedicated efforts to protect them. The knowledgeable staff and founders' family members often share personal stories that highlight the sanctuary's mission. Reddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Importance of Sloth Conservation

Sendero Perezoso is more than just a tourist attraction; it's a vital center for sloth conservation. The sanctuary rescues injured, orphaned, or disabled sloths that cannot survive in the wild. They provide lifelong care for these animals, ensuring they live out their days in a safe and nurturing environment. This work is crucial for protecting Costa Rica's iconic species from threats like habitat loss and electrocution. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Experiencing Sloths in Their Natural Habitat

Beyond the sanctuary, Costa Rica offers opportunities to spot sloths in their natural environment. Many visitors opt for guided nature walks or boat tours that venture into areas where wild sloths are known to reside. These experiences offer a different perspective, highlighting the animals' natural behaviors and their integration into the lush rainforest ecosystem. Reddit

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. TikTok+1

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. TikTok

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