Background

Jaguar Rescue Center: A Wildlife Haven

Observe Costa Rican wildlife up close at this rescue and rehabilitation center near Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.

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The Jaguar Rescue Center, located near Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured and orphaned animals native to Costa Rica. Though named for jaguars, the center's focus extends to a wide array of species, offering visitors a chance to witness conservation efforts firsthand.

A brief summary to Jaguar Rescue Center

  • Monday 9 am-1 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-1 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-1 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-1 pm
  • Friday 9 am-1 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-1 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-1 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive 15-30 minutes early for your tour, especially during high season, to secure your spot.
  • Bring a rain jacket, as tours are conducted rain or shine, and the majority of the tour is outdoors.
  • Remember that touching or feeding the animals is prohibited by Costa Rican law.
  • Tours are available in English and Spanish, with French and German subject to availability.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From Puerto Viejo, take the bus towards Manzanillo. The bus will drop you off on the main road in front of the Jaguar Rescue Center. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the entrance. Bus fare is approximately $1-3. From Cahuita, take the bus to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. From there, transfer to the Manzanillo bus and follow the directions above. The total journey will take approximately 1 hour and cost $11-15.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Puerto Viejo. A taxi ride to the Jaguar Rescue Center takes only a few minutes. Expect to pay around $5-10 for the short trip. From Cahuita, a taxi to the Jaguar Rescue Center will cost approximately $35-50 and take around 27 minutes.

  • Walking

    If you're staying in Punta Cocles, you can easily walk to the Jaguar Rescue Center. From Villas del Caribe, the center is right across the street. The walk from Puerto Viejo is approximately 4 kilometers. Follow the main road south, and you'll see signs for the center on your right.

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Discover more about Jaguar Rescue Center

Nestled in the lush landscape of Punta Cocles, near Puerto Viejo, the Jaguar Rescue Center is a sanctuary for injured, orphaned, and mistreated animals. Founded in 2008 by biologists Sandro Alviani and Encar Garcia, the center has grown from a small operation into a renowned rehabilitation facility. Despite its name, the center doesn't exclusively house jaguars; instead, it provides care for a diverse range of Costa Rican wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, reptiles, and birds. The center's mission is to rehabilitate animals and release them back into their natural habitats whenever possible. Animals that cannot be released due to permanent injuries or other reasons find a permanent home at the JRC Sanctuary, where they receive lifelong care. The Jaguar Rescue Center relies on donations, community support, and tour fees to operate, highlighting its commitment to conservation and education. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the center's work and observe the animals in their care. These tours offer insights into the challenges faced by Costa Rican wildlife and the importance of conservation efforts. The center also houses a serpentarium with venomous and non-venomous snakes native to Costa Rica. Note that the center is not a zoo, and visitors are only allowed on the premises as part of a guided tour.

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