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Jaguar Rescue Center

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Jaguar Rescue Center (Costa Rica)

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The Jaguar Rescue Center, located near Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, is an internationally acclaimed organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of injured, sick, and orphaned wild animals. It was founded in 2008 by Encar García and Sandro Alviani, inspired by their experience caring for an orphaned jaguar cub. Despite its name, the center provides care for a diverse range of species, including sloths, monkeys, reptiles, and numerous tropical birds native to the Caribbean coast. The primary mission of the center is to provide necessary medical treatment and eventually reintroduce the animals back into their natural habitats. The facility is funded almost entirely by private donations and entrance fees from visitors who participate in educational guided tours. A dedicated team of veterinarians and international volunteers works around the clock to ensure the welfare of the animals and the success of the release programs. The Jaguar Rescue Center plays a vital role in preserving Costa Rica's rich biodiversity and serves as an educational hub for environmental conservation. Its efforts have made it a cornerstone of the local community and a significant player in regional wildlife protection.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C242425252626252525252525
Rain mm1246782132295278320269245316361197

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Jaguar Rescue Center is open to visitors and gives guided tours of the grounds. Animals can be observed from a safe distance, direct contact is not allowed.
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Typical hours
The center is usually open daily, typically with two fixed guided tour times in the morning and late afternoon. Exact times should be checked on the center's website.
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Photography
Photography is allowed during the tour, but without flash to avoid scaring the animals. The enclosures offer good opportunities for shots of rescued wildlife.
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Time needed
The tour usually lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours. It is advisable to allow extra time for the souvenir shop and information boards.
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Combine with
The center is near Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, a popular beach town on the Caribbean coast. A visit to the beaches of Puerto Viejo or Cahuita National Park is recommended.
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Getting there
The center is reachable by car or taxi from Puerto Viejo in a few minutes. Public buses running from Puerto Viejo towards Manzanillo stop nearby.
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Insider tip
Book the tour online in advance as spaces are limited and tours often fill up. Wear long pants and closed shoes, as the grounds can be damp and mosquito-rich.

Geography

Coordinates
9.65800, -82.72400

Facts

  • The center was officially established in 2008.
  • It is located in the South Caribbean region, near Puerto Viejo.
  • Over 500 animals are treated at the facility every year.
  • The founders are biologist Encar García and Sandro Alviani.
  • More than 40% of the animals are successfully released back to the wild.
  • The center maintains a professional on-site medical clinic for wildlife.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Puerto Viejo de TalamancaPuerto Viejo de Talamanca3 km · SExplore →
Historic Gandoca-ManzanilloHistoric Gandoca-Manzanillo8 km · NExplore →
CahuitaCahuita11 km · SExplore →
BribriBribri14 km · SExplore →
Chiriquí Highlands (Tierras Altas)Chiriquí Highlands (Tierras Altas)16 km · NWExplore →
Talamanca MountainsTalamanca Mountains17 km · NWExplore →
Cerro FábregaCerro Fábrega18 km · SWExplore →
Banana Plantation near BaruBanana Plantation near Baru20 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Jaguar Rescue Center located?
In Playa Chiquita, near Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.
Is a guided tour required?
Yes, the center can only be visited through guided tours.
Are there actually jaguars there?
Occasionally, but you'll mostly see sloths, monkeys, and snakes.
When do the tours take place?
Usually twice daily in the morning (approx. 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM).
Where does the entrance fee money go?
Directly toward the care and rehabilitation of the animals.
Jaguar Rescue Center: where is it located?
Jaguar Rescue Center is located in Costa Rica.
Jaguar Rescue Center: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Jaguar Rescue Center: why is it worth visiting?
The Jaguar Rescue Center, located near Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, is an internationally acclaimed organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of injured, sick, and orphaned wild animals.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
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Nearby cities

Guápiles — Jaguar Rescue Center (Costa Rica)
Guápiles
The main town of the Pococi canton, serving as a primary commercial and transit point on the route to the Caribbean coast.
Siquirres — Jaguar Rescue Center (Costa Rica)
Siquirres
A bustling town in the Limon province, positioned between the highlands and the Caribbean coast.
Guácimo — Jaguar Rescue Center (Costa Rica)
Guácimo
An agricultural town in Limon, known for its lush surroundings and its role in the banana industry.
Matina — Jaguar Rescue Center (Costa Rica)
Matina
A town in Limon, primarily driven by large-scale banana and pineapple production.
Cahuita — Jaguar Rescue Center (Costa Rica)
Cahuita
Cahuita is a laid-back Caribbean coastal town in Costa Rica, famous for its stunning national park and vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca — Jaguar Rescue Center (Costa Rica)
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
A vibrant coastal town famous for its eclectic Caribbean culture, reggae music, world-class surf, and proximity to wildlife sanctuaries.
Bribri — Jaguar Rescue Center (Costa Rica)
Bribri
The administrative center of Talamanca, reflecting the strong indigenous presence and culture of the region near the border with Panama.
Tortuguero — Jaguar Rescue Center (Costa Rica)
Tortuguero
Known as the "Amazon of Costa Rica," Tortuguero is a remote, canal-laced rainforest famous for crucial sea turtle nesting beaches.
Chiriquí Highlands (Tierras Altas) — Jaguar Rescue Center (Costa Rica)
Chiriquí Highlands (Tierras Altas)
The fertile mountain region at the foot of Volcán Barú, famous for Geisha coffee, vibrant flowers, and eternal spring.
Concepción, Bugaba — Jaguar Rescue Center (Costa Rica)
Concepción, Bugaba
The capital of the Bugaba district in Chiriquí.
Ciudad Neily — Jaguar Rescue Center (Costa Rica)
Ciudad Neily
The main commercial hub in the southern border region of Corredores, serving as a primary link for trade with Panama.
🗺️
Boquete area / San Vito
A tranquil highland region near the Panama border, renowned for its Italian heritage, cool climate, and biodiversity.
Almirante — Jaguar Rescue Center (Costa Rica)
Almirante
A busy port town serving as the main gateway to the Bocas del Toro archipelago.
David — Jaguar Rescue Center (Costa Rica)
David
Major city in the west, near the border with Costa Rica.
Pavones — Jaguar Rescue Center (Costa Rica)
Pavones
Pavones is a remote surfer's paradise in the southern Pacific region of Costa Rica, famous for having one of the longest left-hand surf b…

History & landmarks

Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica — Jaguar Rescue Center (Costa Rica)
Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica
The world's first sloth-only rescue center.
Limon Carnival — Jaguar Rescue Center (Costa Rica)
Limon Carnival
A spectacular Afro-Caribbean festival in Puerto Limón, celebrating the region's unique cultural heritage with parades and music.
Boquete — Jaguar Rescue Center (Costa Rica)
Boquete
Mountain town known for its cooler climate and coffee plantations.

Nature

Caldera River — Jaguar Rescue Center (Costa Rica)
Caldera River
A river that flows through the town of Boquete.

More places

Puerto Viejo Shipwreck — Jaguar Rescue Center (Costa Rica)
Puerto Viejo Shipwreck
A sunken cargo ship near Puerto Viejo that has become an artificial reef and a popular diving spot.
Historic Gandoca-Manzanillo — Jaguar Rescue Center (Costa Rica)
Historic Gandoca-Manzanillo
This Caribbean coastal region has a rich Afro-Caribbean history, shaped by fishermen and cocoa farmers.
🗺️
Old Railway of La Palma
Remains of the old 'Jungle Train' to the Atlantic coast, which was crucial for the banana export industry.
Cimarron Culture — Jaguar Rescue Center (Costa Rica)
Cimarron Culture
The history of escaped slaves (Cimarrones) who found refuge in the Talamanca mountains, preserving their own culture.
Talamanca Mountains — Jaguar Rescue Center (Costa Rica)
Talamanca Mountains
A long mountain range that extends through western Panama.
Cerro Fábrega — Jaguar Rescue Center (Costa Rica)
Cerro Fábrega
The second highest mountain in Panama and part of the La Amistad National Park.
Banana Plantation near Baru — Jaguar Rescue Center (Costa Rica)
Banana Plantation near Baru
Large-scale cultivation of bananas.
Cerro Punta — Jaguar Rescue Center (Costa Rica)
Cerro Punta
The highest inhabited area of Panama, known for its fertile volcanic soil.