WILDLIFE RESCUE · GUANACASTE
Congo Trail Rescue Center
At Congo Trail, the rescue center is a working home for local wildlife that can no longer live in the wild — monkeys, crocodiles, snakes, turtles and peccaries, each one rescued and cared for on site after being taken from someone keeping it illegally, arriving injured, or recovered from the illegal wildlife trade. On a guided walk of about 45 minutes, a naturalist guide leads your family through the center and tells each animal's story: where it came from, why it's here, and the work of rehabilitating Guanacaste's wildlife. It's an easy, all-ages visit that's as much about learning as it is about seeing the animals up close — kids come away understanding why these creatures matter and how a rescue center helps them. It's one of the four activities in the Congo Trail Family Combo, all on the same private property in Sardinal.
The Congo Trail Rescue Center in Sardinal, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, is a working home for local animals that can no longer live in the wild — monkeys, crocodiles, snakes, turtles and peccaries rescued from illegal keeping, injury or the wildlife trade. On a guided walk of about 45 minutes, a naturalist tells each animal’s story. It is included in the Family Fun Four Pack.
Duration
45 Minutes
Group
Private
Guide
Local Guide
Level
All Ages
Type
Family Combo
What will you see at the Congo Trail rescue center?
- A guided walk through a working wildlife rescue center at Congo Trail, Sardinal
- Meet rescued local species — monkeys, crocodiles, snakes, turtles and peccaries
- A naturalist guide who shares each animal's rescue and rehabilitation story
- An easy, all-ages visit focused on learning and conservation, not just viewing
- Part of the Congo Trail Family Combo — one of four 45-minute family activities
Good to Know
- This is one of the four activities in the Congo Trail Family Combo, all on the same private property in Sardinal
- A guided walk of about 45 minutes with a naturalist guide
- You'll see rescued local wildlife: monkeys, crocodiles, snakes, turtles and peccaries
- The focus is rescue and rehabilitation — animals that can't be returned to the wild are cared for here
- Suitable for all ages; an easy, relaxed pace on foot
- A naturalist guide stays with your group throughout and answers questions
- Wear closed shoes and bring sun protection and water — this is dry forest
Meet the Animals
Frequently Asked Questions
What animals will we see?
Rescued local wildlife cared for on site, including monkeys, crocodiles, snakes, turtles and peccaries. A naturalist guide shares each one’s story.
How long is the visit?
About 45 minutes, as a guided walk, and it’s one of the four activities in the Congo Trail Family Combo.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. It’s an easy, all-ages walk, and the naturalist guide makes it engaging for kids while explaining the rescue work.
Is this a place where animals are kept for entertainment?
No. It’s a rescue and rehabilitation center: the animals here are rescued local wildlife that can no longer live in the wild and are cared for on site.
How is it different from the Animal Sanctuary?
They’re two separate places with no connection. The Animal Sanctuary is its own attraction; this is the rescue center on the Congo Trail property, and it’s part of the Family Combo.
When do we have to cancel by?
Twenty-four hours before your tour begins, counted from the start time and not the day. Cancel before that and you get a full refund.
Book direct with the operator
- We run these tours ourselves. No middleman, no reseller.
- Private to your group — minimum four guests for this experience, no strangers in your van.
- The price you see is the price you pay: taxes and door-to-door pickup included.
Ready to visit the Congo Trail rescue center?
Tell us your dates and we’ll build your visit to the Congo Trail rescue center — or pair it with Llanos de Cortés — around your group.
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By the Guanadreams team, led by Miller Contreras — naturalist guide, born and raised in Guanacaste.
Part of our Nature Experiences