One of my favorite special-interest tours in Costa Rica is Aviarios del Caribe Sloth Refuge, located near Limón on the lush Caribbean side of the country. Costa Rica is famous worldwide for its incredible biodiversity, but few places offer such a personal, heartfelt, and educational wildlife experience as Aviarios del Caribe. This is not a zoo, not a theme park, and not a commercial attraction—it is a place of compassion, conservation, and learning.
My husband and I first stopped at Aviarios del Caribe almost by chance while traveling along the Caribbean coast on our way south. It was only a few miles off our route, and little did we know that this short stop would turn into one of the most memorable wildlife encounters we have ever experienced in Costa Rica. From the moment we arrived, we knew we were somewhere special.
Meeting the Founders: A Labor of Love
Aviarios del Caribe was founded by Judy and Luis Arroyo, whose dedication to sloth conservation has earned them international recognition. After meeting Judy and Luis personally, it became immediately clear that this sanctuary is truly a labor of love. Their passion for sloths, education, and environmental preservation radiates through every corner of the refuge.
The name Aviarios del Caribe originally referred to birds, as the project began with avian conservation. Over time, however, sloths became the central focus due to the increasing number of injured, orphaned, and displaced sloths found along nearby roadways and forest edges.
The Guided Tour: Education First
We decided to take the guided tour, which costs around $14 per person, and I can honestly say it is worth every penny. The tour begins with a well-produced and informative video presentation that explains the behavior, anatomy, life cycle, and survival challenges of sloths. Many visitors arrive with misconceptions about sloths—thinking they are lazy or unintelligent—but the film quickly dispels these myths.
Sloths move slowly not because they are lazy, but because their bodies are adapted to conserve energy. Their unique digestive systems, slow metabolism, and specialized claws are marvels of evolutionary design. By the time the video ended, we had a whole new appreciation for these gentle creatures.
University Volunteers: The Heart of the Refuge
One of the most inspiring parts of the visit was meeting three university students who were volunteering at the refuge. These students had committed three months of their time to help care for sick and injured sloths. Their responsibilities included feeding, cleaning, monitoring health, and preparing sloths for eventual release back into the wild.
Some of the sloths we saw were newborns, rescued after their mothers were injured or killed. Watching the volunteers carefully bottle-feed these tiny sloths was incredibly touching. Their dedication and gentleness made it clear that Aviarios is not just a refuge—it is also a training ground for future conservationists.
Buttercup: The Refuge Mascot
No visit to Aviarios del Caribe would be complete without hearing the story of Buttercup, the beloved mascot of the refuge. Buttercup was rescued as a baby after being struck by a car while crossing a nearby road. She was brought to Judy for care, and against all odds, she survived.
Today, Buttercup lives permanently at the refuge and resides in her own wicker hammock right on the front porch. She has become accustomed to visitors and is remarkably friendly. I even had my photo taken with her—of course, following the rules: no flash photography, to protect her sensitive eyes.
Buttercup’s story perfectly illustrates the mission of Aviarios del Caribe: rescue when possible, rehabilitate whenever feasible, and educate always.
The Canal Tour: A Caribbean Rainforest Experience
In addition to the sloth refuge tour, Aviarios offers a canal tour through a narrow freshwater canal system that branches off from the Estrella River. We decided to take this tour early the next morning, and I highly recommend it.
Our canoe was paddled quietly by a local Costa Rican guide named José, who spoke excellent English and had an impressive knowledge of the surrounding ecosystem. We set out around 6:15 a.m., just as the rainforest was waking up.
Within minutes, we spotted a stunning toucan, jet black with a long yellow bill, perched high in the trees. I was extremely glad I had brought my binoculars, as the wildlife viewing opportunities were incredible.
The rainforest was alive with sound—a symphony of bird calls echoing through the dense vegetation. The canal was surrounded by a thousand shades of green, with towering trees draped in vines and tropical plants flourishing at every level.
At one point, a small black howler monkey watched us from above, appearing both curious and amused. José explained that this area is also home to caimans, anteaters, river otters, turtles, lizards, and the dazzling blue morpho butterfly, whose iridescent wings flashed briefly as one fluttered past our canoe.
The tour lasted about an hour, and it was peaceful, educational, and unforgettable.
Staying Overnight at Aviarios
Because darkness falls early in Costa Rica—around 5:30 p.m. year-round—we decided to stay overnight at one of the rooms Judy offers at her bed and breakfast on the property. After nearly four hours of driving from San José, we were grateful for the chance to rest.
We chose a room with air conditioning, which cost $100 per night. While the accommodations are not luxurious, they are clean, comfortable, and well maintained. The room had plenty of hot water, a very comfortable queen-size bed, and a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by rainforest sounds.
The price included a delicious traditional Costa Rican breakfast, which was a highlight in itself.
A True Costa Rican Breakfast
Breakfast began with a colorful plate of fresh tropical fruit, including pineapple, papaya, and watermelon—all locally grown. This was followed by freshly scrambled eggs and gallo pinto, Costa Rica’s famous rice-and-beans dish flavored with Salsa Lizano, a beloved national condiment with a closely guarded recipe.
We were also served homemade corn tortillas, local farmer’s cheese, and sweet fried plantains—those big yellow bananas Costa Ricans love. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and prepared with care. It was the perfect way to start the day.
Planning Your Visit
How to Get There
From San José, take the main highway to Limón (Highway 32). Before reaching Limón city, turn south toward Cahuita and Puerto Viejo. Drive approximately 30 minutes (about 18 miles) and watch for signs for Aviarios del Caribe. The entrance is on the left side of the road.
Important Tip
Please call ahead before visiting. The front gate is usually locked, and advance notice ensures they are prepared to receive guests.
How Much Time Do You Need?
While it is possible to visit in a few hours, I strongly recommend spending the night. This allows you to enjoy the canal tour early in the morning, watch the educational film, tour the refuge thoroughly, and still have time to continue on to nearby destinations like Cahuita National Park, which is just a few miles further south.
What to Bring
- Mosquito repellent (especially after 4:30 p.m.)
- Sunscreen and a sunhat
- Lightweight cotton clothing (temperatures average around 80°F)
- Camera (no flash)
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
Best Time to Visit
Aviarios del Caribe can be visited year-round. The Caribbean side of Costa Rica receives more rainfall than other regions, so mornings are generally the best time for tours and wildlife viewing.
Payment Information
Credit card policies may vary, so it is best to check directly with Judy regarding accepted cards.
Final Thoughts
A visit to Aviarios del Caribe Sloth Refuge is not just a tour—it is an experience that connects you deeply with Costa Rica’s wildlife, people, and conservation efforts. It is educational, inspiring, and genuinely moving. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, a photographer, or simply a traveler looking for something meaningful, Aviarios del Caribe is a place that will stay with you long after you leave.
Highly recommended.