Central America
Costa Rica
Province of Heredia
San Isidro
Things to Do in San Isidro
Toucan Rescue Ranch
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Toucan Rescue Ranch

See all things to do
See all things to do
Toucan Rescue Ranch
5
281
#1 of 3 things to do in San Isidro
Nature & Wildlife Areas
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9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Monday
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Friday
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
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About
The Toucan Rescue Ranch’s (TRR) mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release Costa Rica wildlife. TRR works with a model that focuses on conservation, education, and research to ensure a brighter tomorrow for Costa Rica wildlife. VISITS REQUIRE A RESERVATION. TRR emphases on the care, rehabilitation, and release of national wildlife. We receive and care for confiscated, sick, and injured animals from government agencies. The Toucan Rescue Ranch works closely with the Ministry of Environment and Energy of Costa Rica (MINAE) who brings injured and displaced wildlife to the center. TRR provides sanctuary while giving treatment, rehabilitation, and when possible, release to their natural environment. The Toucan Rescue Ranch is a licenses Costa Rica wildlife rescue facility, Costa Rica foundation (300667701803) and a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization (EIN: 80-0516453).
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
281 reviews
Excellent
265
Very good
11
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
2
Agnes S
Panama City, Panama26 contributions
A worthwhile visit
Jul 2022
We took our 5 grandchildren to Toucan, where the "very patient" and knowledgeable guide explained about the animals that had been rescued. The kids loved it. I compliment this sanctuary for their dedication to animals in danger or that have been mistreated and believe it is a noble venture that should be supported.
Written July 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Leah S
Peterborough, Canada26 contributions
Wonderful organization to support. Educational and interesting for all ages.
Mar 2020
I was at the Ranch March 4th, 2020. The facility is oriented towards the needs of the birds/animals which is ideal. I appreciated that they do not allow guests to feed or touch the animals. They work to ensure as many of the animals as possible are able to be reintroduced into the wild. The ones that must remain due to disabilities, are taken care of in as natural a setting as they can have. The guide was very knowledgeable and passionate about the work they do.

The two hour tour of animal enclosures was in a viewing area mostly in the sun (at this time of year) so wear sunscreen or wear sun-blocking cover-ups and hats/umbrellas. Bring water. There is a fair amount of standing so if you have mobility issues, bring walker with seat. Note you will be on slightly uneven grass. Good washrooms are available.

Advance ticket required. Gift shop available with proceeds providing further support for this important organization.
Written March 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
leah w
louisville, ky238 contributions
Great Facility that Helps Animals
Oct 2022
The Toucan Rescue Ranch is a wonderful place to visit. The work they do is so worthwhile. They take in injured animals and treat them, they always try to return the animals to the wild, and they also provide sanctuary to those that can't be released. Isaac did a terrific job showing us around and giving the background on all of the residents there.
Written October 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
nina c
223 contributions
Amazing place with amazing people and animals
Aug 2022 • Solo
This is a must for any animal lovers visiting san jose. A short distance from the city. I did the slothie and coffee tour and loved seeing Millie up close. Our guide was so kind, friendly and knowledgeable sharing all the back stories of the many animals in the rescue centre. A brilliant 3 hours learning about all the different animals and the amazing work the centre are doing.
Written August 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
nohassle1956
gulf shores293 contributions
Great to see the animals being taken care of
Sep 2021
My wife and I had a good visit to the Toucan Rescue Ranch. The usual critters that you would see in Costa Rica Toucan's, monkey's owl's, and sloth's. These folks take them in, heal them and then try to release them back to the wild. Happy but sad at the same time. These animals are here only because of the depravity of human beings and the failure of Government at every level. At least someone is trying to help. Good on you. Thanks for the visit.
Written September 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mary D
2 contributions
Don’t miss it!
Nov 2022 • Couples
This is an incredible organization dedicated to wildlife and education. We loved our tour of the ranch! Issac was incredibly knowledgeable and patient with our questions. Everyone we met was kind and welcoming. True pura vida!!
Written November 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Judika77
London, UK20 contributions
Lovely morning with kids
Dec 2021 • Family
A lovely place! We visited the ranch with 3 little kids and all kf us had a great time! Our guide, Andrea, was very knowledgable and answered all of our questions. We saw lots of animals and heard their stories. This was the highlight of our san jose stay! We will go back for sure!
Written December 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Diane K
Venice, FL3,824 contributions
Worthwhile mission
Jan 2020 • Couples
We spent about an hour visiting the Toucan Rescue Ranch. They take care of various types of animals that have been injured in the wild. Their goal is to release as many of the animals they can after they have been recuperated. It was interesting (and sad) to hear the individual animals stories.
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
RZPhyxit
Villa Park, CA95 contributions
Sloth viewing and education
Jul 2019
Rewarding and even heart-rendering to see and hear of these rescued animals.
We went by a $26 each way Saturday Uber ride (1 hr from Pura Vida Hotel in Alajuela. It was also easy to get Uber return ride at this slightly remote area)
My daughter and I specifically went to see sloths as a familynbucket-list item while in Costa Rica. We took the Classic tour at $35 pp. Total for 2 including RT Uber $122. I saw this tour advertised for $150 pp inclusive of group bus transportation through a tour company which left from a specific San Jose hotel located closer in distance than where we started so do it on your own thru the TRR website :toucanrescueranch.org and Uber for savings.
Andy from San Diego was our excellent guide and volunteer.
This ranch did not disappoint. Fond memories are now imprinted forever. We saw baby and adult sloths within 2 ft. and in motion. A pre and post video in a seated canopy covered area is shown on how and why this Center exists.
The other animals we viewed and learned about included toucans, owls, multiple species of birds, a seal, ocelot , plus others that are rare and endangered (cannot remember names)
They were more interesting to see with guide stories as we had seen all but sloths the day prior on a self-guided walk at Zoo Ave in Alajuela. Zoo Ave is a more decoratively landscaped commercial rescue facility with concessions and mini zipline available. Still VERY worthwhile if in the area at $25 pp tourist fee.
(Separate review on Zoo “ah-vay” not “avenue”)
Some animals at TRR cannot be safely released, so their space and needs continue to grow.
They are trying to buy the property nextdoor to expand. They receive no government funds. They rely on the tour fees, gift souvenir purchases as well as volunteer work and donations. If you have any biomedical, animal or pre-vet studies or experience, you may be qualified to volunteer. You can tell the staff are all genuinely dedicated, loving and hard-working .
Toucan rescue ranch is on all the social medias if you are interested.
If you plan to go, look at their website which posts a “wishlist” of much needed items if you have luggage space and can deliver to them.
I had originally attempted to book 2 of us on their private “Babies” tour with lunch from Sibu at $480 (1-6 people) with only 15 hrs notice by email. After experiencing the Classic tour it was probably fortuitous for me that they did not respond in time. Although the money would have gone to great cause, we were very satisfied with the $35 pp tour, and afterwards easily went to Sibu at a $3.80 Uber ride for dinner and chocolate (see separate review)
I am withholding posting pictures for protective reasons spoken at the Rescue orientation (no selfies or flash pics were allowed) only personal use photos of the animals themselves can be taken.

Written July 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Romney W
Seattle, WA62 contributions
Life changing experience
Apr 2019 • Family
My 12 year old daughter and I set up a tour and lunch at the Toucan Rescue Ranch. I knew that they rescued not only toucans but sloths, monkeys, big cats, many different birds and even an otter. I had no idea what I was getting into. Leslie and her husband have set up an extraordinary center that rescues these animals in the hopes of releasing them back into the wild after rehabilitation. They have an amazing staff and volunteers that help run this center. I had tears in my eyes the entire time. The work they do is incredible and seeing all the animals and hearing each of their stories touched our hearts and souls. This is not a petting zoo nor a place to take selfies. This is to learn about these animals while respecting them and their environment. This is a must do in my opinion and your tour fee helps run these facilities, pay for food, medicine etc.
Written April 15, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Toucan Rescue Ranch (San Isidro) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Toucan Rescue Ranch
Toucan Rescue Ranch is open:
  • Mon - Sat 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Toucan Rescue Ranch tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Toucan Rescue Ranch tours on Tripadvisor