3 independent reviews for Costa Rica wildlife conservation
Reviews for Costa Rica wildlife conservation
Nick review 9 Apr 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The opportunity to provide enrichment to a selection of animals including Jaguar, Puma, Ocelot, Squirrel and Spider Monkeys and various bird species. It made us feel that we were really doing something worthwhile to improve their lives. It was also a really good opportunity to learn more about the animals and their behaviours and share our experiences with like-minded people.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared to work in very hot and humid conditions. The daily temperature was between 30C and 34C. Probably best to go in the dry season which is November to April. Bug spray essential!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
100%! The sanctuary was very clear about employing local people to carry out most of the required daily tasks such as feeding and cleaning. We were used to help improve the animals’ lives through enrichment, enclosure improvements and behavioural observations.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
An amazing experience that was so worthwhile. I went with my daughter and it was great to spend time with others who shared our passion for the natural world and to feel that we were making a valuable contribution to improving the lives of the animals in the sanctuary.Richard Stark review 8 Mar 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Meeting Darwin, the spider monkey way too intelligent for his own good, though with bipolar tendencies.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Make sure you have sturdy boots or shoes. Pack some Deet - insect bites aren't too numerous but you will get bitten. Take plenty of dollars with you - Costa Ricans want dollars but you won't get any back from the banks.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It definitely reduced environmental impacts - there was a palm oil plantation up to the sanctuary. They were well known within the local community and there were a number of callouts for injured or lost animals in the area.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Definitely a rewarding, enlightening experience, though hard work at times in the baking heat. In the wild these animal are elusive but at the sanctuary you got the chance to meet and study them up close. Days off were much needed, and I'd strongly recommend adding some days at the end of the volunteering to explore the country and just be a tourist. Whilst volunteering you are based at the sanctuary, though there is a touristy Marina 15 minute taxi ride away for meals out, surfing, kayaking etc...Vivienne Pearson review 6 Mar 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Bird watching with Mac and night walk in the jungle.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The humidity is high but there is a lovely swimming pool so remember swimwear. Garden gloves are useful.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely supported conservation and gave employment to local people.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Really great experience.Holiday Reviews
You can trust Responsible Travel reviews because, unlike many other schemes, reviews can ONLY be written by people who we have verified have been on the holidays. In addition, we don't run these holidays ourselves - our only interest is giving you the best independent advice.

