Visit Sloths: Top Tourism Sight Seeing

Sloths are a staple animal to see for any tourists to Costa Rica. Today we’ll be visiting Sloth’s Ecological Farm. This location is in Bijagua de Upala, in Guanacaste Province. You can expect a 1.5 hour drive from the Liberia International Airport to arrive at the farm. 

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sloth reaching for camera
Adolescent Sloth Lower In The Tree

How To Get There

Sloth’s Ecological Farm is actually on the way towards Rio Celeste. If you’re visiting that amazing waterfall, add the Sloth tour to your itinerary. We have a video on Rio Celeste you can check out Here.

It’s likely you’ll start from Highway #1, the main highway from North – South in Guanacaste. Just before you reach a town called Canas, there’s a built up highway overpass with a turn on Highway #6. Take this road for about 45 minutes. Be prepared to use caution – on our way back from the tour there was very heavy rain. If this happens, slow down and put your hazard lights on.

When you arrive at Bijagua de Upala, you’ll find a small town with supermarkets, restaurants and gift shops. This town is the main stop before tourists continue on to Rio Celeste. Fortunately, the Sloth Tour is only a few minutes outside of town. 

As you pass “Pizzeria El Barrigon”, turn on the next street to the right. From there, I suggest using Waze or Google Maps to guide you to the Reception Area. 

view of the mountains
View of the mountains from the reception area

Check In With Staff

When we arrived, we called the listed phone number and several staff/guides came down to meet us. The number is:

516-6262-5496

If you’re looking to confirm that the business will be open before you head there, call or text them ahead.

We had a tour guide, Tristan, who offered to show us around the property. The price was $12 USD for adults and $5 USD for kids. Be sure to give a bit extra to the tour guide as a tip, as they do lots of work and are very knowledgeable. 

unique plant in costa rica
Shampoo Ginger Plants - Zingiber Zerumbet

Sloths & More

As our guide explained, the sun was out so the sloths will be more active. We managed to see two adolescent sloths fairly close to the ground. It was great for the kids to see, and made for some awesome photos. Our guide also pointed out a few bigger sloths, relaxing higher in the trees.

This location is also a farm, and they have a small animal section. The kids loved holding rabbits and guinea pigs. There’s also several areas with various trees like plantains that can be tasted.

Tree frogs were spotted on some trees, they are very well camouflaged. Without a guide, we’d for certain not have seen them. Tristan pointed out their eggs attached to a few leaves as well. 

These are a few examples of cool things we experienced on the tour. There’s lots more that you can check out for yourself when you visit.

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FAQ: Sloth Ecological Farm

  • What is the best time to visit the Sloth Ecological Farm?
    The farm is open year-round, but the dry season (December to April) usually offers the best weather for visiting. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for seeing sloths and other wildlife.

  • How much does it cost to visit the Sloth Ecological Farm?
    Admission prices vary depending on the type of tour you choose. General entry fees typically range between $5 – $15 per person, and a tip for great service.

  • Can I see sloths up close at the farm?
    Yes, the farm is designed to allow visitors to observe sloths in their natural habitat. While the sloths are not kept in enclosures, they are commonly seen in the trees throughout the farm.

  • Is the Sloth Ecological Farm suitable for children?
    Absolutely! The farm is family-friendly, and children will enjoy learning about sloths and other wildlife. The trails are relatively easy, making it a good experience for kids.

  • Are there guided tours available at the farm?
    Yes, guided tours are available and recommended for those who want to learn more about the sloths and other wildlife on the farm. These tours often include knowledgeable guides who share insights about the animals and their habitats.

  • How long should I plan to spend at the Sloth Ecological Farm?
    Most visitors spend around 2 to 3 hours exploring the farm. If you opt for a guided tour, plan for about 3 hours to fully enjoy the experience.

  • What should I bring for my visit to the farm?
    It’s a good idea to bring comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera. If you’re visiting during the rainy season, consider bringing a rain jacket or umbrella. 

  • Is there a place to eat at the Sloth Ecological Farm?
    The farm typically has a small café or snack area where visitors can purchase light refreshments. However, it’s a good idea to check in advance or bring your own snacks. The nearby town of Bijagua de Upala has dining and supermarket options.

  • Do I need to book my visit to the farm in advance?
    Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. This ensures that you have a spot on any guided tours and helps the farm manage the number of visitors.

  • Are there any other animals or attractions to see at the Sloth Ecological Farm?
    In addition to sloths, the farm is home to various other animals like frogs, birds, and butterflies. The farm also features beautiful walking trails through the forest, offering a chance to enjoy the natural scenery.