Proyecto Asis
Proyecto Asis
5
About
Previous Reservation is required. Proyecto Asis is a Wildlife Shelter and Environmental Education Center located very close to La Fortuna. Wild animals which have been found wounded, forsaken or are rescued from the black market by the local forest rangers are brought here. Those that cannot be released are used within our educational programs. In order to finance our shelter, we offer daily tours and volunteer activities. Schedules: Monday to Saturday at 8:30 am or at 1:00 pm. Sundays Closed. Easy access facilities and trails for all ages.
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
1,770 reviews
Excellent
1,503
Very good
197
Average
44
Poor
16
Terrible
10
Mik1984
Guildford, UK279 contributions
Apr 2022
We did both tours; the sloth tour and the animal rescue sanctuary tour, one after each other. Both tours were excellent, our guides were very knowledgeable.
We saw many sloths on the tour, including 2 sloths (separately) both with a baby. Well worth the tour and to support Proyecto Asis for the good work they do.
We saw many sloths on the tour, including 2 sloths (separately) both with a baby. Well worth the tour and to support Proyecto Asis for the good work they do.
Written 23 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hola Mik1984!
Many thanks for your feedback! We are happy you have enjoyed both activities with us. Thanks for your support because this way, we can continue with our Conservation programs, one of them to place more aerial bridges for the sloths and avoid electrocutions.
Written 23 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kerry5h
Lichfield, UK14 contributions
Dec 2022
This is a must do for all visitors to Costa Rica, it was real eye opener and well worth the money we paid, you are investing in this amazing sanctuary! There were 4 of us and our guide Carlos who had excellent English was just brilliant. He answered all of our questions and educated us in a very light hearted way. We recommended this trip to everyone we met and passed on the message we had been taught do not interact with any wildlife in Costa Rica.
Written 18 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi Kerry5h!
We are fortunate to have visitors like you that understand our message and want to give us a hand with telling other friends about avoiding negative interactions with wildlife.
Written 23 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wanderer
26 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
If you haven’t seen toucans, macaws in the wild while in the Arenal area, go to this rescue. You will see them pretty close and you will get educated on the rescue they do. Carlos the guide was very knowledgeable and gave a good presentation.
Written 13 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hola Anggala12!
Our gratitude to you for coming and recommending us to other travelers!
Written 16 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tara M
Boston, MA17 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
We absolutely loved this experience. Our guide for the tour was so engaging and funny that even my teenagers laughed! We learned so much about the animals and the mission of the shelter, and really enjoyed preparing food for the animals and building toys to hide the food in. This was expensive but a great cause and not to be missed.
Written 12 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hello tieslmysfreski!
Thank you so much for the feedback! If your teenagers want to share a Live Virtual Tour with their classmates and show them our facility, please get in touch with our coworker Adriana (adriana@asis.cr), who will schedule it on Zoom.
Written 12 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kerry Q
Dana Point, CA92 contributions
We were in Costa Rica celebrating my mom’s 80th birthday and Proyecto Asis was her top choice of things she wanted to do while we were there. We booked a wildlife tour and volunteering however due to airline delays she didn’t get to Costa Rica in time for our scheduled tour. Proyecto Asis was very accommodating last minute helping us reschedule our tour and then us showing up 1 hour late due to other delays. They still made sure we were given a very informative, educational, and overall amazing experience. Our guide Carlos was so passionate in caring for the wildlife and educating us in how we can help. Preparing the food and helping to make toys for the animals was one of the highlights of our trip. We had teenagers who weren’t initially too invested in going on the tour but ended up thoroughly enjoying seeing and learning about all the animals Proyecto Asis care
for. Carlos made sure we were all engaged, learning and enjoying our tour. We sponsored animals too as a gift to our mom and she was presented with a very nice certificate and was able to see the specific animals she was supporting. They even ended the tour with a birthday cake for our mom. Highly recommend this tour!
for. Carlos made sure we were all engaged, learning and enjoying our tour. We sponsored animals too as a gift to our mom and she was presented with a very nice certificate and was able to see the specific animals she was supporting. They even ended the tour with a birthday cake for our mom. Highly recommend this tour!
Written 6 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dear Kquinnca,
Greetings from all of us here at the Project.
We thank you for letting us be part of this special celebration for your mom! Moments like this make us feel that we are doing things right.
Warm hugs to you all!
Written 12 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Eric-Viet L
La Prairie, Canada1 contribution
Jan 2023
We went to the project expecting to see a refuge for sloths with a veterinarian and rehabilitation clinics. Our guide Johnny told us that the clinic had been closed since the 2020 pandemics and that we would try to spot sloths in the wild. There was only one and he then told us that they travelled towards the near mountains. Which means that you can actually do the tour without even seeing a sloth. He gave us good explanations anout the lifecycle and characteristics of the sloth but the tour lasted 45 minutes and he then told us that his favorite part of the tour was at the end: cofee and cookies. That was a poor consolation for the entire group who was evidently disappointed. The other side of the project, the animal rescue tour and volunteering activities, might be active but the sloth tour offered on the website and described in guide books is misleading. You try to observe sloths in wild nature over a 500 square meter zone so your chances to see one are slim. They should combine the sloth and animal rescue tours so that you actually get to see animals on top of being educated.
Written 6 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hello Eric-Viet L,
First of all, please accept our apologies because the experience wasn't pleasant for you that day. We met with the tour guide and talked to him about your dissatisfaction. We care about customer service, and reviews like yours matter to us.
Second, I want to clarify a few things:
The Costa Rican Government doesn't allow visitors to go to rehabilitation areas and see animals in the clinic. Why not? Because in a process like this, only the veterinarian and biologist will be the staff in charge of taking care of animals. The clinic you saw at the property in the sloth area has been closed because the other one we have at the wildlife area is the one we use for emergencies. Last year it was mostly about sloths that got electrocuted and came in a horrible conditions.
Proyecto Asis plus the sloth area has in total 5 hectares. We have been tracking how many wild sloths we see during the sloth tour on the properties, and yes, sometimes it happens we see one, two, or a maximum of 6 (including one or two mamas and a small one with each). Moving to other areas is something we can expect from animals that are free in the forest. That day, according to our notes, we saw two two-toed sloths during the tour. On other days we saw three or four because a mama with a baby had been visiting the property.
We asked Johnny why he said, "his favorite part of the tour was at the end: coffee and cookies." He told us he wanted to be friendly. Maybe he was misunderstood.
Written 6 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robyn J
25 contributions
Dec 2022
We did this tour and at first I was a little bored, it felt like a zoo experience. Then we prepped the food and fed them animals and that was great.
It wasn't until we did a safari later that day and saw other animals on our trip that I realized how much we learned with Johnny and how great it was we got to see the animals up close as most of the animals we say in the wild were much farther away.
I would recommend this and do the volunteer part- it was fun making the food.
It wasn't until we did a safari later that day and saw other animals on our trip that I realized how much we learned with Johnny and how great it was we got to see the animals up close as most of the animals we say in the wild were much farther away.
I would recommend this and do the volunteer part- it was fun making the food.
Written 3 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hola RobynJ176!
Happy New Year 2023 to you and your family!
Wow! It is so nice when you said, "It wasn't until we did a safari later that day and saw other animals on our trip that I realized how much we learned with Johnny." You don't have an idea how much it means to us! Happy to be part of your trip and experience as well! Thank you so much for coming.
Written 3 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Megan A
14 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
I am so glad that we did this. It it was very educational— not just about the animals, their habits and habitat, but also about humans and how we impact the ecosystem often in negative ways. It was eye-opening to hear the stories of the particular animals we saw and how their lives and behavior have been changed by humans. Our family very much enjoyed the tour, and we appreciate the work that the center is doing on behalf of these remarkable creatures. At the end the center provided us with a lovely snack and coffee break, which was unexpected and sweet. Make the trip and support this work!
Written 2 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hola F779NRmegana!
Happy New Year to you and your family!
Thank you so much for your feedback about your experience with us.
As you said, unfortunately, in the past years, we have impacted the ecosystems in many ways, and the animals suffer the consequences. But, the objective of our Wildlife Tour is to know how we can contribute with little things that will mean a lot if all of us do it. The Ethical Code we share with our visitors about the "Stop Animal Selfies" campaign has 8 recommendations about how to avoid negative interactions with animals during your vacation and daily life as well.
We appreciate your review because we are sure, you can help us to spread the word with your family and friends about this important message.
Written 3 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Annabel R
London, UK8 contributions
I find this difficult to review because the place is perfectly nice and the animals are well looked after. However, it is inexplicably expensive for the quality of the tour and ‘volunteering’. I note that all the 5 star reviews had Carlos as the guide, but we didn’t. Our guide was OK, but certainly not all that enthusiastic or entertaining, and our 3 children didn’t learn all that much to be honest. We paid about $50 (US dollars) per person as our kids are 10, 10 and 11 so I paid the adult rate. The volunteering part basically means weighing out and chopping up food for the animals. However, our family of 5 ‘adults’ had to prepare the same amount t of food as a couple meaning is parents basically paid to do nothing! On top of this, half the ingredients were missing!
We had a perfectly fine afternoon here, but for US$250 there’s no way I could give anymore than 2/5 stars and other tours/activities are far superior. We have since done a 2h sloth tour (different company) for half the price where we had a super knowledgeable and exciting guide and we were given lots of fresh fruit snacks. And also white water rafting which was outstanding and cost only $50 more for all 5 of us (and included transportation, fruits, lunch, equipment, professional enthusiastic guides, etc).
We had a perfectly fine afternoon here, but for US$250 there’s no way I could give anymore than 2/5 stars and other tours/activities are far superior. We have since done a 2h sloth tour (different company) for half the price where we had a super knowledgeable and exciting guide and we were given lots of fresh fruit snacks. And also white water rafting which was outstanding and cost only $50 more for all 5 of us (and included transportation, fruits, lunch, equipment, professional enthusiastic guides, etc).
Written 24 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hello Mrs. annabelrichards12345
Thank you so much for your feedback; we appreciate your sincerity in your comments. About the tour guides that work with us, this is the first review we get when people express that they weren't happy with one of them, and as I mentioned, we appreciate your comments that helped us improve what is needed.
The price we charge for the activity allows us to use this money for different purposes:
1- Paying for the Veterinarian and taking primary care of the residents.
2- Attending emergencies of wildlife that have suffered accidents in the area and will need medical care.
3- Contributing to other Conservation projects where we are situated, like the one with work with Coopelesca (local electricity company) to prevent animals from getting electrocuted in the power lines.
I understand you compared the activities you did in the area and the prices you paid. But, we do not work for the same purposes, and the other companies don't attend to the same responsibilities we do.
We are not sure if you are aware of all the problems we are facing in the La Fortuna area with the illegal trade of sloths and how they have disappeared in the area in the last few months. Some tourists have reported seeing many of them on tours in small properties, which is not according to the natural behavior of this particular animal.
Written 27 December 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lior M
5 contributions
An amazing place that does good in the world (in most places close encounters with animals are only possible because they where trapped and brought there, what harms them). We were there with an 8 years old. We got to meet monkeys, parrots and other animals that were rescued and will eventually be released back to nature, and the guidance was great. Deeply recommend staying for the feeding.
Written 28 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hola LiorM105,
Thanks for your review! Most wildlife here at the project used to be pets, living with Costarican families. Our Wildlife and Conservation Law doesn't allow that anymore. Our responsibility is to take good care of them and contribute to Environmental Education to avoid similar situations in the near future.
Written 30 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SnappleSpice
New York City, NY492 contributions
What is the best way to get to Proyecto Asis from La Fortuna? I will not have a car, but I assume I will be able to arrange taxis to and from my Airbnb?
bibichounette
Crepy-en-Valois, France32 contributions
Bonsoir,
Nous partons en couple en avril : savez-vous s'il est possible de faire une visite + bénévolat pour une personne et juste accompagnateur pour l'autre ?
Mon mari aime les animaux mais ne souhaite pas leur donner à manger : malheureusement, je ne me vois pas le laisser seul à l'entrée à m'attendre pendant plus d'une heure ...
Merci d'avance
asisproject
La Fortuna1 contribution
Salut!
C'est possible.
Par exemple, parfois, les parents paient le «Tour + Volontariat» pour leurs enfants et ils ne paient que le «tour régulier» (cependant, les parents attendent à la réception que la partie supplémentaire de leurs enfants se termine).
melkaulback
Newfoundland, Canada2 contributions
Why type of interaction do you get with the animals during the wildlife and volunteering tour? Looking to get involved and would like to know how involved you actually get. I’ve heard nothing but excellent things about this sanctuary and would like to know a little more before we make the journey there.
JCM
Gallatin, TN42 contributions
I think it might depend on what animals are present when you visit. But if my memory is correct, the animals that are able to be rehabilitated & returned to the wild will not have any ( unnecessary) human interaction. The others, that cannot be rehabilitated, have minimal human contact because they are trying to provide the most natural habitat as possible for them. Having said that- we were able to have brief contact at the end of the day with some small monkeys... they took pieces of fruit from our hands...Great fun! We really enjoyed our time here!
jennsw1237
Cincinnati, OH132 contributions
We are staying at the Springs resort that I believe also has an animal sanctuary. Would this experience be different or somewhat the same? Your reviews are amazing ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ProyectoAsisCR
La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica
Hi dear jennsw1237,
I must tell you the situation and experience is quite different; however, if you are only interested in seeing animals the place can be good. Our tour is more focused on education about wildlife. You can find out more checking reviews we have received.
Laura M
2 contributions
Hi
Is it possible to arrange a transfer from Hotel Paraiso tomorrow or Saturday and do you have availability for the interactive experience?
Many thanks
Laura
ProyectoAsisCR
La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica
Hi Laura,
Please give us a call, so the the reservations department can help you with details about availability and transportation.
Laura M
2 contributions
Hi
Is it possible to arrange a transfer from Hotel Paraiso tomorrow or Saturday and do you have availability for the interactive experience?
Many thanks
Laura
LunaySol09
Fredericton, Canada39 contributions
Hi. I just wanted to let you know that you sent yoour question about a transfer from Hotel Paraiso to Pryecto Asis to the TripAdvisor website, not to Proyecto Asis. If you did not hear from them, that is why.
Troglodyte75
L'Assomption, Canada447 contributions
Hello!
We will stop on our way to Arenal, probably with our luggage in the car. Is the parking safe?
Barry S
Stockton, NJ255 contributions
Yes. The place is somewhat secluded. The parking area is right by the main entrance and is visible to the receptionist. There's no one wandering around the area who doesn't belong to the place.
jesiloggia
Rosario, Argentina29 contributions
Hola! me gustaria saber si realmente es un lugar de rehabilitacion o si es mas similar a un zoologico, amo a los animales y no me gustaria asistir a un lugar q se asemeja a un zoologico, graicas
asisproject
La Fortuna1 contribution
Hi,
There are several facts that makes us different from a zoo. All the animals that we care for are here because they needed help. We do our best to release as many of those in need as possible, but it is not always possible. The tours mention the situations of the animals and why they stay or why they go back. We also talk about conservation and prevention topics related to wildlife. You can find more info on facebook.
Rodney D
27 contributions
food available here
asisproject
La Fortuna1 contribution
We are just opening a restaurant, so probably when you come it will be open. We open today!
Rhea C
Chinnor, UK149 contributions
Hello!
I am having trouble getting on touch with Viator about this trip and another one that has been booked!
Have tried email and a text asking them to whatsapp as I have a British phone and cannot afford to call
tried downloading their app but no way to contact them on there!!!
has anyone had the same issues and knows the best way to contact??
thought would be good company as in connection with Trip advisor!!
need to contact them asap around dates and locations!
Thank you
asisproject
La Fortuna1 contribution
You can contact us directly through our website. However, in this particular case we would need you to book through them as you intentionally tried this way.
We can help you with information about availability.
Proyecto Asis (La Fortuna de San Carlos) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Proyecto Asis
- We recommend booking Proyecto Asis 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 3 Proyecto Asis tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Proyecto Asis:
- (1.77 km) Tree Houses Hotel Costa Rica
- (6.07 km) Finca Luna Nueva Lodge
- (4.92 km) Heliconias Nature inn
- (6.45 km) Hotel San Rafael Ecolodge
- (15.44 km) Tifakara Boutique Hotel & Birding Oasis
- Restaurants near Proyecto Asis:
- (14.06 km) Tiquicia Restaurant
- (15.41 km) D´mi Tierra. Comida típica
- (15.42 km) Restaurante Travesia
- (15.23 km) Chipotle's
- (15.20 km) Chifa La Familia Feliz