You will absolutely love San José after this experience.
Guided by young biologists, you will discover nature hiding in the middle of Costa Rica's largest city.
Experience wildlife you wouldn't have imagined existed minutes away from downtown, using all your senses.
We are Oropopo Experience, an organization aiming to transform tourism in Costa Rica while supporting young scientists, researchers, and local entrepreneurs.
From May to November, we recommend the morning slot, though afternoons are also enjoyable.
✓ Telescope or binoculars for bird and sloth watching✓ All Fees and Taxes✓ Local English speaking guide✕ Food and drinks✕ Hotel pickup and drop-off✕ Luggage storage✕ Rain jacket or umbrellas✕ Footwear✕ Water✕ Sunscreen or insect repellent1 Universidad de Costa Rica
We will visit the Campus of the University of Costa Rica, which contains some of the largest forest patches in the San José Metro Area.
During our first stop, we will search for resident and migratory birds, fascinating insects, and beautiful plants and flowers. We will discuss art, history, indigenous culture, and most importantly, nature.
Next, we will explore the main campus, looking for freely roaming sloths. Hopefully, we will even spot the two different species native to our country.
Please note: This is not a rescue center or sloth sanctuary tour. You will not be able to touch the sloths. If found, they will be observed in their natural habitat, which often means they will be sleeping in trees. Nevertheless, our tour offers the best chance for true nature lovers to see sloths in San Jose.
This is a 2.5-hour walking tour. Some sections will be exposed to intense sunlight. While not a strenuous walk, please consider your physical condition.
· 2 h 30 min
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking.
Meet across the street from Ondina Café & Restaurant (not inside).
Your guide will be wearing an “Oropopo Experience” T-shirt and will have a telescope.
Small bags are acceptable, but we cannot store large suitcases.
Closed-toe shoes are mandatory; please avoid sandals, flip-flops, heels, or open footwear.
Service animals are permitted. Public transportation options are conveniently located nearby. This tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Luggage storage is not available. Closed-toe shoes are required. Private Tour Private Public Tour Book the morning slot between May and November for the best experience. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes. Be prepared for potential sunlight exposure. Bring your own water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Respect wildlife and observe from a distance. For a full refund, please cancel at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 158476P1
Activity offered by Oropopo Experience via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Nature lovers Wildlife enthusiasts Eco-conscious travelers Discover hidden nature within San Jose. Guided by knowledgeable young biologists. Observe sloths and diverse bird species. Engage all senses with the natural environment. Support conservation efforts with your booking.
Population 335,007 (2025)
Elevation 1,161 m
Currency Costa Rican colón
Official language Spanish
Driving on the right
Power plugs A, B · 120 V
Emergency number 911 Average temperatures 23° Jan 24° Feb 25° Mar 25° Apr 24° May 24° Jun 23° Jul 23° Aug 23° Sept 23° Oct 23° Nov 22° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
Can I touch the sloths? + No, this is not a rescue center or sloth sanctuary. Sloths will be observed in their natural habitat and should not be touched.
What should I wear? + Closed-toe shoes are required. Comfortable clothing suitable for walking and potential sunlight is recommended.
Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels? + Yes, this tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. It is a walking tour but not considered strenuous.
What happens if it rains? + The tour is designed to be enjoyable in most weather conditions, but rain gear is not provided. Consider bringing your own if rain is forecast.
Can I bring luggage? + Small bags are permitted, but large suitcases cannot be stored. Please plan accordingly.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Lots of Sloths
138reedf, October 2026
My girlfriend and I were looking for something to do on our last day in Costa Rica while in San Jose. We booked this tour as while we had seen a good number of animals touring our travels we hadn’t seen any sloths. We ended up finding 7 total during the tour including a mother with its baby. Our tour guide was great too translating as we went between English and Spanish.
★★★★★ Viator review
Sloths in San Jose? Who knew!
stacie_B, October 2026
This is a hidden gem in San Jose! Sloths, birds, plants and insects both native and non-native to Costa Rica The naturalist was very knowledgeable and engaging.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Highly recommend nature walk in SJ.
N8784LMrajeshp, October 2026
This nature walking tour was well paced and with well experienced guide Priscilla who explained well and gave lot of background info making the tour more interesting. We got lucky to watch sloths that were very active on that day made it extra special. Highly recommend even if you are not natural lover, we will learn a lot.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Sloths in San Jose!
S4202YUdavidh, October 2026
Our guide, Dariel, was very knowledgeable and interesting. He led our small bilingual group switching easily between Spanish and English and making sure everyone felt included. We saw sloths in the tree tops and Dariel helped us get photos. We also stopped to look at and learn about local plants and flowers, insects and birds. It was an enjoyable half day experience that allowed us to fit a little nature into our short stay in San Jose.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Wonderful nature experience in the city
JoshMooney, October 2026
Fantastic experience. Unreal looks at 3 sloths (1 on the ground). Beautiful butterfly garden and the grounds are excellent. Ismael is a star- passionate, knowledgeable and friendly!
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