Zoo Ave Costa Rica: Animal Rescue Center Near Grecia and Alajuela

Mar 1

3 min read

We normally have mixed feelings about zoos, because we believe it is much nicer to see wildlife where it belongs: in the wild. However, our experience at Zoo Ave in Costa Rica was different.

Zoo Ave is an animal rescue and rehabilitation center where visitors can see a variety of Costa Rican wildlife. The animals that are on display are there because they cannot be returned to the wild, for example because of permanent injuries, or because they are undergoing rehabilitation with the goal of eventually being released.

For us, that made visiting Zoo Ave feel very different from visiting a traditional zoo.

It is also a great opportunity to see some of Costa Rica's wildlife up close that can be difficult to spot in the wild.

What we liked about Zoo Ave

There are several things that made our visit to Zoo Ave enjoyable:

It's more than just a wildlife center. Zoo Ave is also a beautiful botanical garden, with plenty of plants, flowers and greenery. Walking around the grounds is a pleasant experience in itself.
You can learn about Costa Rican wildlife. Throughout the park, there are signs with clear and accessible information about the different species. They also explain topics such as why wild animals should not be kept as pets and how the rehabilitation process works.
The paths are wheelchair friendly. The paths throughout the center are suitable for visitors using wheelchairs.
It's family friendly. There are several playgrounds and other areas where children can have fun, making Zoo Ave a good activity for families traveling with kids.
Don't miss the ice cream! They sell delicious artisanal ice cream, which is a nice treat after walking around the center.
Combine your visit with a nursery or garden center. Zoo Ave is located in the La Garita area of Alajuela, which is well known for its many nurseries and garden centers. If you have your own car, you could combine your visit with a stop at Vivero Central La Garita, one of the larger garden centers in the area.

Is Zoo Ave worth the price?

Some visitors find Zoo Ave a little expensive, and it is certainly not the cheapest activity in the area.

For us, however, the animal rescue and rehabilitation aspect made the entrance fee feel worthwhile. Knowing that the center's work is connected to wildlife conservation and rehabilitation gave us a much better feeling about spending the money there.

As always, we recommend checking the current entrance fees and opening hours before visiting, as these can change.

How to get to Zoo Ave from Grecia

One of the advantages of staying at Mangífera Hostel in Grecia is that Zoo Ave is relatively close by.

By car

The easiest way to get from Grecia to Zoo Ave is by car. From Mangífera Hostel, it takes less than 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic.

You can use Waze for directions.

By public bus

You can also visit Zoo Ave from Grecia using public transportation.

First, take the bus from Grecia to Alajuela. The bus leaves from this bus station in Grecia.

Once you arrive at the main bus station in Alajuela, look for the bus going to La Garita.

The La Garita bus stops close to Zoo Ave, making public transportation a possible option if you don't have a car. Ask the bus driver or a local to point you toward the correct bus and stop.

Keep in mind that traveling by bus will take considerably longer than going by car, so allow plenty of extra time for the journey.

Visiting Zoo Ave from Mangífera Hostel

If you are staying at Mangífera Hostel in Grecia and are looking for things to do in the area, Zoo Ave is an interesting day-trip option, especially if you are interested in Costa Rican wildlife, animal conservation and nature.

These photos give you a small impression of what you can expect at Zoo Ave. We visited on a rainy day and still had a great time!

Planning a trip to Costa Rica? Staying in Grecia can be a convenient way to explore the Central Valley and visit nearby attractions while experiencing a less touristy part of Costa Rica.