Our Commitment to Wildlife Conservation in Katira
A family project born from love of the land, deep roots in Guatuso, and an unshakeable belief that wild animals should remain wild.
A Family Project Dedicated to the Sloths of Guatuso
Rio Celeste Sloth Garden began as a simple observation: our family’s property in La Florida de Katira was home to an extraordinary number of wild sloths, drawn by the mature Cecropia trees that grow throughout our land.
We grew up here, in the lowland rainforest of Guatuso, where Pura Vida isn’t just a phrase — it’s the rhythm of daily life. The forest has always been part of who we are.
When friends and travellers passing through on their way to Rio Celeste began asking to see our sloths, we realised we had something rare: a private forest where these animals were genuinely, naturally at home. We built simple trails, trained with expert naturalists, and opened our gates — not to create an attraction, but to share something we’ve always taken for granted.
«We don’t bring sloths here. They were always here. We just learned to see them — and then we learned to share what we see.»
Pura Vida Hospitality
Every visitor is treated like family. We speak English and Spanish, we answer WhatsApp personally, and we genuinely care that you leave with memories that will last a lifetime.
Local Roots
Born and raised in Katira, Guatuso
Conservation
No hunting · No deforestation
Expert Guides
Certified naturalist training
Community
All guides are local residents
Ethical Wildlife Viewing Policy
We strictly follow the internationally recognised standards for responsible wildlife tourism. These rules are not optional — they are the foundation of everything we do, and the reason our sloths remain healthy and naturally behaved.
No Touch
Physical contact with wild sloths causes stress, disrupts their slow metabolism, and can transfer human pathogens. We maintain a respectful distance at all times. No exceptions.
No Feed
Sloths have a highly specialised diet of Cecropia leaves and specific forest plants. Feeding them anything else — even fruit — can be fatal. They find all the nutrition they need in our forest.
No Flash · Low Noise
Loud noises and camera flashes stress wild animals. Our guides teach you to use spotting scopes and available light to get outstanding photos without disturbing the wildlife.
Protecting the Cecropia Forest of Katira
Every tour ticket sold helps fund active conservation of our private forest. We have committed to never clearing our Cecropia stands — the trees that the sloths depend on.
We also work with the local community to create sustainable livelihoods that don’t depend on deforestation or agricultural encroachment on wildlife habitat.
«We believe the best way to protect wildlife is to make it worth protecting — by showing people how extraordinary it truly is.»
Eco-tourism, done right, is conservation. When visitors experience the magic of a wild sloth in a Cecropia tree — through a spotting scope, with their own eyes, no bars, no cages — they become advocates for the forest forever.
Come Experience Pura Vida with Us
A family-owned reserve. A wild forest. And sloths living exactly as nature intended.