Fodor's Expert Review Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica

This full-fledged nature center a few miles northwest of Cahuita is well worth a stop. Many of the sloths that live on the premises are here because of illness or injury and are not on display to the public, but Buttercup, the very first of their charges, holds court in the nature-focused gift shop. She has been joined by Leno, a Bradypus male—that's one of the two sloth species found in Costa Rica—who can be found in the aquarium. A visit is a good way to learn about these little-known animals. Your admission contributes to further care and research by the good-hearted folks who operate the facility. Reservations are required for a special insider's tour ($150) that takes you behind the scenes into the sloth clinic and nursery.