Santa Cruz: Wildlife Sanctuary and Preservation Park Tour

The most memorable part of this day is the close look at rescued Bolivian wildlife. AFASI Foundation cares for about 500 animals, including five monkey species, pumas, coatis, foxes, toucans, macaws, turtles, and wild pigs. The setting is simple and personal rather than polished, which lets you focus on the animals and the people caring for them.

I like the chance to meet young monkeys in the sanctuary’s kindergarten, and I like that the day includes two walks through swamps, lagoons, and forest instead of stopping at animal enclosures. The guides, including Urs and Julio, bring strong personal commitment to the work. The main drawback is the roughly one-hour taxi ride each way, and you should confirm the vehicle has seat belts before setting out.

Key points to know before you book

• About 500 rescued animals: See monkeys, pumas, coatis, martens, foxes, birds, turtles, and wild pigs.
• Two different walks: The sanctuary tour lasts about 90 minutes, followed by a 2 to 3 hour nature walk adjusted to the weather and your wishes.
• A personal foundation visit: Urs and the AFASI team explain why animals are there and how they are cared for.
• Wetlands and tropical plants: Look for caimans, water turtles, frogs, reptiles, sloths, wild monkeys, and birds.
• Lunch is part of the day: A typical Bolivian meal and a vegetarian option are included.
• Come prepared for heat and insects: Wear long pants and closed shoes, and bring water and bug spray.

Meeting AFASI’s rescued animals

Your day begins with pickup at your accommodation in Santa Cruz. The drive to the AFASI Foundation takes about an hour, so this is not a quick city outing. You leave the city behind and reach a more rural setting where the foundation’s animal work takes place.

On arrival, you receive a fruit juice before the first walk. That small welcome helps set the tone: this is a working animal refuge with a warm, home-style feel, not a large commercial zoo.

The sanctuary visit lasts about 90 minutes. A guide leads you around the animal areas and explains the habits, backgrounds, and needs of the creatures in their care. The strongest part of the visit is the variety. You may see five types of monkeys, pumas, coatis, martens, foxes, wild pigs, toucans, macaws, and land turtles in one morning.

The foundation’s focus gives these animals a different meaning from a standard wildlife park. You are not simply ticking species off a list. You learn why certain animals need protection and what it takes to provide them with a safe place.

The guides make a real difference here. Urs is closely associated with the foundation and often takes a personal role in welcoming visitors and explaining the animals. Julio has also led the nature walk, while Monica, Jorge, and Benji have been part of the friendly team. The exact guide may vary, but the personal approach is central to the visit.

The monkey kindergarten and close animal encounters

The young monkeys are one of the most distinctive parts of the sanctuary. In the kindergarten area, you can see them at close range and, depending on the animals’ condition, you may be allowed to touch them.

That qualification matters. Animal welfare comes first, so handling is not guaranteed. You should follow the guide’s directions and avoid treating the encounter like a petting zoo. The rules also ban feeding animals, making noise, touching plants, and bringing food into the park.

The close setting can be especially rewarding for anyone interested in animal care. You get a better sense of the individual animals rather than only seeing them at a distance. At the same time, the rustic setup may not suit you if you expect formal exhibits, extensive signs, or a highly designed visitor center.

Tortoises are another memorable feature. They move freely enough to make the walk feel lively, and you may find yourself stepping aside as they wander across the path. Depending on the day and the animals’ condition, there may be chances to feed tortoises, but you should only do so when the staff permits it.

A second walk through swamps and lagoons

After a short break, you leave the main sanctuary for the surrounding nature area. This second part gives the day more variety and helps explain the setting in which local wildlife lives.

The route passes through swamps and along picturesque lagoons. Caimans may appear, and water turtles are expected. Weather affects what else you see. Frogs and other reptiles are possible, while sloths, wild monkeys, and many kinds of birds require good timing and some luck.

The walk is not presented as a demanding wilderness expedition. Its length can be adjusted to suit your preferences, but the full day includes about two to three hours of guided hiking across the two walks. Paths may become muddy, especially after wet weather, so wear shoes you do not mind getting dirty.

One unusual feature of the forest is its mix of plants from three climate zones: the Gran Chaco, the Amazon, and areas influenced by nearby Amboro National Park. That makes the plant life a key part of the outing. The guide points out the flora and explains how tropical Bolivia supports different forms of plant life close together.

You should keep your expectations sensible. This is not an Amazon expedition, and wildlife sightings in the forest are never certain. It is better suited to someone who enjoys looking carefully, learning about the habitat, and appreciating smaller discoveries than to someone seeking guaranteed close views of wild animals.

Lunch with the foundation team

Lunch comes at the foundation’s homely restaurant. A typical Bolivian meal is included, along with a vegetarian option. The food adds practical value to the trip because you do not need to arrange a separate meal during a full day away from Santa Cruz.

The setting is part of the appeal. Wild monkeys may watch from nearby while you eat, and lunch gives you time to speak with the team about the animals and the foundation’s work. The meal is often described as generous and tasty, with the homemade quality fitting the informal atmosphere.

If you have dietary needs beyond the stated vegetarian option, check in advance. The supplied information confirms a vegetarian meal, but it does not provide a full list of special diets.

The heat can build by lunchtime. Bring enough water, even though the day begins with a welcome drink. A wet towel has been provided on at least one visit, but you should not rely on that. Water, sun protection, and insect repellent will make the day more comfortable.

Transport, timing, and comfort

Pickup directly from your accommodation is included, which is useful in Santa Cruz. You do not need to find the foundation on your own, and the driver handles the long road journey.

The return to Santa Cruz is scheduled for no later than 3 pm. The exact starting time depends on availability, so check the departure details when booking. In practical terms, plan on most of the day being occupied once pickup and the one-hour drive are included.

Transport comfort may vary. One vehicle was described as air-conditioned and equipped with seat belts, while another visitor reported a taxi without seat belts. That is worth taking seriously. Ask the operator to confirm the vehicle before departure, especially if you are uneasy on rural roads.

The small-group format is another benefit. One outing had only four people, allowing the guide to answer questions and adjust the walk. The published description says the tour is guided in small groups, but it does not give a fixed maximum size.

The tour information highlights Spanish, English, and German availability, while the live-guide details specifically list Spanish. If you need English or German, confirm that language before paying. This is a simple step that can make a major difference to how much you learn.

What the $85 price includes

At $85 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day outside Santa Cruz. It is also more than a basic transport-and-entrance outing. The price includes hotel pickup, the ride to and from the foundation, park entry, a welcome drink, a small-group guide, the animal sanctuary visit, the nature walks, and lunch.

That bundle gives the cost reasonable value if you want a full day with direct support for a conservation project. You are paying not only for access, but also for the guide’s explanations and the foundation’s animal care work.

The value is strongest for visitors who would otherwise need to arrange transport, entrance, food, and a guide separately. It is less compelling if you only want a short wildlife stop or prefer to explore independently.

Gratuity is not included. You can budget a tip if the guide and driver provide good service, but it is optional.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Santa Cruz plans may shift, though you should still check the current booking conditions.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this tour if you care about animal welfare and want to support a small, hands-on foundation. It suits families, couples, solo visitors, and anyone interested in tropical plants as much as animal sightings.

It is also a good choice if you want a guided introduction to the natural areas around Santa Cruz without committing to a multi-day jungle trip. You get a manageable taste of wetlands, forest, reptiles, birds, and local plant life in one day.

The tour may be less suitable if you dislike heat, mud, insects, or long vehicle rides. It is also not the right match if you expect a polished zoo, guaranteed sloth sightings, or a quiet walk with no animal-care setting.

Pack long pants, closed-toe shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, water, and insect repellent. Do not bring sandals or flip flops. You must not feed animals, make noise, touch plants, bring food, or bring pets.

Should you book the AFASI Foundation tour?

Book it if your priority is a personal animal encounter combined with a modest nature walk and a meal in a working conservation setting. The combination of young monkeys, pumas, tropical birds, turtles, wetlands, and a guide who cares deeply about the animals gives the day real character.

Skip it if you want a shorter outing, guaranteed sightings, or a highly polished visitor facility. Also confirm your preferred tour language and transport safety before booking.

For the right visitor, the $85 fee covers a useful amount of time and supports a meaningful local project. I would treat the sanctuary visit as the main event, with the forest walk and lunch making the day feel complete.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

It is a full-day activity, with return transportation to Santa Cruz planned for no later than 3 pm. The drive to the foundation takes about one hour each way.

What animals can I see?

The sanctuary has about 500 animals. Possible sightings include five species of monkeys, pumas, coatis, martens, wild pigs, foxes, toucans, macaws, and land turtles.

Can I touch the monkeys?

You may be able to touch young monkeys in the kindergarten area, depending on the animals’ condition and the guide’s instructions. It is not guaranteed.

Will I see caimans?

Caimans are likely during the walk through the swamps and around the lagoons, but sightings cannot be guaranteed. Water turtles are expected.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A typical Bolivian lunch is included, and a vegetarian option is available.

What languages are offered?

The activity information states that Spanish, English, and German are available. The live-guide details specifically list Spanish, so confirm your preferred language before booking.

What should I wear?

Wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and clothing suitable for the weather. Avoid sandals and flip flops, and choose shoes that can handle possible mud.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Pickup from your accommodation in Santa Cruz and return transportation are included. The trip to the foundation takes about an hour.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve-now, pay-later booking is also available.