FURESA El Salvador: Wildlife, Nature Trails & Family Adventures
Looking for somewhere in El Salvador where your kids can see lions, jaguars, hippos, and monkeys? FURESA (Fundación Refugio Salvaje) is the closest thing to a zoo in El Salvador, but there’s much more to it than the animals.
FURESA El Salvador sits in the forested hills of Jayaque, La Libertad. It combines a wildlife refuge with forest trails, playgrounds, ziplining, and a waterfall viewpoint, so it works well for families who want a full day outdoors.
We recently visited FURESA El Salvador with our kids. Here’s what you should know before you go.
What Is FURESA?
FURESA is a nonprofit wildlife refuge that cares for animals, including endangered species, and teaches visitors about wildlife conservation. According to the refuge, all admission revenue goes toward caring for its animals.
The refuge covers about 220 manzanas (roughly 154 hectares, or 380 acres) of forest. It’s home to more than 100 animals from about 31 species.
FURESA isn’t a city zoo. You spend your visit walking forest trails, stopping at enclosures along the way, and enjoying the natural surroundings. For kids, it’s a chance to learn about animals and explore nature in a park with proper visitor facilities.
What Animals Can You See at FURESA?
The animals are the main attraction, especially for younger children. During our visit, we saw:
- Monkeys (lots of them!)
- Parrots
- Jaguars
- Hippos
- Bears
- Peacocks
- Giant tortoises
- Lions (from a distance)
The lions are always harder to spot. We could only see them from afar, so set your kids’ expectations ahead of time. FURESA also houses animals such as tigers, pumas, and tapirs. What you see on any given day depends on where the animals are and how visible they are.
Tip: Slow down at each enclosure. Instead of rushing to see everything, encourage your kids to watch how the animals move, behave, and interact with their surroundings.
Exploring the Nature Trails
Before you visit, know that there’s quite a bit of walking, including a long uphill stretch.
The refuge is spread across hilly, forested land. From the parking area, trails climb uphill to more enclosures and facilities.
The trails make the visit feel more like a nature adventure than a typical zoo trip. The climb can be hard for young children, older adults, or anyone who isn’t comfortable walking uphill.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, plenty of water, hats, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Our family packing guide for El Salvador has more ideas.
There’s a Transportation Option!
You don’t have to walk the whole way up. FURESA runs an internal shuttle that takes visitors toward the upper section of the refuge.
Transportation prices:
- Adults and children ages 5 and older: $3 per person
- Children under 5: FREE
- Older adults: FREE
The shuttle is especially helpful for families with toddlers or little ones who might struggle with the climb. Kids who like open-air vehicles may also enjoy the ride itself.
If you’re visiting with little ones, we recommend taking the shuttle so nobody is worn out before you’ve finished exploring.
More Things to Do at FURESA
Most people come for the animals, but the refuge offers other outdoor activities too.
Playgrounds
The playgrounds give kids a place to run, climb, and play.
There’s seating near the playground and food options at the entrance, so it’s a handy spot for a snack or meal.
Canopy Ziplining
Families with older kids or teens looking for more adventure can try FURESA’s canopy ziplining. There are two courses:
- Canopy Familiar: 10 cables, the more accessible of the two courses.
- Canopy Extremo: 12 cables, with longer and faster rides.
Ziplining costs extra. You can buy it as a package that includes park admission.
Age limits: FURESA doesn’t currently publish age, height, or weight requirements for the canopy. Older reports mention that children from age 6 could ride the family course, but this may have changed. If you’re planning to zipline with kids, contact FURESA before your visit to confirm the current requirements.
Waterfall Hike (Cascada El Chorrerón)
FURESA’s land includes forest, rivers, and waterfalls. If you want to explore beyond the animal areas, you can join an ecological walk to a viewpoint overlooking the El Chorrerón waterfall.
Good to know before you go:
- The waterfall hike costs extra ($5), separate from your park admission.
- It leads to a viewpoint only. You can look at the waterfall, but you can’t swim there, so don’t pack swimsuits expecting a dip.
- Hikes leave at set times, so ask about the schedule when you arrive or before your visit.
The hike is a better fit for families with older kids who enjoy walking. For toddlers and preschoolers, the main trails and enclosures will likely be plenty of adventure for one visit.
Food and Facilities
FURESA has two cafeteria areas where you can buy meals and snacks.
During our visit, the food area in the upper section was crowded and had fewer options.
We recommend eating near the entrance. We found more food choices there, comfortable seating, and a playground nearby. It’s a good place to take a break with the kids before or after exploring.
Outside food isn’t allowed, so plan to buy food inside the refuge.
Parking is available near the entrance.
FURESA El Salvador Entrance Prices (2026)
FURESA charges different admission rates for Salvadoran, Central American, and international visitors.
General Admission
| Visitor | Entrance Price |
|---|---|
| Salvadoran adults | $10 |
| Central American visitors | $20 |
| International visitors | $25 |
| Children under 10 | $8* |
| Children under 3 | FREE |
| Older adults | $5* |
*FURESA publishes these special rates for children and older adults but doesn’t say whether they apply to international visitors. If you’re visiting from abroad, confirm the children’s rates before you arrive.
Admission + Canopy Ziplining
| Visitor | Family Canopy | Extreme Canopy |
|---|---|---|
| Salvadorans | $25 | $30 |
| Central Americans | $35 | $40 |
| International visitors | $55 | $60 |
These packages include admission to the refuge plus the canopy course you choose.
Note: Prices can change. Check the FURESA visitor information page for current rates.
FURESA Opening Hours
Tuesday–Sunday: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Monday: Closed
Go early! Mornings are cooler, which makes the uphill trails much more comfortable for everyone, especially little ones. Arriving early also gives you time to explore without rushing.
Between the animals, the trails, the playgrounds, and a food stop, it’s easy to spend several hours here.
Where Is FURESA Located?
FURESA is in Jayaque, in the department of La Libertad.
Address: Km 36½, Carretera hacia Jayaque, Cantón Las Graditas, La Libertad.
It’s about an hour’s drive from San Salvador, depending on traffic. That makes it an easy day trip for families staying in San Salvador, Santa Tecla, or nearby areas.
Heads up about the last stretch: the final section of road leading to the FURESA entrance is unpaved dirt and can be a bit bumpy. Any regular car should make it fine, just take it slow. For more tips on getting around, see our guide to driving in El Salvador.
For directions and more information, visit FURESA.
Tips for Visiting FURESA El Salvador with Kids
Here’s what we recommend based on our visit:
1. Arrive early. Mornings are cooler, and you’ll have plenty of time to explore without rushing.
2. Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be walking trails, including uphill sections.
3. Drive slowly on the final stretch. The last part of the road to the entrance is a bumpy dirt road. You don’t need a 4×4, but take your time.
4. Bring water, hats, sunscreen, and insect repellent. You’ll be outdoors for most of your visit.
5. Take the internal shuttle. For $3 per person, it makes the visit much easier for families with young children. Kids under 5 and older adults ride free. I would recommend going for the hike if you have kids older than 5.
6. Plan your food stop. We preferred the food near the entrance, near to the playground.
Is FURESA El Salvador Worth Visiting with Kids?
If your children love animals and being outdoors, FURESA is worth a trip.
It’s one of the few places in El Salvador where families can see large animals like jaguars and hippos and also spend a day exploring nature. The mix of animals, forest trails, and playgrounds, makes it more than a quick stop.
Younger kids will probably love the animals and playgrounds most. Older kids and teens may enjoy the waterfall hike and the zipline.
The refuge is spread across hilly ground, so expect some walking or use the shuttle.
For families looking to explore nature, learn about wildlife, and try a different kind of day trip in El Salvador, FURESA is worth adding to your list.
Looking for more places to explore with kids in El Salvador? Check out El Salvador Kids Guide for more family adventures, practical travel tips, and places to visit around the country.
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