The best deal in town is right around the corner… Hacienda Baru National Wildlife Refuge
Hacienda Barú offers a fantastic setting for friends and family to experience the real Costa Rica at a reasonable cost.
Just a short drive north from many of our Dominical rental homes and located directly off the Pan-American Highway, Hacienda Barú spans 815 acres and features several sparkling natural habitats, including primary and secondary forest, mangroves and rich wetlands.
There are a slew of professionally-guided tours and attractions at Hacienda Barú, all at varying prices. The most basic of which is a self-guided tour that’s open to all outside visitors from sunrise to sunset. For the $15 self-guided-tour fee, visitors can set their own pace and experience any and all of the following adventures in a single day:
Nature Trails:
The nature trails at Hacienda Barú pass through a variety of habitat including primary forest, secondary forest, swamp forest, wetlands, pastures and tree plantations. Whether you take the short trail or the long trail, and regardless of if you head toward the beach or the mountain, you’ll find informative signs along the way teaching you about the various flora, fauna and wildlife.
Bird Watching Tower:
If you are an avid birder or a beginner birder, this spot is for you. On top of a small hill is a seven-meter tower. At the top floor of the tower, you’ll be at tree-top level, the perfect place for the observation of birds. For the best birding, visit the tower before 8 a.m. or after 3 p.m.
It must be noted that Hacienda Barú is a bird-lover’s paradise. More than 350 species of birds have been identified on the property. They sell bird guides and bird books on location, but they don’t have high-powered lenses to rent, so make sure to pack your own camera gear.
Other for-pay guided tours are:
A Night in the Jungle:
Go deep in the jungle and live like a nocturnal animal for the night. Only here, you don’t need to catch your own food. $158 per person, 19 hours, Reservation required, Monday-Saturday at 3 p.m.
Lowland Bird Watching Hike: Long Version
Get out real early and watch dozens of birds begin their days in the Central American sunshine. $52 per person, 5 hours, Reservation required, 2-person minimum, Monday-Saturday at 6 a.m.
Rainforest Bird Watching Hike: Short Version
A short hike through old cacao plantations leads to an amazing primary rainforest where you’ll find some spectacular airborne wildlife. $36 per person, 3 hours, Reservation required, 2-person minimum, Monday-Saturday at 6 a.m.
Flight of the Toucan:
This is a thrilling zip-line ride featuring more than a dozen platforms and eight separate cable rides. Your kids will love this high-flying adventure. $52 per person, 2-3 hours, 260-pound max weight, Monday-Saturday at 8 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The Chilamate Hike:
Bright birds and crazy crocodiles are the main draws in the Costa Rican mangroves. $41 per person, 2-3 hours, 2-person minimum, Monday-Saturday at 6 a.m. and 3 p.m.
As you can see, there’s always a lot to do at Hacienda Barú. The property also features a restaurant, Restaurante El Ceibo, and has easy access to Playa Guapil if you decide to take a dip in the ocean to cool off after a fun day of exploring.
And while you’re on site, make sure you buy a copy of our favorite book on Costa Rica, by author Jack Ewing, the man behind Hacienda Barú. Jack brought his family to the property in 1972 and has been a mainstay ever since. His stories are legendary, and the man is an absolute fountain of knowledge when it comes to Costa Rica’s southern zone. Jack’s novel, “Monkeys Are Made of Chocolate,” details many of his wild and wacky experiences in this beautiful part of the globe. Jack also wrote “Where Tapirs Once Roamed,” because you’ll no doubt be craving more stories after you finish his first book.