Rancho Pacifico S E L E C T A C T I V I T I E S "National Geographic Tour" (Mangrove & Estuary Exploration - no ocean) A few years ago a National Geographic cover feature called the Osa Peninsula "the most biologically intense place on earth". Not accessible by roads, the Osa is visible from RP and is easily reached for an unforgettable day-trip. Your private river boat slides down the Sierpe River, in the heart of the 650,000 acre Terraba Humid Forest Reserve; along the way there is reliably good wildlife viewing in the mangrove lined river (monkeys, sloths, boas, caimans and crocs, lots of birds including macaws). A knowledgeable guide will point out wildlife and when possible, the boat will swing in for close ups - and even hands-on participation! About 2.5 hours on the water, this unforgettable journey takes up a nice part of the day with travel and looking around. Please click on the gallery link to the right for a glimpse of what you can expect to see through the lenses of three former guests. Cano Island and / or Corcovado National Park Cano Island Biological Reserve is an uninhabited island 16 miles into the Pacific from Rancho Pacifico. Board a private boat in Ballena National Park and head out for a 1/2 day at sea . There is always the chance of lots of Dolphins and Whales—and excellent snorkeling at Cano. You can extend the adventure by visiting Corcovado National Park by boat. There, you will arrive to a remote beach and ranger station and take a highly educational hike into this remote sea side rainforest. Whale and Dolphin Excursion (can also be combined with Fishing) Our area is called Costa Ballena (Whale Coast) for good reason. The unique combination of water temperature, structure and depth provide excellent habitat for both migrating and resident whale populations. A couple of hours off the coast directly below us often yields fabulous sightings - December to May is best, but available year-round. In between whale sightings, groups (sometimes numbering in the hundreds) of dolphins enjoy entertaining our guests. As an option, many guests choose to spend this day on the water combined with fishing for a variety of exciting species (see below) Fishing Off shore, inshore or a combination is available through 2 boats that we have selected over the years. If you’re not too serious, 6 hours of close to shore trolling and casting is our recommendation. For a bit more money, we have one excellent and serious boat for you—with top flight gear, including fly equipment. Depending on time of year expect roosterfish, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, mackerel, and during rainy times, large dorado. Canopy Tour at Hacienda Baru Not the highest in Costa Rica but probably the best educational experience at a canopy tour is less than 30 minutes away, near Dominical. This national wildlife refuge teems with birds, and the knowledgeable guides teach you about jungle life as you observe various frogs, monkeys, an occasional snake and other surprises. There are 8 zip-line platforms that provide the thrills. This turns into a 1/2 day trip or more as most guests visit Dominical for lunch, shopping or beaching after the canopy adventure. Hiking at Rancho Pacifico Right from our door - Explore deep into our surrounding primary rainforest getting up close to 300 year old trees, blue morpho butterfiles, toucans, monkeys and more. Try our mountain trail (1000 vertical feet straight up) and enter a real cloud forest. Or follow the Cataratta trail deep into our lush valley and visit 3 waterfalls, alive with cool jungle spring water. Four trails cover miles of secluded terrain with dramatic views, comfortable temperatures and plenty of physical challenge. Hiking Map Our guests also enjoy access to nearby Rancho La Merced - a private 1250 acre preserve. Here you can hike to a spectacular waterfall for the swimming pool of your dreams. Rancho Pacifico Rainforest Night Hike See the rainforest come alive as you follow your knowledgeable guide to our lower valley property to identify mammals, reptiles and amphibians. This is the best chance to see a variety of colorful frogs and toads. ATV Adventure New to the area, this 4-5 hour trip on a very powerful ATV starts at sea level, climbs 4000 feet up and over the Fila Costena—and down into a valley not often visited by tourists. Stop at a local soda for a typical lunch and be greeted by friendly locals who still are thrilled to meet “touristas”. You’ll ford several streams, bounce through lush jungle, go up and down steep hills—and pass through a cool cloud forest. It’s a great trip. Horseback Rides - Beach / Jungle-Waterfall Two exciting options await the novice or expert rider. The first gives you 2 hours of thrills and freedom as you make your way though a jungle low-land forest to Playa Hermosa. Once there, thrill to 6 miles of uninterrupted galloping along a pristine beach. The horses love the ocean and will share their enthusiasm with you (including a romp in the waves!). The second trip ascends a rainforested mountain side amidst an enormous canopy of palms studded with hundreds of bird species, monkeys and sloths. Enjoy the rewards by swimming in a prisitne waterfall pool. On both trips you are accompanied by highly competent guides. Surfing If you’re a beginner there are two surf schools in Dominical and below us at Playa Hermosa. If you know how, hire a guide to show you the way locally—rent boards too. Diving and Snorkeling Walk out on the Whale's tail at low tide and enjoy productive snorkeling on the protected reefs of Ballena Natl Park - or accelerate the adventure by taking a boat to nearby Isla Ballena, increasing the chances of a whale sighting. Divers have Cano Island nearby with trips arranged through Mystic Dive Center. Sea Kayaking Rent by the hour at the Ballena National Marine Park Entrance Guided Birding - Novice or Expert Available at nearby Rancho La Merced with a knowledgeable ornithologist—or right at Rancho Pacifico. Over 300 bird species inhabit our area and it is not uncommon to identify 50 or more on a single excursion. River Tubing The nearby Rio Baru provides a convenient and pleasant float through a jungle landscape for a couple of miles when the river empties you gently into the waves of the Pacific. Boruca Indigenous Village One of the few remaining communities of indigenous peoples in Costa Rica is only about a beautiful hour drive from RP. Located in a gorgeous mountain valley, the Borucas are hospitable and creative. Visit their community to learn about their unique history and to see and purchase their handicrafts - including the original masks (see left) which they carve from a single piece of wood. RP Waterfall Adventure The RP waterfall adventure starts right from your door and meanders though our private preserve for about 25 minutes downhill (if you don't stop) - the return is fairly strenuous. On the way it is common to see monkeys and other wildlife, blue morpho butterflies, scores of bird species and lots of birds-of-paradise flowers. Ultra-Light Flight Not for the timid—but unforgettable. About a one hour flight around the area, across the Whale’s Tail and right up our valley, over Rancho Pacifico and back down for low flying over the ocean in search of whales and dolphins. Please Inquire for details Canyoning and Waterfall Rapelling This exciting one day adventure visits 6 different waterfalls close to Uvita— with rapelling in each. They range from 16 feet high to 75 feet. Expect to get wet and exhilarated! No experience is necessary….the guides are excellent and well trained. |
Our Costa Ballena area
offers the most diverse and
high quality array of activities
and adventures you will find
in Costa Rica.
We work directly with the top
outfitters and guides insuring
that your experiences become
lifelong memories.
Currently, these are our favorite
choices. Prices vary based on
numbers of participants and are
also subject to change as all are
provided by outside vendors
with a proven track-record for
quality. In most cases these
activities are private - just for
your party of 2-6.
All photos courtesy of RP guests
offers the most diverse and
high quality array of activities
and adventures you will find
in Costa Rica.
We work directly with the top
outfitters and guides insuring
that your experiences become
lifelong memories.
Currently, these are our favorite
choices. Prices vary based on
numbers of participants and are
also subject to change as all are
provided by outside vendors
with a proven track-record for
quality. In most cases these
activities are private - just for
your party of 2-6.
All photos courtesy of RP guests
LOCAL TOUR OPERATORS
Most of our guests conveniently book activities
directly through us with the proven operators we
highly recommend.
However please note 1) The tours booked through
us are private - they are just for your party. This is
particularly attractive to our guests who do the
National Geographic and horseback tours because
they do not have to share boats or guides with
strangers. If this does not matter you can save a
few dollars by going on a tourist boat or horseback
group.
2) Through 5 years of experience we have gotten
to know the best guides and best equipment. In
some cases our experienced guides charge a little
more than those that are just getting started. We
only work with the proven most experienced ones.
Most of our guests conveniently book activities
directly through us with the proven operators we
highly recommend.
However please note 1) The tours booked through
us are private - they are just for your party. This is
particularly attractive to our guests who do the
National Geographic and horseback tours because
they do not have to share boats or guides with
strangers. If this does not matter you can save a
few dollars by going on a tourist boat or horseback
group.
2) Through 5 years of experience we have gotten
to know the best guides and best equipment. In
some cases our experienced guides charge a little
more than those that are just getting started. We
only work with the proven most experienced ones.
