Rancho Pacifico
S E L E C T A C T I V I T I E S
Mini "National Geographic Tour" (Mangrove 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; 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.
Less time and less expense than the ocean going tour described below (about 3 hours on the
water) - this unforgettable journey still takes up a large part of the day with travel and looking
around. Please click on the gallery link to the left for a glimpse of what you can expect to see
through the lenses of two former guests.
"National Geographic Tour" (includes Mangroves and Cano Island)
This is a whole day adventure, starting in the town of Sierpe. You will journey 14 miles down
the wildlife-rich Sierpe River, part of the 600,000 acre Rio Terraba Humid Forest Preserve -
running along the boundary of the Osa Peninsula. In about 1 hour you will reach the mouth of
the river where it joins the sea. From there hang a left through Drakes Bay to deserted San
Josecito Beach—or head out straight 16 miles to Cano Island Preserve.
Good snorkeling awaits at either destination (weather permitting). This is a good trip on any
day - and an amazing one on a nice day. Picnic lunch is optional. Price varies based on the
number of people.
Whale and Dolphin Excursion
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 on the water directly below us often yields
fabulous sightings - December to May is best, but available year-round.
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.
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, dorado.
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.
S E L E C T A C T I V I T I E S
Mini "National Geographic Tour" (Mangrove 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; 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.
Less time and less expense than the ocean going tour described below (about 3 hours on the
water) - this unforgettable journey still takes up a large part of the day with travel and looking
around. Please click on the gallery link to the left for a glimpse of what you can expect to see
through the lenses of two former guests.
"National Geographic Tour" (includes Mangroves and Cano Island)
This is a whole day adventure, starting in the town of Sierpe. You will journey 14 miles down
the wildlife-rich Sierpe River, part of the 600,000 acre Rio Terraba Humid Forest Preserve -
running along the boundary of the Osa Peninsula. In about 1 hour you will reach the mouth of
the river where it joins the sea. From there hang a left through Drakes Bay to deserted San
Josecito Beach—or head out straight 16 miles to Cano Island Preserve.
Good snorkeling awaits at either destination (weather permitting). This is a good trip on any
day - and an amazing one on a nice day. Picnic lunch is optional. Price varies based on the
number of people.
Whale and Dolphin Excursion
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 on the water directly below us often yields
fabulous sightings - December to May is best, but available year-round.
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.
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, dorado.
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.
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.
For 2009-10, 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.
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.
For 2009-10, 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.
