When it comes to wildlife watching and nature adventures, the Central and South Pacific of Costa Rica reigns as top place for these activities.
Due to the wet rain forest that starts at Carara National Park, the biodiversity increases greatly with a plethora of thriving flora and fauna unlike any other place in the country.
One such wildlife refuge that should be on the top of any eco-tourists’ list is Hacienda Baru, near Dominical.
Hacienda Baru is a 330 hectares (815 acres) private reserve that combines adventure, wildlife and eco-tourism so that visitors can have it all in one day. For a richer nature experience, they offer modest cabins for overnight stays.
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Hacienda Baru – A Private Wildlife Refuge in Dominical
Read more about our day at the Hacienda and why we loved it!
Location and Directions
Hacienda Baru is about 33 kilometers (20.5 miles) south of Manuel Antonio, before you reach Dominical.
Activities
Hacienda Baru offers hiking, birdwatching, ziplining and a night tour.
Hiking Trails
You can take a guided hike through the forest or do a self guided hike. The trails are well marked and easy for all levels with some passing by the beach and some going purely through the forest.
On the trails, it’s possible to see monkeys, sloths, peccaries, lots of birds, anteaters and other wildlife.
I do recommend taking a guided tour so you can have someone point out wildlife you would otherwise probably not see. We saw monkeys, a sloth and a female Great Currasow thanks to our guide!
The Pizote Trail, Teak and Canal and Strangler Trail are the main trails on the hacienda, each about 1.5-2 kilometers long.
If you walk through Pizote Trail to the highway and cross the street, you’ll end up at the Paso de la Danta which leads to the tree climb and canopy tour.
We did a private guided walk on the property which was fantastic.
Zipline
Their canopy trail called Flight of the Toucan consists of 8 cables on land and tree platforms. They call it flight of the toucan to imitate the flight of a Chestnut-mandibuled Toucan as it flies through the trees.
The canopy tour isn’t crazy high or fast so it’s the perfect zipline for all ages and first timers. They call it an ecological experience as they combine adventure and education.
Other Activities
Hacienda Baru has a platform for bird watching and they also offer night time hikes, both of which is necessary to have a guide.
Bird watching is excellent on the Baru Wildlife Refuge as you hike through their research center in secondary forest to see toucans, herons and many other birds.
Lodge
Hacienda Baru also has lodges so you can stay surrounded by the pristine nature. They have a pool and good size cabins for mid-range prices.
If you stay a night or two, you can enjoy their night walk and early morning birdwatching tour.
Definitely put Hacienda Baru on your list of places to visit when in the Central Pacific and Costa Ballena for a fun and educational day enjoying the nature and wildlife of Costa Rica!
Oh and don’t forget to look in the trees at the parking lot, we saw this guy chilling out by us 🙂
Barb k says
Are the roads paved or at least suitable for a small rental car? Thanks
Sammi says
The road to the Hacienda is paved and right off the main highway. Parking lot is gravel
Kristin says
Hi! Love your website and thanks for all the knowledge that you share! My hubby and I are in CR now, and visited Baru today- cost is now $15 USD per person to hike the trails on your own. We enjoyed much of our day there…beach was deserted, trails were wonderful and we only saw a few people while walking. A gem for sure!
Gina says
I love these eco activities, especially the zip line! I’d love to visit this place.
Sammi says
Hope you get to one day!