Best Places for Birdwatching in Costa Rica

Within Costa Rica’s hundreds of acres of lush tropical rain forest, there are plenty of amazing plants, wildlife, and especially birds. There are bird species living in Costa Rica that you won’t see in any other part of the world. Because of this opportunity to see unusual birds, bird watching is a popular activity in Costa Rica. One of the best spots for bird watching is at Hacienda Baru in the Dominical area.

Hacienda Baru is a National Wildlife Refuge and Lodge located just north of Dominical on the Pacific coast. It is comprised of over 800 acres of protected land and includes a wide variety of habitats. Within Hacienda Baru and the adjacent areas, 330 different species of birds have been identified.

One of the best ways to enjoy bird watching at Hacienda Baru is to participate in one of the guided bird watching hikes. Guides have local knowledge and can take you to the areas that have the best bird watching. They also know how to spot the tiny birds, so that you won’t miss anything.

The best time to do your hike is early in the morning. This is when the birds first become active, so it gives you the best opportunity to see them. But don’t worry, you’ll be offered fresh coffee to help wake you up!

The Lowland Bird Watching Hike begins at the Hacienda Baru Biological Research Center. This location is one of the best spots for seeing many different types of birds. You’ll have the opportunity to see toucans, honeycreepers, spotting tanagers, vireos, and saltators. On this hike you’ll have lots of chances to take photographs, so it’s perfect for someone wanting to practice their photography techniques.

The path of the Lowland Bird Watching Hike travels from the Research Center down to the rookery. There is also plenty of other wildlife in the Hacienda Research area, and a great spot to view them is at the rookery. You can expect to see egrets, herons, and ibis as well. After you’ve had a chance to take photographs from the rookery, the path moves along the mangrove, and then loops back to the Biological Research Center.

Guests can enjoy having a good breakfast at the Research Center when they return, which will provide needed nourishment for the final leg of the journey. The last section of the Lowland Bird Watching Hike includes another portion of forest, as well as the beach.

The three kilometer stretch of beach at Hacienda Baru is beautiful, untouched and usually deserted as far as the eye can see. At the beach you’ll have the opportunity to see different shore bird types, such as sandpipers, plovers, phalaropes, whimbrels, pelicans, sanderlings, and frigatebirds. If you are lucky, you may see evidence of turtle nesting too. After an enjoyable visit to the beach, you can return to the Research Center where there are washroom facilities.

If you are looking for a different kind of guided tour, you can try the Rainforest Bird Watching Hike, which will take you past old cacao plantations and right into the rainforest. It’ll take you about two hours to hike up to a campsite where there are plenty of bird watching opportunities. You’ll see birds that forage through this particular habitat. In this region you’ll have a chance to see some birds that are harder to spot, such as motmots, trogons, antshrikes, manakins, curasows, and more.

Hacienda Baru is one of the best spots for birdwatching in Costa Rica. Don’t miss it next time you are in the Dominical area! And if you’re interested in seeing some of these birds right outside your house, contact Dominical Real Estate today.

Tranquilo Lodge is a luxury ecolodge with a stunning view in Drake Bay, Costa Rica. It’s a great place to call home while you explore the Osa Peninsula, a hotspot of biological diversity and incredible natural beauty located in
southern Costa Rica. Drake Bay has a lot to offer, including sport fishing, excursions into Corcovado National Park, SCUBA diving at Caño Island, zip lining, waterfall tours, night walks, and more. Head to Tranquilo Lodge to be pampered while experiencing the jungle right outside your door!

The vista from the pool and rancho at Tranquilo Lodge will take your breath away. The Lodge looks out over the ocean and rolling hills of untouched jungle. Sit in the pool and watch waves breaking along the coast for miles to the Rio Sierpe. Sunsets will light up the sky as you meet your fellow guests and discuss the day’s adventures over a beer or a soda.

The top tier of Exclusive Deluxe Cabinas share the pool’s stunning view, as they are located on the hilltop around the
pool. Each cabina is made from beautiful, locally-sourced hardwood, with a large covered porch featuring a cozy hammock. The cabinas have A/C, comfortable beds, and spacious outdoor showers.

Because it is off the beaten path, many travelers to Drake Bay choose to stay at a lodge that can cater to all of their needs. Like many lodges in the area, Tranquilo Lodge is all-inclusive, offering three meals a day and free transfers to and from the local airport or boat drop area. It is possible to fly directly from San Jose to Drake Bay on one of the local airlines, Sansa or Nature Air. We arrived by water taxi from the town of Sierpe, which was an adventure in itself! We cruised down the Rio Sierpe, through a maze of mangroves, out the river mouth and down pristine coastline to arrive at Drake Bay’s calm shore.

There are many adventures to be had on the Osa Peninsula. Wildlife abounds in this area of Costa Rica, including scarlet macaws, four types of monkeys, two kinds of sloths, and even the elusive, rare tapir. Hearing that the Corcovado hikers had seen a tapir made us want to sign up for the Corcovado tour the next day! There is also excellent sport fishing in the area, offering opportunities to catch marlin, tuna, and mahi-mahi, among other things. Some of the guests we met at Tranquilo Lodge had caught a 50-pound snapper the day we arrived! There are many other tours and activities available, and the people at Tranquilo Lodge are happy to help their guests find the perfect experience.

After all those tours, you will be hungry by the end of the day! The food at Tranquilo Lodge is excellent. Everything is locally-sourced and homemade. We especially enjoyed the BBQ night, when the outdoor smoker was used to impart perfect flavor to our steak and fish. And don’t miss the delicious homemade bread at breakfast! All meals are served family style at two long tables in the main lodge, which is another fun opportunity to chat with fellow guests.

Although there are plenty of adventures to be had in Drake Bay, it’s worth spending a day being tranquil at Tranquilo Lodge. There’s a beautiful, deserted beach right out front, and it goes on for miles. Go for a long, romantic walk, swim in the ocean, discover an estuary, maybe you will even see monkeys or other wildlife right on the beach! It’s also easy to wile away the hours in the hammock on the porch of your cabina or in a lounge chair by the pool, watching the scarlet macaws fly by.

Tranquilo Lodge is the place to stay when you are visiting Drake Bay. It is a luxurious home base for all of your adventures on the Osa Peninsula. Couples, families, and solo travelers alike will enjoy the gorgeous views, comfortable cabinas, perfect pool, delicious food, and fun atmosphere. Book your stay now at www.thetranquilolodge.com.

Marino Ballena National Park

Marino Ballena National Park is just one of Costa Rica’s protected zones where visitors can take in fresh air, and view lush tropical plant life and a wide variety of birds and wildlife. There are many activities to choose from at this park, which features a large green forest that borders a lovely sandy beach. It’s located in the Southern Pacific portion of the country and encompasses 270 acres of land. What makes this park unusual is that parts of the ocean are also included in this park, with over 5,400 marine hectares being protected.

This park is located about 180 km southwest of San Jose, only a day trip away. This park is one of the newer officially registered parks in the country, as it was registered after 1990. You may be curious to know that this park has one of the largest coral reefs on the Central American Pacific side.

Visitors to the park can participate in many water sports, such as swimming, boating, and scuba diving. There are rocky reefs filled with sea life where you can enjoy excellent snorkelling and scuba diving. Camping is allowed within the park if you’re interested in staying for any length of time. There are also many hotels and rental homes in the nearby communities of Uvita, Escaleras, Dominical, and Ojochal.

Whale watching is a popular activity during the months of December to April. This is when the humpback whales migrate from Alaska, Hawaii, and other closer destinations, down to Caño Island, located off the Osa Peninsula. Viewers can see the whales from several great vantage points along the beach, or hop on one of the many boats offering these types of tours.

There are many beautiful beaches in the park, but the Whale’s Tail beach is not to be missed. The Whale’s Tail is a natural sandbar which looks exactly like the tail of a whale when seen from above at low tide. You can walk almost a kilometer into the sea onto the Whale’s Tail, just make sure to visit the park when the tide is low. The beach has soft, light sand, and is more protected from waves than some of the other beaches in the area, so it is a great beach for children.

The Marino Ballena National Park offers horseback riding to help visitors to see more of the park during their visit. Some other regions of the park you won’t want to miss include a visit to the mangroves. Here you’ll see many marine iguanas and Hawksbill turtles. There is also Ballena Island which is a two mile trip from the beach. Visiting the island by boat or SUP might give you a chance to see marine life, such as dolphins or whales, from the water.

The Park connects with the town of Uvita, which is a commercial center in the area. There are many tour companies in Uvita who can provide more information about activities in the park. We recommend Costa Rica Dive & Surf, which has a shop right next to the entrance to the park. There are also numerous restaurants in Uvita, as well as groceries store, banks, pharmacies, yoga studios and more.

Whether you are living in Costa Rica or just visiting, a trip to Marino Ballena National Park will be fulfilling. It is a beautiful place with unique natural features and excellent opportunities to view marine life.

Bringing Pets to Costa Rica

Whether you’ve decided to move permanently to Costa Rica, or to just visit for a greater part of the year, your pets are like family, and you don’t want to leave them behind. You’ll both miss each other, and you may not wish to bentrust their care to a stranger. It’s actually easier than you think to bring your dog or cat to Costa Rica. Why leave them at home, sad in your absence, when you can bring them with you? With a small amount of preparation and documentation, you can bring your dog or cat with your to Costa Rica.

Be sure to check for all documentation required in advance, as there is usually a two week window where you’ll need to get all tasks done, and to be aware of any fees required.

You’ll first need to get a health certificate from your pet’s veterinarian. It will then need to be endorsed by a veterinarian (VS—Veterinary Service) who works for the USDA—US Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

To find these veterinarians, you’ll need to find the local office that is in your state. You may visit the APHIS(1) website to find these listings, and then the “Travel with my Pet” link.

The vet will examine your dog or cat to be free of infectious illness, and to be declared healthy. This visit must be done within two weeks of the departure date. Cats must be vaccinated against rabies, while dogs have a more extensive list, including rabies, distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, etc. If dogs and cats are over three months of age, they must have current vaccinations.

Your vet will use the International Certificate APHIS Form 7001 for small animals. It will need to be written in duplicate. You do not require a Notary Public Stamp for it, nor for a Costa Rica Consular office stamp.

If you’re bringing animals into Costa Rica for resale, you’ll need an Import Permit, but if you’re bringing your pet in, as long as they will reside with you, you do not need this permit. Be sure to clip your pet’s rabies vaccination certificate to the rest of the forms. When you enter Costa Rica these documents will be examined, and possibly your pet as well.

If you wish to return to the USA from Costa Rica, you’ll need to visit a vet in Costa Rica. They’ll be able to provide the required certificates. This will require stamps and a fee, but involves only a one stop trip.

While the process may seem a bit cumbersome at first, it’s more than worth it to be able to bring your beloved pet with you to Costa Rica, and back home again too. Once you’ve gone through the routine once or twice, it’ll become a part of your process for moving between both countries, and be easier the next time round.

Source: 1. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/wps/portal/aphis/home/

Real Estate for Sale in Costa Rica

Costa Rica makes the perfect home away from home for many residents of the USA, and Canada. While many set up their base permanently, many people spend part of their year in Costa Rica, before returning home again. A great way to obtain residency status in Costa Rica is to purchase a house or condominium. As long as you return at least once a year to Costa Rica, you’ll be able to maintain this status. Your spouse, and your family will also be allowed to achieve residency status too.

Costa Rica has a warm climate which is perfect for people who need a retreat away from a bustling work environment. Life is slower and happier in Costa Rica. The climate invites you to rest and relax. Of course if you’re ready for adventure, there are plenty of outdoor activities for you and your children to enjoy. Costa Rica contains world class beaches along northern or southern coastlines. You can get away to relax on a lounge chair, or go swimming, or boating.

Many expats choose to make their home in Manuel Antonio, Playa Dominical, and Uvita. There are plenty of homes that your real estate agent can help you choose.One of the biggest decisions facing an American is whether to buy a house or a condominium. Each offers their own special benefits. A house is the same as back at home—it always requires more upkeep. But if you plan on spending the majority of your year in Costa Rica, and have a larger family, it may be your best choice.

Condominiums make the perfect choice for the single person, a couple, or a couple with only one or two children. There’s no need to worry about leaning the common spaces, or doing the gardening, as these are handled by the home owners’ association.

If you’re planning on leaving your home vacant for any length of time, to return to home, or to travel, a condominium may be the best choice for you. You won’t need to worry about the upkeep of your property while away, as someone else will be doing it for you.

Another great option that many property owners in Costa Rica consider is renting their property while they’re back at home in the USA. Since home owner fees can accumulate even when you don’t live there, rental income can help cover these fees, and provide an income source. People who have residential status in Costa Rica are able to earn an income from their property, and it is considered tax-free.

Searching for real estate for sale in Costa Rica means that you can stop pouring money in a hotel or an apartment rental, which is much like a sieve for all your hard-earned cash. You can make an investment in buying a house or a condo, and benefit from the equity. Your dreams for living in a warm climate can be achieved more easily in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Private Schools

If you’ve decided to set up permanent residency in Costa Rica, you’ll discover that there are many great schools where your children can be nurtured and be inspired to grow. The curriculum is diverse and promises to provide the growth needed to keep your child entertained and educated.

The following three schools are often chosen by new residents because their beliefs and goals will align with what you want for your children, while also providing a bilingual environment. Escuela Verde Costa Bellena, Uvita Christian Academy, and Colegio Delfines are three that are worth having a closer look at for your kids.

Escuela Verde Costa Bellena

The philosophy of Escuela Verde Costa Bellena is to nurture the entire child. Once they begin to feel accepted within their community, they’ll be inspired to learn. The school aims to do this by allowing children to have a hands-on approach to activities, rather than merely observing. There are many activities planned throughout the year, including indoor and outdoor events. Students will receive a bilingual education in both English and Spanish.

This school encourages parents to take an active interest in their child’s learning, and believes that the process of learning is more important than the final result. Students may enroll for pre-kindergarten up to sixth grade.

Uvita Christian Academy

Uvita Christian Academy provides an individualized learning environment to your children, all while teaching Christian morals and values. The school teaches in a bilingual environment, so students may develop both English and Spanish skills. Graduates from the UCA will qualify for a USA high school diploma. Students from kindergarten to grade twelve will be able to study here.

Each student at UVA is treated as an individual. They’ll receive their own study guides and individual attention from their teachers. The school is a flexible school, so that in the event of absences, the child may bring school work with them, whether they’re sick at home, or travelling with family. There are separate learning centers for each grades level, and plenty of hands-on learning activities for all ages.

Colegio Los Delfines

Colegio Los Delfines offers children a chance to be taught in English classes, and likes to place a strong focus on music, computer skills, and physical education. They focus on providing education while keeping children fit through a variety of physical activities. They believe in placing the student into their particular skill level, to keep them focused on learning. They offer classes from kindergarten to grade twelve.

The school has a variety of clubs for children to join, including the arts, music, soccer, and swimming. The school is located in Paquita, and encompasses over fifteen acres of land. The learning center has large classrooms, well-maintained sports fields, recreation areas, and green areas. The school has an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Children have plenty of space for learning, as well as providing a secure and nurturing emotional environment. All facilities are modern, and each class has its own bathroom.