VISIT THE JAGUAR RESCUE CENTER

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Visit the popular Jaguar Rescue Centre, an animal rescue center located in Cocles. The center is dedicated to the rehabilitation of mistreated, injured, orphaned, and/or confiscated animals. Once the animals are fully rehabilitated, they are reintroduced into their natural habitats in protected areas within the region. Visitors are permitted in the center during certain times each day and are able to interact with many of the animals, including the howler monkey. The center rehabilitates numerous mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The center also houses a large serpentarium of venomous and nonvenomous snakes native to Costa Rica.

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RIVER AND/OR SEA KAYAKING

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Let’s go paddling on Punta Uva’s river! Go on your own or with a local guide. Slowly you will discover the magic atmosphere of the jungle, from its heart. You will spot a lot of wildlife such as, turtles, toucans, sloths and then on the Caribbean sea you will follow the coast full of cliffs, caves and a view of the most beautiful rainforest.

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FISHING TOUR

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The sea offers seasonal and year long catches including tarpon, Spanish mackerel, king fish, barracuda, dorado, wahoo, grouper, bonita, and several species of snapper and jacks. Weather and sea permitting, jump in for a snorkel or try diving for fresh lobster, octopus, and sea snails! The local captain was born and raised here, and with over 30 years of fishing these shores, knows all the best places, methods and equipment to lure those fish onto the boat. You can get full and half-day tours. On a typical day, you will travel to several offshore reefs on your way to the Southern tip of Costa Rica near the Sixaola River. Take a peek at Panama from the sea while you view several pods of dolphins and the occasional turtle. This is the best place to find the Tarpon, a feisty, flashy game fish, better for playing than eating.

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CANOPY TOUR

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Once they have picked you up from the house or the office, you will head towards the farm which is located 30 minutes away from Puerto Viejo. The canopy tour consists of 10 aerial platforms and 12 ground platforms, with a total of 2,760 meters of cable. Once you reach the seventh platform, you will not touch the ground again until the end of the route. You will cross and watch the jungle as birds do. Cables are of the latest technology with the quality of being completely silent, thus avoid noise pollution in the jungle. The naturalist guide will continue explaining the environmental curiosities that surround you. Once you arrive back to the farm, you will have the opportunity to make your own cane juice the traditional way. You will also be served fruit and water.

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WHITE RIVER RAFTING IN PACUARE

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Pacuare is world famous for its sheer beauty. A true river gorge, it is flanked by steep, green walls. You see waterfalls cascade into the river from both sides as colorful, tropical birds fly right over your head. Amazing views of this virgin tropical rain forest area appear before your eyes as you descend this true exploratory land. Upon arrival to the river they will gear you up with a life jacket, helmet and paddle and then brief you with a full safety orientation talk. Finally, it is time to take off down the rapids! Once you pass by all the rapids, you finish in Siquirres, at the base camp, where you can take a shower, change and enjoy the gardens and terrace while having a beer and reflecting with your new friends about the great adventure you just shared.

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BIRD WATCHING

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Thanks to our rich biodiversity, and to our specialized bird watching guides who find delight in pointing out and sharing their knowledge on the various bird species of the area, this is definitely a superb bird watching tour! Some of the species you could see in this area are the red-capped manakin, crested owl, the olive throated parakeet, pale vented pigeon, masked tityra, collared aracari, slaty antshrike, keel-billed and chestnut-mandibled toucan, magnificent frigatebird, common black hawk, passerini’s tanager, and the black-cowled oriole, among others.

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TREE CLIMBING IN MANZANILLO

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In the heart of the wildlife refuge, if there is one activity in Manzanillo that will send chills up your spine, it’s climbing up to the canopy of the trees. Certain species of trees in the forest can be quite impressive with their incredible out-of-the-ordinary dimensions. In the jungle surrounding the village of Manzanillo you can climb to the top of a gigantic tree onto a platform that overhangs the tropical forest. You will be equipped with a helmet and a harness and will be hoisted up 30 meters above ground. The tree house is on the canopy and you can take advantage of the magnificent view and observe the animals from a different vantage point. Don’t miss it!

 

SURF CLASS

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Small beach towns inhabit a variety of breaks with waves to suit all surfers making it a top spot to learn or perfect your moves. You can grab a lesson here for around $50 from one of the local guides who will teach you the surfing basics and get you to your feet. Playa Cocles 2km south of town caters to the more intermediate learner. This beach has more consistent waves, offering decent rights and lefts. This quirky Caribbean town is also home to Salsa Brava, which boasts the ‘heaviest wave’ in Costa Rica. Not apt for any learner, this spot is strictly for the pros. These waves break over a shallow reef and can get super big, making for great viewing. Pull up a pew in Salsa Brava bar or pick a spot on the beach and be inspired by the locals and far traveled surfers as they rip up some serious waves.

 

VISIT THE CHOCOLATE FARM

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Visit one of several local chocolate farms where you will be given a tour through ancient forests transformed into chocolate plantations and participate in the chocolate creation process. At the end of the tour, guests drink and taste various forms of chocolates made while on the tour.

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A WALK IN THE JUNGLE/BEACH

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Be prepared to live an unforgettable experience! The further you walk into the refuge the more you will be bewitched by the exotic vegetation. The gigantic trees are covered with moss, lichens, bromeliads, orchids and other plants that cascade from their branches, creating a backdrop for life in the jungle. It’s possible to observe a number of species of birds among the 385 that exist in this area. Some examples are hummingbirds, tanagers, owls, and toucans. Our professional nature guides can help you to sharpen your senses in order to spot monkeys, sloths, iguanas, snakes, poisonous frogs, and numerous other types of animals. In addition to discovering the beneficial effects of the medicinal plants, you will have the opportunity to learn many interesting facts about our Afro Caribbean customs.

Manzanillo is located in a National Wildlife Refuge and not a National Park. This means that properties belong to private owners. Therefore, you cannot walk through the forest on your own. However, there is an itinerary that you can follow without a guide. The trail goes along the coast to Punta Mona, behind Maxi’s restaurant, continues on the beach and crosses a small river. It will take you to a panoramic viewpoint and some lovely coves, while hardly leaving the forest.