Hike: Santa Rosa National Park
Parque National Santa Rosa is most famous for Hacienda Santa Rosa the nation’s most cherished historic monument. It was here in 1856 that the mercenary army of American adventurer William Walker was defeated by a ragamuffin army of Costa Rican volunteers. The old hacienda-turned-museum alone is well worth the visit.
The park is a mosaic of 10 distinct habitats, including mangrove swamp, savanna, and oak forest. The diverse eco-areas attract a wide range of animals. Santa Rosa is home to more than 250 bird species and 115 mammal species. The more easily seen mammals include white-tailed deer, coatimundis, howler, spider, and white-faced monkeys, and anteaters. Jaguars still roam Santa Rosa, as do margays, ocelots, pumas, and jaguarundis. This latter group of mammals try to avoid humans and are seldom seen. Santa Rosa is a vitally important nesting site for ridleys and other turtle species. In the wet season the land is as green as emeralds, and wildlife disperses. In dry season, however, when the parched scrubby landscapes give an impression of the East African plains, wildlife congregates at watering holes–such as those on the Naked Indian Trail–and is easily seen. Be patient. Sit still for long enough and some interesting creatures are sure to appear. Keep an eye out for snakes.
In addition to having beautiful beaches, nature trails, plentiful wildlife, and four species of nesting sea turtles, Santa Rosa National Park protects the largest remaining tropical dry forest in Central America ”
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Guaitil Cultural Pottery Tour
Pottery making skills have been passed down through many generations in Guaitil, establishing a unique cultural identity for the townspeople. Today, the communities of Guaitil and the neighboring town of San Vicente are dedicated to preserving the Chorotega culture. Beautiful hand crafted pottery is made using the same methods and materials as their ancestors. The pottery-town villagers earn most of their income from the pottery they sell to tourists, souvenier shops and area hotels.[separator style_type=”none” top_margin=”20″ bottom_margin=”20″ sep_color=”” icon=”” width=”” class=”” id=””]
Float the Corobici River
A relaxing back-to-nature experience. Sit back and relax as your knowledgeable, bi-lingual guide maneuvers your raft down river. Enjoy the scenery that includes beautiful birds, wildlife and towering trees like Ceiba, Palm and Mahogany. Very gentle ride with no white water. 2 & 3 hour trips are offered.[separator style_type=”none” top_margin=”20″ bottom_margin=”20″ sep_color=”” icon=”” width=”” class=”” id=””]
Picnic at the Llano de Cortes Waterfall
The is a beautiful jungle waterfall with an excellent pool at the base for swimming. At roughly 12m (40 ft.) wide, the falls are actually slightly wider than they are tall. This is a great spot for a Guanacaste picnic. Drive time from Los Almendros de Ocotal: 90 min.
Driving Directions to LLano de Cortes Waterfall:
The turnoff for the dirt road to the falls is well marked coming from Bagaces. It is not well marked coming from Liberia (Look for a little store on your right at the turnoff). The turnoff is about 3km (1 3/4 miles) north of the crossroads for Bagaces. From the turnoff, you must drive a rough dirt road. About half a kilometer along the dirt road you’ll see on your right a large rock with Cataratas scrawled on it. Follow this bumpy road about 1.3 km (.8 mi) to its end at a parking area above the waterfall. Clamber down a steep path of about 50 yards to the pool at the bottom of this spectacular 50-foot waterfall. Admission is negotiable, $5/vehicle should get you past the caretaker. The parking lot is very isoloated and is not guarded. Do not leave anything of value in your car.[separator style_type=”none” top_margin=”20″ bottom_margin=”20″ sep_color=”” icon=”” width=”” class=”” id=””]
Tubing: Rio Negro River
Ride 45 minutes by horseback to the starting point at the La Victoria waterfall. Receive safety instruction from an experienced guide before embarking down the river on your heavy duty “one man” tube. Float for 1 1/2 hours, enjoying the sights and sounds of Guanacaste. Bouncing down the Rio Negro and negotiating its menacing boulders is sure to get your adrenalin pumping. Return by horseback to your starting point at the Hacienda Guachipelin Lodge.
More Information: http://www.guachipelin.com/one-day-pass.html[separator style_type=”none” top_margin=”20″ bottom_margin=”20″ sep_color=”” icon=”” width=”” class=”” id=””]
Hacienda Guachipelin Horseback Riding
Hacienda Guachipelin has produced horses for more than 25 years. The hacienda has a group of 25 mares and an Andalusian Stallion. Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin is famous for its horseback riding tours. The huge ranch uses scenic trails…not paved roads. For beginners, they have one hour trips with very calm horses. Experienced riders are offered 1/2 day and full day tours. Riders enjoy beautiful scenery and several waterfalls. Guachipelin horses are healthy and well fed.
More Information: www.guachipelin.com/one-day-pass.html[separator style_type=”none” top_margin=”20″ bottom_margin=”20″ sep_color=”” icon=”” width=”” class=”” id=””]
Hike: Rincon de la Vieja National Park
Exploring by foot the Rincon de La Vieja Volcano that rises majestically 6,284 feet. 34,800 acre national park. Home to more than 250 species of birds (including: Keel-billed Toucans and Blue-crowned Mot-mots) ocelots, sloths, jaguars, brocket deer, tapirs, coatis and of course monkeys. This remote scenic volcano is a hiker’s paradise. There are countless winding trails through a combination of a tropical and dry forest. Expect to see boiling mud-pots, craters, hot sulfur springs, geysers, lakes, streams, waterfalls and Costa Rica’s famous wildlife, flora and fauna.[separator style_type=”none” top_margin=”20″ bottom_margin=”20″ sep_color=”” icon=”” width=”” class=”” id=””]
Canyoning Tour: Hacienda Guachipelin Adventure Center
One of the two best canopy tours in Costa Rica. Imagine Rappelling, Rock Climbing, Canopy, Tarzan Swings, Via Ferrata (Fixed climbing mechanisms on steep cliffs), Hanging Bridges, all set in a majestic canyon formed over millions of years by erosion caused by the rushing waters of the Blanco River. This tour is designed for fit adventurers who want more than the usual zip line experience.
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Canopy Tour: Rincon de la Vieja Volcano Mountain Lodge
A four hour combination horseback riding and canopy tour. Features 20 platforms and 9 zip lines. Ride to the Los Azufrales sulfur springs or hike through the forest to a beautiful waterfall. This is the best zip line in the area.
More Information: www.guachipelin.com/one-day-pass.html