Rancho Naturalista is on Costa Rica’s Caribbean slope at 900m (3000ft) elevation. By road it is 2 ½ hours east-southeast of San Jose and about ½ hour southeast of Turrialba. This location makes it a convenient stop on tour itineraries and a good base from which to visit other sites on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Its elevation makes its climate delightfully temperate (mild to warmish) all year. Nighttime temperatures are great for sleeping.
Birds may be sampled from this comfortable lodge famous for its excellent food and welcoming hospitality. Many birds are attracted to the lodge by fruit and hummingbird feeders. The rich avifauna of Rancho Naturalista’s rainforest is accessed through an extensive trail system. Expert bird guides maximize the birds enjoyed by each guest. Knowledgeable birders and most bird tours of Costa Rica spend time enjoying Rancho Naturalista.
Ultimately, most visitors come to Rancho Naturalista for the birds. The birding is superb! The local bird list exceeds 400 species, most of which can be seen in Rancho Naturalista’s own preserve. The majority may be found in the enchanting forest along good trails. Many tropical forest birds are elusive and may be difficult to see. For this reason, we recommend a stay of several days; many come for a week (which confers additional benefits). Also, virtually unique among birding lodges, your package at Rancho Naturalista includes expert local bird guiding; at other lodges expert bird guides, if they are even available, must be arranged separately at substantial additional cost. Usually one of Rancho Naturalista’s expert guides is available to lead a day trip to another exciting birding site. Available to all guests at reasonable costs, such a day trip is included in the weekly visit package. An assortment of non-birding activities are available to provide variety or to satisfy a non-birding companion. The friendly hospitality, excellent food, and clean, comfortable rooms right at the edge of the beautiful forest make your visit to Rancho Naturalista pure delight.
Property amenities:
Rancho Naturalista's 15 rooms are large, comfortable, and well appointed. Most have a covered veranda or balcony, and feature scenic views of Costa Rica's two tallest volcanoes (Irazu and Turrialba) or the rainforest. Most rooms have private baths. Almost every room is unique, two pairs of rooms are adjoining, but with private baths and separate entrances, and the beds are configured in a wide variety of combinations. The casita with forest, volcano and hummingbird views feature two bedrooms each with private bath, and a shared sitting room and balcony. These facts mean that guests may be accommodated in a custom manner, subject to availability. The beds are exceptionally comfortable, most have new orthopedic mattresses.
Nearby attractions and activities:
Several productive birding trips are conveniently made from Rancho Naturalista. Except for guests staying for a week, these trips are subject to additional charges and are subject to the availability of transportation and a resident bird guide. Although the resident bird guides’ first responsibility is to guests birding at Rancho Naturalista, the staff will do its best to arrange the trips you want and usually it is possible to arrange them, especially for guests staying three days or more. The Tuis River Valley, Silent Mountain, and CATIE are close to Rancho Naturalista. Braulio Carrillo, Tapanti, and Volcan Irazu national parks are all full-day trips at greater distance. Guests staying at Rancho Naturalista for a week have a day trip to one of these three national parks included in their guest package. Transportation, guiding, and box lunch are included but guests are responsible for park admission fees.
Location:
Rancho Naturalista is on Costa Rica’s Caribbean slope at 900m (3000ft) elevation. By road it is 2 ½ hours east-southeast of San Jose and about ½ hour southeast of Turrialba.
Policy:
Cancellation charges are as follows: 60 days or more prior to arrival a $50 handling fee will be charged. All attempts to recover deposits will be made.60-30 days prior to arrival a $100 handling fee will be charged. All attempts to recover deposits will be made. Less than 30 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited. No refunds will be made if you leave the trip for any reason, whether voluntary or involuntary. No refunds will be made for services not utilized.
Packages:
7 nights at Rancho Naturalista on the Caribbean slope with a resident bird guide.
Price Includes:
- Weekly discount Day trip to alternate birding site such as Tapanti NP
- Irazu Volcano NP or Guayabo National Monument (entrance fee to parks included)
- Lodging in Lodge or Cottage
- 3 delicious meals per nights stay
- Coffee
- Tea
- Fruit juice (sodas and alcoholic beverages are extra)
- Resident bird guide throughout your stay.
- Birding in nearby Silent Mountain.
- Birding in nearby Tuis Valley
- Horseback riding.
- Shopping in town of Turrialba
- Maid service
Price does not includes:
- Visit to Lankester Gardens in Paraiso (can be combined with Irazu or Tapanti).
- Whitewater rafting on the Reventazon or Pacuare Rivers.
- Laundry Service at reasonable rates.
Notes:
Price Includes:
- Lodging in Lodge or Cottage
- 3 delicious meals per nights stay
- Coffee
- Tea
- Fruit juice (sodas and alcoholic beverages are extra)
- Resident bird guide throughout your stay
- Birding in nearby Silent Mountain
- Birding in nearby Tuis Valley
- Horseback riding
- Shopping in town of Turrialba
- Maid service.
Week Package: $1,040.00 per person, double occupancy.
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