Other
Activities
There are plenty of non-birding activities that you can do during your stay at Rancho Naturalista. If you would like to try any of these, please let us know and we will be happy to help you! Most of these can be arranged the night before, but it is always better if you can reserve them a little more in advance.
Night walk
This is a perfect activity for the people that love other wildlife besides birds. It is a post-dinner activity where you will spend a couple of hours with a guide exploring the grounds and forest trails in search of a whole range of interesting creatures less likely to be found by day. This tour has a strong focus on insects, Arachnids, Amphibians and Reptiles but with nocturnal bird and mammal sightings possible.
Butterflies & Moths
When guests are present at Rancho Naturalista we usually turn on the moth/insect light so that they can observe the amazing amount of insects and moths that are attracted to the light. There are around 12,000 species of moths found in Costa Rica so you can imagine the sizable amount that arrives at the light, not to mention the insects. If the light is left on all night, insect-feeding birds arrive at dawn to feed on the insects and moths. If you want the moth light to be connected please just ask and we will be happy to turn it on! Around the lodge and in the forest on our trails many different species of the butterflies can be observed. We will also be happy to make a butterfly bait of fermented fruit to place in strategic spots. We do have a “No Collection” policy at Rancho Naturalista, remember “Take only pictures and leave only footprints”.
White water rafting
Not far from Rancho Naturalista you can experience world-class white-water rafting on the Rio Pacuare, listed in “Outdoor Magazine” as one of the top five rivers in the world for white water rafting. It is a thrilling experience, paddling through numerous rapids as the river twists down through 28 km (18 miles) of deep, isolated canyons with many waterfalls and some of the most breath-taking scenery in all of Costa Rica. You will stop at a beautiful beach on the river for a delicious lunch prepared right on the spot by your guide. The rafting is conducted by a well-established rafting company and is not included in your guest package at Rancho Naturalista, but our staff can help you reserve your spaces. Bring; a T-shirt, swimsuit, shorts, tennis shoes or sandals with ankle straps (no flip-flops), and sunblock. Extra clothes and a towel will be needed at the end of the tour.
Canyoning & Ziplining
Canyoning involves rappelling and descending cliffs and waterfalls within a canyon. The canyoning site is located above Turrialba. You start the tour at a waterfall where a guide will explain the course and the equipment making sure you know what you will be doing. This ensures that you have a safe and fun experience. Then you will begin rappelling down waterfalls, ziplining on four canopy cables, and walking across a 132-foot hanging bridge – an unforgettable adrenaline rush! This is a 2-3 hour adventure. The Canyoning tour is conducted by a well-established company and is not included in your guest package at Rancho Naturalista, but our staff can help you reserve your spaces. Bring a T-shirt; shorts, (no jeans) a swimsuit, sandals with straps or tennis shoes, (these will get wet) sunscreen, and insect repellent. Clean, dry clothes and towels will be needed for the end of the tour. A delicious lunch is also included.
Golden Bean Coffee Tour
Visit the Golden Bean Coffee Tour where you will learn every aspect of the gourmet coffee production process, starting from the coffee cherry on the plant to the cup of coffee on your table!
More activities
Massage, Sugar mill tour, Butterfly garden, and House, Spanish Lessons, Dancing lessons, Horseback Riding, Zumba Dance Class, Painting Class, Free Cooking Class, or a Trip to a Swimming Pool or Swim in a Mountain Stream.