Finca La Isla (Botanical Garden)

Black Beach, 500 meters north of Puerto Viejo

General Hours: 10am-4pm, Friday-Monday

Self guided and guided tours available.

Includes: fruit tasting, natural chocolate, flowers, spices, frog, bird and plant viewing, medicinal plants

About Finca La Isla:
The garden areas (approximately 4 hectares/10 acres), combine the natural settings of large canopy trees, open areas of cultivated crops and landscaped gardens.  Cultivated crops include popular spices (pepper, cinnamon, vanilla, ginger), a tropical fruit collection of over 60 varieties, and medicinal plants.  Tropical fruit tasting is a highlight of most visits.  Ornamental flowers, including a hundred varieties of bromeliads, decorate the gardens.  Heliconias, orchids, palms and many other families of beautiful plants are available for viewing unique flowers and dramatic foliage.  Because of the variety of plants, you will also be able to see poison dart frogs, birds and butterflies.
ATEC (Talamanca Association of Ecotourism and Conservation)

Bird Watching - Black Beach
3-4 hours
Rates starting at $20

Get to know some of Talamanca’s favorite birds: toucans, parrots, hawks, mannequins, tanagers, hummingbirds, magpies, woodpeckers, as well as birds that can only be found in the the Talamanca region.  On the Chimuri Reserve, over 400 different species of birds have been recorded.

Bird Watching - Manzanillo
3-4 hours
$35/person

The Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is well known for its diversity of wildlife, including a wide variety of birds.  It’s best to get up early so you can see the most.  Get to know some of Talamanca’s favorite birds: toucans, parrots, hawks, mannequins, tanagers, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, as well as birds that can only be found in the the Talamanca region.

Raptor Migration in the Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve
5-8 hours
Rates depend on length of tour (generally starting at $30)

Thousands of raptors migrate through the Talamanca region and Kekoldi offers the best place to view them, especially during migration season (September to November and February to May).  Hike to the highest point in the reserve and observe from the bird watching tower.

GREEN IGUANA TOURS:

Background: Many of the thousands of animal species that make the jungles of Costa Rica their home are in danger of extinction, among them the green iguana.

THE KEKOLDI INDIGENOUS FOREST RESERVE IGUANA PROJECT

Description: Help support this rustic iguana project with a self-guided tour or take a short guided interpretive hike around the Indigenous Forest Reserve.
Duration: 20 minutes or 2-3 hours
Location: The entrance of the Kèköldi Reserve, 5 km from Puerto Viejo, 15 minutes Difficulty: Easy
Rate: $5 per person for the 20 minute tour

$20 per person for the 2-3 hour tour

GUIDED TOUR OF THE IGUANA VERDE FOUNDATION

Description: On Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday morning, arrive at 10am to learn about the Green Iguana of Talamanca. Watch a short film and take a guided tour around the Foundation’s grounds. Proceeds go to educate local youth on the importance of protecting this key species. Special Hint: Bring a little cash, hand made souvenirs are available.
Duration: 2-3 hour tour or a self guided tour available any day before 5 pm
Location: Playa Chiquita, 5 minutes from C & J Cabinas

Difficulty: Easy
Rate: $15 per person with guide on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays

$5 self guided tour

TURTLE WATCHING IN TORTUGUERO

Description: Boat into Tortuguero through the maze of canals with our guide, a native of Tortuguero, and current president of ATEC. On this unique inland waterway you’ll spot also crocodiles, sloths, monkeys, and birds. On the night hike witness the ancient process of green turtle nesting during May to October. Enjoy Tortuguero, an excellent model of conservation-tourism, at the island’s only locally owned lodge and tour operation; All-Rankin Family Lodge. Have a great time with Willis’ silly sense of humor and his super eye for wildlife. We’re proud to say that he is ATEC’s president. You can’t wear repellant on the nighttime turtle watch and it’s a night time hike. Wear dark, long sleeved clothes.

COMPLETE 2 DAY PACKAGE:

Includes: Boat transport round trip, Lodging in cabinas: Private bath, hot water; near the beach, Three meals, Tours: Observe the nesting of the green turtle, Visit Turtle Conservation Museum, Morning of the Cano Palma Reserve
Rate: $125 per person

COMPLETE 3 DAY PACKAGE:
Includes: Experience all of the above, plus extra meals and a hike to the Cerro de Tortuguero.
Rate: $185 per person

EXTRA DAYS:
Includes: 3 meals and Lodging

Rate: $50 per person per day

TRANSPORT ONLY:
Rate: $65 per person

LODGING ONLY:
Rate: $20 per person per night

(Please see the Tour Director for more information on marine life and sea turtles)

LEATHERBACK TURTLE WATCHING IN GANDOCA

Description: (March-July) Learn how volunteers gather data on the Leatherback turtle nesting population. Includes transportation to and from your hotel. Return at 1AM more or less. Gandoca has run their sea turtle conservation project for more than 10 years. Enjoy the beach, observe the Leatherback (Baula) Turtles laying their eggs in the sand (from March to July), do some trekking by the Gandoca Lake and swamplands and watch a great diversity of local and migratory birds. Stay in cabins or in local family’s homes. No repellant allowed on the turtle watch and it’s a night time hike. Wear dark, long sleeved clothes. Visiting Gandoca contributes to the local community sustainable development and the Baula Turtle protection program.

OVERNIGHT PACKAGES
Includes: Lodging, 3 meals, local guide, Leatherback Turtle Watch (nesting season March-July)
Rate: $65 per person

NIGHTTIME TURTLE WATCH ONLY
Includes: Pick up at your hotel 6PM, transport to Gandoca, participation in the turtle protection program and watch, return to hotel at midnight or 1 AM.
Duration: 6-8 hours

Rate: $65 per person