Hacienda Baru, Dominical

Location

Hacienda Barú is located just three hours from San José, Manuel Antonio, and Uvita. This eco-lodge sits within the 330 hectares of the Barú National Wildlife Refuge, featuring diverse ecosystems including rainforest, mangroves, and beachfront. The combination of accessibility and natural beauty makes this lodge a central point for ecotourism activities in the region.

Accommodations

The lodge offers six comfortable cottages and six pool view rooms, each designed to harmonize with the surrounding nature. Visitors can explore the property's extensive nature trails directly from their accommodations. Any stay includes breakfast and entrance to the wildlife refuge as part of the package.

Dining

The on-site restaurant, Chocolate Monkey, serves traditional Costa Rican dishes at reasonable prices, allowing guests to enjoy local flavors. The restaurant's open-air dining experience enhances the connection to nature, with opportunities for bird watching while dining. Various menu options include vegetarian and gluten-free choices to cater to diverse dietary needs.

Ecotourism and Activities

Hacienda Barú has specialized in ecotourism and birdwatching for over 30 years. Guests can choose from eleven ecological tours, including rainforest canopy tours, hiking tours, and night hikes. The lodge's bird watching tower provides a vantage point to observe over 365 species of birds within the wildlife refuge.

Sustainability Initiatives

The property demonstrates a commitment to environmental conservation, restoring 150 hectares of former farmland back to natural habitat. The lodge supports local conservation projects such as the Tapir Biological Corridor initiative. Revenue generated from ecotourism and sustainable practices is directed toward protecting the region's biodiversity.

Highlights

Location: Within 330 hectares of Barú National Wildlife Refuge

Dining: Chocolate Monkey serving traditional Costa Rican dishes

Activities: Over 11 specialized ecological tours available

Conservation: Committed to sustainable practices and habitat restoration