We went horseback riding at Rancho La Merced last august with 2 adults who had never been on a horse before, one carrying a 2 month old baby in sling, and one with a 2 year old on a horse and my 5 year old had her own horse. They took us out to the beach through the jungle, and while we were certainly stiff and sore the next day, the experience was pretty magical. The beach we had to ourselves, we saw a sloth and some monkeys (nothing unusual in the area), but my 5 year old had a blast. We did smidge a bit about her age, but the guide didn't seem to mind and the horses were great. I wouldn't do the trout fishing. While it's a nice short activity to do, I don't think it's THAT great. Baru is great. A lot of monkeys on the trails, and a neat turtle hatching area.The repile farm is about 15 minutes East of Dominical but really great. My kids really loved it there.

amac I'm glad to hear your good experiences with Rancho la Merced as well. Doesn't get a lot of mention but it was really nice.

John, I will put the disk on my laptop tonight and upload to kodak gallery. Could you send your e-mail address to me as I would prefer not to post the photos on Fodor's. Mine is [email protected]

Yes, tully, I saved it--and I knew where it was!! Will miracles never cease?

I know this is a few years old, but I've been trying to get some info on this place as well, as I understand they might be a source of rare fruit trees here in Costa Rica, but info is scare. Did you ever make it there? Anyone have any idea if this place is still around? I'm way in the north of CR, so just going there to check is a bit of hassle if I were to find it's no longer there.

A few as in ten! Did their Facebook page have a messaging link?
Hardly any of these posters are active on Fodor's any more. You might try the new private message function to anyone who mentioned that Reserve.

Good luck!