costaricalover

We will be staying in this area in February and would like to find out more about this nature reserve. I would love to get feedback from anyone who has hiked in this area and can offer advice. Wondering also if a guide would be helpful, and if so, recommendations. Gracias all!!

hipvirgochick

I hiked there with tully a couple years ago and it was a very nice hike. Taking a picnic for the beach would be a good idea. I'm not sure how extensive the trail system is as we just wandered and took the path to the beach. I imagine a guide could help spot a lot of birds as I hear this is a good spot, but we didn't have one. We saw a lot of capuchins and tully spotted her first sloth (that was pointed out by someone else) so a mark in history for her ;-) and I stepped on my first hill of army ants, and last, lol, while stopping for pics.

mlgb

Check their website for information on trails, it is quite extensive. I went three days, once self guided to the beach, and twice on the morning bird watch walks (one to mangrove and lowland and one to the upland and primary rainforest). They also have some shorter hikes. Their guides are excellent, although you'll see a few things by yourself such as the huge pizote that hangs out by the turtle center, you'll see more with a guide. My favorite guide was Pedro.

mlgb

Pics: http://picasaweb.google.com/kiwifann/HaciendaBaru#

costaricalover

Thanks Hip and mlgb. Ouch,army ants!!Mlgb,how do I reach Pedro? Thanks.

mlgb

He is a guide employed by Hacienda Baru, just contact HB and request him. I would do this ahead of time as they all do lots of other things there too, so there may be a particular day when they can guarantee him, I just was lucky.

http://haciendabaru.com/pedro-porras

costaricalover

Thanks Mlgb. I will email Pedro. Really enjoyed your pictures!!

butterflybush

You might want to read "Monkeys are made of Chocolate" An interesting book about htis area.

costaricalover

Butterflybush, thanks. I'll search that out!

costaricalover

Just placed an order for this book on Amazon. Thanks again Butterfly! These forums are the best! Yaay Fodors!!!

butterflybush

Hope you like the book, and have a wonderful trip.