Hiking

Selfguided Hike:

We suggest:

To walk to Playa Tortuga, a round trip of about 1.5 hour from the hotel, in which you can see the mangroves, the river Terraba and the Island of Garza, the caves on the north side of the beach (only at low tide).
To walk to the village of Ojochal (�la route Ojoche�), a round trip of 2.5 hours from the hotel, along the river of Tortuga, going into the mountains while  where you can visit a waterfall.

The Reception offers a map and further explanation. Also on other possibilities for hiking and learning about the natural and social environment of the hotel.

If you are interested in visiting the village of Ojochal with a local guide, we suggest a tour with Lalo, who proudly shows you its rural community, with a Ceiba tree of 70 meters high, an Ojochede tree of 100 years old, a community center with interesting public areas as the community kitchen, the Bull ring for yearly Rodeo events - the murals, the school and the library and of course the soccer field. The tour includes a coffee or soft drink at the �rancho� of his house, settled in a beautiful tropical garden. You can extend the village tour with a visit to the waterfall / the primary forest (Congo) /the view of las Brisas, all sites that belong to Ojochal but need car or horse to get there.

Ecological trail of the Reserve Playa Tortuga (www.playatortuga.com)

A neighboring conservation area south of Hotel Villas Gaia.

Guests will learn about the flora and fauna and about the importance and relationships within the different habitats found in TPN, lagoons, forest Gallery, mangrove forest, secondary forest and forest regeneration.

Duration of the tour and cost: 2.5 hours - cost $16.00 per person

Requires: focus (s) with red light, if it is possible, waterproof, water and a snack, rubber boots or other strong waterproof shoes, camera and if you have binoculars. .

Early morning guided hike in Reserva Posada Tortuga US$ 15 pp

( 2-3  hours). Starting at 7 AM at the hotel reception.

Hiking in the primary forest of Ojochal, el Congo. US$ 40 pp

(min. 2 personas), 3 � 5 hours.

Including tipical costarican lunch, bilingual guide.Our gardner, Geovanni, will show you the different species of animals like monkeys, birds, crocodiles and also plants and trees which can be found in the immediate surroundings of the hotel property. 

Bird watching in Rancho La Merced Wildlife Refuge: US $45 pp

(appr. 4 hours )

Presents a series of trails for hiking through primary rainforest, secondary growth and open land to give you the opportunity to observe the protected flora and fauna.

Experience the behavior of insects, birds, mammals and reptiles in their natural habitat, and observe the extensive variety of tropical plants. Enjoy the tranquil environment of the beautiful nature sanctuary by hiking along the banks of the Morete River and taking a short tour of the mangrove estuary at the mouth of the river.
Part of the trails are located on the hill sides of the reserve where you can observe the Morete River basin, the tropical rain forest and the habitat near the river. This is an excellent hike for  wildlife observation as there is a great deal of open space and gallery forest.

Birding Tour:

Rancho La Merced National Wildlife Refuge is home of a great variety of birds. 310 species have been spotted in the refuge and sorrounding habitats.

Since 1917 the conservation of diverse natural habitats found in the Refuge, has attracted many birds, mammals insects and reptiles, who have found in the refuge a sanctuary for feeding and reproduction in the rainforest, wetlands and mangroves.
Its proximity to the beach and the Ballena Marine National Park will also give you the chance to observe some interesting sea shore species.

The guides will take you in an incredible half day walk helping you spot the numerous birds found in the refuge, explain their behavior and share with you other valuable information of this neotropical sanctuary and its birds. It is quite common to spot about 50 to 60 species in a morning, and wo knows? you might add a new species to your list!

The tour can be extended all day long by adding US $ 20 which will include a delicious lunch as well.

The mangrove hike in Hacienda Bar�: US $20 pp

(2-3 hours), starting at 6 AM and 3 AM. Bilingual guide.

This hike takes you through the secundary and successional forests of the lowlands where the walking is easy and the birdwatching is wonderful.
A bird blind with a view of a rookery where several species of waterbirds nest in the rainy season is of particular interest. For the magrove hike bring light clothing, binoculars, repellent and a bottle of water.

The rainforest experience, bilingual guided hike Hacienda Baru, US$ 25 pp

Starting at 7.30 AM (3 � 4 hours)

On the rainforest experience you will hike through primary and secundary rainforest with one of our excellent local naturalist guides. While in the more remote parts of the refuge you may enjoy the jungle that surrounds you without distractions. This is a wonderful way to experience the rainforest. We recommend to bring light clothing, binoculars, repellent and a bottle of water.