Rancho Cielo Alt

Rancho Cielo Alto is a farm to table and an absolute must when staying at Escaleras Escape!

Located above Playa Hermosa with stunning ocean views, all of Jasmine’s ingredients are fresh/organic and come from either her farm, her brother’s farm, or her father’s farm. The meat is also organic/free range and she caters to vegan and vegetarians alike!

Once your reservation is confirmed, you will choose your main from a specialized menu that is unique to that particular night. The other 3 courses will be a surprise.

Jasmine comes out before each course and gives a detailed explanation of what is on your plate, including all the medicinal plants she threw in there, and all their benefits!

If you’d like to be more hands on throughout the cooking process, Jasmine offers wonderful cooking classes suitable for both beginner and intermediate chefs. She will cater to your eating styles and design a class specific to you and your group.

Ranch Cielo Alto is BYOB and there is no alcohol available to purchase on the property.

DINNER- $55/person (Cash Only)

Please message +506 8555-2322 to reserve your spot today!

RESERVATION REQUIRED

Kayak/ SUP Tours

RIVER/FLAT WATER OPTIONS

OPTION 1: MANGROVE NATURE TOUR

TOUR SUMMARY: River tour (flat water)- wildlife viewing- photography- education- eco system, for ages 3+, 2 adult minimum

LEVEL: beginners welcome (no experience necessary)

DURATION: 4 hours (2.5 hours paddling)n

TOUR START TIME: dependent on high tide

OPTION 2: RIO BARU

TOUR SUMMARY: Rive Tour- wild life viewing- ages 3+- 2 adult minimum

LEVEL: beginners welcome (no experience needed)

DURATION: 2 hours (1.5 hours paddling)

TOUR START TIME: dependent on high tide.

(ONLY AVAILABLE FROM DECEMBER-AUGUST) (RAIN DEPENDENT)

OCEAN TOURS

OPTION 3: WHALE’S TAIL KAYAK AND SNORKEL COMBO

TOUR SUMMARY: Ocean kayaking, snorkeling, Marino Ballena National Park, Mangroves Hike, Age 7+, 2 adult minimum

LEVEL: Beginner by kayak or Intermediate SUP experience

DURATION: 5 hours

TOUR START TIME: dependent on low tide

REQUIREMENTS: MUST BE ABLE TO SWIM, NO PREGNANT WOMEN, 250 LBS (113KG) MAX WEIGHT, NO CHILDREN UNDER 7 YEARS OLD,

AVAILABLE NOVEMBER-AUGUST. WAVES AND RAIN SIGNIFICANT TO THIS TOUR.

OPTION 4: VENTANAS CAVES INTERMEDIATE OCEAN KAYAKING

TOUR SUMMARY: Ocean kayaking, Caves, Wave surfing, Adrenaline, Age 15+, 2 person minimum

LEVEL: Intermediate Ocean Kayak Skills (No SUP available)

DURATION: 4 hours

TOUR START TIME: dependent on low tide

REQUIREMENTS: YOU MUST KNOW HOW TO SWIM. NO CHILDREN UNDER 15. 250LB (113 KG) MAX WEIGHT LIMIT, NO PREGNANT WOMEN, MUST BE IN GOOD PHYSICAL SHAPE AND READY TO PADDLE HARD!

AVAILABLE NOVEMBER-AUGUST. WAVES AND RAIN SIGNIFICANT TO THIS TOUR.

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White Water Rafting

Escaleras Escape works with a couple different white water rafting companies. One is based out of Dominical and the other is based out of Quepos. There are 2 options for rafting. Savegre (class 2-3) and El Chorro ( class 3-4).

OPTION 1: DOMINICAL (SAVEGRE RIVER)

DURATION: 8:00-3:00pm (7 hours)

LEVEL: Class 2-3 (no experience necessary)

INCLUDES: waterfall stop, entrance fee, transportation, snacks and lunch

MINIMUM 4 PEOPLE

OPTION 2: DOMINICAL (EL CHORRO)

DURATION: 8:00am-1:00pm (5 hours)

LEVEL: class 3-4 (need prior experience)

INCLUDES: entrance fee, transportation, snacks, and lunch

MINIMUM 2 PEOPLE

OPTION 3: QUEPOS (SAVEGRE RIVER)

DURATION: 8:30-12:30 (4 hours)

LEVEL: Class 2-3 (no experience necessary)

INCLUDES: Snack and lunch. Meet at the Savegre River Bridge)

MINIMUM 2 PEOPLE

WHAT TO BRING: Rubber souled shoes that can get wet, t-shirt and quick drying shorts, plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses with straps to secure them, change of clothes, and a towel.

OTHER INFO: Life jackets will be provided and are a requirement for the tour. Children must be at least 8 years old to participate and the weight limit is 230 lbs.

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Whale Watching/ Open Water Tour

OPTION 1: WHALE WATCHING (UVITA)

DURATION: 8:15 in Uvita (3-4 hours)

DETAILS: Snorkel different spots along the coast of the Marino Ballena National Park all while searching for dolphins and whales. You will see all sorts of sea life and also pass the caves of Ventanas. This boat tour is a great way to see the coast and get out on the water without having to do much physical work. There is even a chance to see whales during the respective season. (January-February and August-October)

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Catamaran Tour

If you’re looking to relax and have an easy afternoon at sea, then this tour is for you!

Head out on a catamaran and explore the coastline of Quepos/Manuel Antonio. The tour offers snorkeling, a water slide, jumping off the boat, dolphin searching, and free drinks!

Depart: 8:00 or 1:30 from Pez Vela Marina

Duration: 4 hours

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Hacienda Baru

Located just North of Dominical, Hacienda Baru is a great place to hike.

Not only is this an amazing place to get lost and explore the jungle of Costa Rica, but it’s also a great way for you to support our local community and wildlife.

At the beginning of the 20th century this entire area of Costa Rica was cleared for settlers and cattle ranchers. The deforestation took a massive toll on the local plant and wildlife. In fact, many animal and plant species became locally extinct.

Jack Ewing bought the land that is now Hacienda Baru in 1979 and had decided to restore all of it back to its natural habitat by 1990. The park protects 815 acres of tropical rainforest, mangrove, wetlands, river bank, and beach front. You can hire a tour guide to point out animals and learn the history or you can chose to hike and explore on your own. 

If you are interested in a more detailed history of Hacienda Baru and our local area I’d recommend you read the book “Where Tapirs and Jaguars Once Roamed” by Jack Ewing.

Hikes

Hacienda Baru offers at least 5 hours of hiking trails. You can experience this nature preserve with or without an eagle eyed guide. Hacienda Baru also offers night and twilight hikes, which allows you to see the jungle in full action!

Option 1: Self Guide Trails

Duration: As long as you’d like

What to bring: Hiking Shoes or Tennis Shoes, Binoculars, Sunblock, Hat, Camera, Water Bottle, and Bug Spray.

What’s included: Entrance Ticket to Hacienda Baru

Option 2: Low Land or Rainforest Bird Watching Hike (Short)

Duration: 3 hours

Times: 6:00 AM, Monday – Saturday.

Limit: Minimum 2 people, Maximum 12 people.

What to bring: Hiking Shoes or Tennis Shoes, Binoculars, Sunblock, Hat, Camera, Water Bottle, and Bug Spray.

What’s included: Guide, Admission Fee to Hacienda Barú National Wildlife Refuge, Bird Watching Tower, and the Medicinal Plant Garden.

Option 3: Low Land or Rainforest Bird Watching Hike (Long)

Duration: 5 hours.

Times: 6:00 AM, Monday – Saturday.

Limit: Minimum 2 people, Maximum 12 people.

What to bring: Hiking Shoes or Tennis Shoes, Binoculars, Sunblock, Hat, Camera, Water Bottle, and Bug Spray.

What’s included: Guide, Naturalist Guide, Admission Fee to Hacienda Barú National Wildlife Refuge, Bird Watching Tower, Breakfast, and the Medicinal Plant Garden.

Option 4: Night Hike

Duration: 2 – 3 hours.

Times: 5:30 – 6:00 PM, Monday – Friday.

Limit: Minimum 2 persons, Maximum 12 people.

What to bring: Hiking or Tennis Shoes, A Good Flashlight (Let Us Know If You Don’t Have One), Water Bottle, Bug Spray and Rain Gear during the Rainy Season.

What’s included: Guide, Admission Fee to The Hacienda Barú National Wildlife Refuge, Bird Watching Tower, and the Medicinal Plant Garden

Option 5: Guided Hike in Hacienda Baru

Duration: 3 – 4 hours.

Times: 7:30 AM, Monday – Saturday.

Limit: Minimum 2 persons, Maximum 8 people.

What to bring: Hiking Shoes or Tennis Shoes, Camera, Water Bottle, Bug Spray, Binoculars, Light Clothing.

What’s included: Guide, Admission Fee to Hacienda Barú National Wildlife Refuge, Bird Watching Tower, and the Medicinal Plant Garden.

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Getting There

Google Maps Pin Here

Turn left at the blue butterfly rock and take the Poza Azul Road down the mountain.

Turn right onto the Costanera Sur and drive for 6.5km.

You will pass through Dominical and the park is located just past the river on the left side of the road.

Turn left at the Hacienda Baru Sign.

Playa Ventanas (The Ventanas Caves)

Playa Ventanas is a unique and beautiful.

This small sandy palm tree lined bay is situated between two cliff faces and outlined with stunning mountain views in the background.

The most popular time to visit Playa Ventanas is low tide when the water recedes and opens up two caves for you to explore on the North side of the beach.

It’s the perfect place to relax and have yourself an epic beach day.

There is a parking lot at the entrance to the beach and parking costs 1,000 colones (about $2) - Price is subject to change over time.

Getting There

Google Maps Pin Here

Turn right at the blue butterfly rock and take the road of your choosing down to the highway.

(The roads on the mountain are constantly changing. Please message Blake or Barbara for their recommended road for you and your party.)

Turn left onto the highway and drive for 25 km. You will pass through Uvita and will see a sign for Playa Ventanas on the right side of the road.

Turn right at the sign and follow the road back and around to the entrance to the beach. You will cross a small river.

There is usually a security guard waiting at the entrance to collect your parking fee of 1,000 colones.

Mangrove Tours

You’ll find the mangroves of the Costa Ballena to a peaceful oasis teeming with wildlife.

Not only are the mangroves stunningly beautiful, they protect our shorelines as well.

Their tangled root systems help prevent erosion and protect the coast from damaging winds, floods, and waves. Not only do the mangroves act as protectors for our shorelines, they also act as a safe haven for certain fish, birds, and other organisms seeking food and shelter.

There are a few different ways to explore this incredible eco system- the most popular being via SUP or Kayak.

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Paragliding

It is not uncommon to look up into the sky and see paragliders making their way down from the tall mountainous cliffs above to the beautiful beaches below.

By taking your adventure up into the clouds you gain an entirely new perspective on the surrounding area!

Duration: 1.5 hours

Pick up in Dominical. Flight time 30 minutes.

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Sport Fishing

Did you know Quepos is considered one of the billfish capitals of the world?!

Along the Quepos Coastline you’ll find many fish that are considered to be first class catches.

Blue, black, and grated marlin, sailfish, snapper, lemon fish, wahoo, golden fish, yellow fin tuna, big eye, and rooster fish all call these waters home and make Quepos a without a doubt trophy sport fishing destination.

Email contact@escalerasescape.com to reserve your boat today!

Scuba Dive/Snorkeling

Cano Island is said to be one of the best dive sites in the world and boasts some of the clearest water in all of Costa Rica. The island is located 12 miles west of Drake Bay which means its waters stay clear all year round with visibility ranging anywhere from 45-90 ft. The clear waters makes it easy to see all the amazing marine life that call these pristine waters home.

Tour Options

Option 1: Snorkel (Uvita)

Duration: 7:30am-4:00pm

Details: two 1.5 hour snorkel sessions, lunch in Isla Violines, includes park entrance, fruit, water, and snorkel gear.

Option 2: Snorkel or Scuba (Uvita)

Duration: 7:00am-3:00pm

Details: two 40 minute Snorkel or Scuba sessions, includes lunch, park entrance, fruit, water, and gear.

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Osa Canopy Tour

The Osa Canopy Tour boasts 9 cables, 11 platforms, 2 repelling stations, 2 suspension bridges, and an incredible “Tarzan swing.”

A zip lining tour through the canopy that is suitable for both kids and adults.

The architect of the platforms and designer of the Osa Canopy Tour, Jose Manuelle Pizarro, used technology that allows the platforms to grow along with the trees. This means that the ecology of the area is not disturbed in any way!

Pretty cool, huh?!

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Surfing

Chances are if you’re staying at Escaleras Escape, you’re planning on taking advantage of the world renown waves that constantly hit our shores.

Escaleras Escape is conveniently located just 15 minutes outside the popular surf town, Dominical, and is just minutes from multiple other world renowned surf beaches.

Surf Lessons

Surf lessons are required for those who have never surfed before and a great way for beginner-intermediate surfers to improve their skills.

With a 3:1 student to instructor ratio, these lessons are informative, worth your time and money, and crucial when it comes to improving your surfing skills and learning the basics.

Price: $60/person ($20 deposit)

Duration: 2 Hours (start time dependent on tides)

Includes: Certified Surf Instructor, Surf Board, Rash Guard, Fruit, and Water

Location: Dominical

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Best Beaches to Surf Based on Skill Level

Beginner Surfers: Playa Dominicalito, Playa Uvita, and Playa Chaman

Intermediate Surfers: Playa Hermosa

Advanced Surfers: Playa Dominical and Punta Achiote

When to Surf

Choosing the best time at which to surf is essential for amplifying your safety and the fun factor of your session.

The proper use of a local surf report and tide table can help you decide on the timing of your session.

Surf Report

Always check a local surf report before heading out.

If there’s a swell in the forecast, figure out how big it will be to make sure you are comfortable with the conditions.

Find our local surf report by clicking here.

Tides

If you’re comfortable with the swell size, Escaleras Escape would recommend surfing 2 hours on either side of a high tide as the waves tend to be consistent and work best during this mid tide range.

You can check the tide times by clicking here.

Safety

We are very lucky in that some of our beaches are patrolled by life guards. The life guards and those at the local surf shops are great resources and readily available should you have any questions or concerns.