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.
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.