• placement: superzone
  • path: destinations/pois/hero
  • containerId: gpt-ad-508765548765
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "points-of-interest/hacienda-baru-national-wildlife-refuge/1532645",
      "refresh": 30,
      "refresh_limit": 3
    }
Top Choice

Hacienda Barú National Wildlife Refuge

Iguana sitting on a trunk in Hacienda Baru, Costa Rica.

© pisces2386/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Consisting of pristine beaches, riverbanks, mangrove estuaries, wetlands, primary and secondary forests, tree plantations and pastures, this 330-hectare nature reserve forms a key link in a major biological corridor called the Path of the Tapir.

Explore the reserve by hiking five trails making 8km of marked and well-kept self-guided pathways. Monkeys, sloths and toucans are commonly spotted here. Experience the rainforest canopy by tree climbing or ziplining 'Flight of the Toucan,' (US$49 per person) or join birdwatching and walking tours.

The refuge now also has an 'Ecotram', a motorized chair that goes through the treetop canopy and turns 340 degrees for nature viewing.

Book popular activities

  • placement: superzone
  • path: destinations/pois/middle
  • containerId: gpt-ad-706425676304
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "points-of-interest/hacienda-baru-national-wildlife-refuge/1532645",
      "refresh": 30,
      "refresh_limit": 3
    }

Must-see attractions

  • placement: superzone
  • path: destinations/pois/superzone
  • containerId: gpt-ad-291998584984
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "points-of-interest/hacienda-baru-national-wildlife-refuge/1532645",
      "refresh": 30,
      "refresh_limit": 3
    }