Manu Villas and Spa Dominical Costa Rica

These 150ft. and 65ft. high waterfalls are one of the main attractions of the southern pacific zone. The falls are formed by two cascades on the Barucito river that tower 150ft. and 65ft. above a sparkling 20ft. deep pool. You will be horseback riding to the waterfalls were you can swim in the 20ft. deep pools or jump into them from a high rock. Nauyaca waterfall tours is a authentic  costa rican family enterprise.

Hacienda Barú is a 330 hectare (815 acre) biological reserve that encompasses a brilliant variety of habitats that represent the soul of Central America and the magic of Costa Rica. Although we at Manu Villas enjoy making your vacation a private affair we do entourage you to see the spectacular variety of animals and forests that Costa Rica has to offer. We are delighted that Hacienda Barus is just minutes from our residence. In the reserve there are several versions of the forest. You can see the variances from wetland and secondary forest in the lowlands to primary forest and then to the changes on the highland coastal ridge.  Trekking through 7 Km of trails and 3 Km of pristine beach are worth every moment as well as experiencing the enticing allure of the orchid and butterfly garden. The reserve is a save haven for anteaters, ocelots, kinkajous, tayras, capuchin monkeys, and jaguarondis. The bird list is in excess of 330 species and growing: roseate spoonbills, magnificent frigate birds, boat-billed herons, kingfishers, curassows, falcons, cormorants, anhinga, and owls among others. The vegetation, foliage, and flora list is far from complete and there are already over 100 trees and 75 orchid species named.

Mangrove swamps are one of the richest environmental sites for spotting vast forms of wildlife that live in both the trees and water. Dominical sits on the Pacific Ocean bordered to the north by the Río Hatillo, a fresh water river that runs from the mountains into the ocean, where it creates a rushing current that you can find and track as you walk along the beach. Traveling up the river bend, in the nooks of the tree roots and lush canopy of green, are an illustrious variety of birds including the Bare-throated Tiger-Heron, Little Blue Heron, Brown Pelican and Royal Tern. Various indigenous animals value their privacy among the lush growth and roots of the trees. Many mammals take shade throughout the day. It is common to see White faced Capuchin monkeys, three- and two-toed sloths, Northern Raccoons or the White-nosed Coati which inhabits the estuaries. The mangroves also are home to various reptiles such as the Green Iguana, Jesus Christ lizards, the Boa Constrictor, and six different species of crabs.

Playa Dominical and Playa Dominicalito (just a few miles south of the town center) are ideal for the hard-core surfer and perfect for the novice. The international surfing community has known Dominical for many years. It became a destination in the early seventies by a group of spirited and dedicated surfers and, because of its consistently good waves, Dominical has steadily gained in popularity over the last 30 years. The unusual conditions of the beach are what give its surf size, dependability and the gentle rolling waves that make a consistent white water splash perfect for learning. The tepid warm water created by the mocha colored volcanic sand allows you to stay in the water for long periods of time without a chill. The team at Manu Villas is well acquainted with the top surf schools and many of the talented instructors. Whether you are looking for a challenging ride or a tepid twist and just some fun learning to balance and stand on the board, we can make the right arrangements for you.

We will start the trip by paddling out in our kayaks to Ballena Island (about 1 1/2 hours). Once we arrive at the beach we will indulge in local fresh fruits and cold drinks. If you would like to experience an amazing tour of rich marine fauna we will set you up in snorkel gear and take a swim around the island. Or if you just feel the need to rest, lay back on the beach and put your feet into the sand.

After a boot trip through the largest conservation area of mangrove swamps in Central America you will reach the Corcovado National park which National geographic magazine described as “Biologically, the most intense place on earth”. You will be guided on your hike trough the park by extremely knowledgeable bilingual naturalist guides, who will help you discover the secrets of this amazing and unique habitat.

On the boat trip to Caño Island we will pass through the Sierpe river mangroves and scenic Drake Bay. After snorkeling in the crystal clear ocean waters around the island, a light lunch awaits you at the beach. A knowledgeable guide will lead you through a mysterious trail to an ancient cemetery, and will then narrate and explain one of the truly fascinating artifacts left by an ancient Indian culture.

Costa Rica fishing is best known for its sailfish, some reaching up to 220 pounds. Much of the country's original tourism was based on competitive sport fishing excursions. On a typical fishing trip you will find remarkable fishing and will almost always see dolphins, sea turtles and, during the right season, migrating whales.

GUABO RIVER:  Features Class II, III rapids with one rapid class V rapid. The descent starts on the valley San Juan de Dios and it ends at Dominical beach.  This river offers a full day of adventure.