Hacienda Barú Wildlife Refuge

Tip

Go early in the morning when animals are most active. Self-guided entry is roughly US$18; check the current price at the office.

Be careful

Bring repellent and stay on marked trails: snakes live in the forest.

Places nearby

• Cafe Mono CongoFood & CoffeeRiverside cafe at Pueblo del Río in Dominical with strong coffee, an in-house bakery, breakfast quesadillas, paninis and smoothies, plenty of vegan and gluten-free options and a back deck facing the river.
• La Junta DominicalFood & CoffeeLaid-back bar and kitchen across from the soccer field in Dominical: organic and locally sourced food with tuna ceviche, birria tacos and burgers, craft beer, cocktails, live music and a few boutique cabinas.
• Phat NoodleFood & CoffeeA long-time Dominical favorite for Asian-inspired food in a quirky outdoor space where the kitchen sits inside an old school bus: pad thai, curry bowls, sesame tuna steak and lettuce wraps.
• Restaurante Su RazaFood & CoffeeFamily-run restaurant in the center of Dominical known for traditional Costa Rican food at reasonable prices: chicken casado and arroz con pollo are the usual orders.
• Fuego Brew Co.Food & CoffeeTreehouse-style craft brewery in Dominical where the Barú river meets the Pacific: house beers such as mango IPA, cocktails, coffee and a kitchen serving Baja tacos and ceviche, with parrots and iguanas around the open-air bar.
• Soda y Restaurante El Rincón de DomiSodas & Local FoodFamily restaurant that has been running for about 37 years in Dominical, serving fish, casados, soups, empanadas and smoothies in a calm setting at local prices.