Rancho Naturalista

Rancho Naturalista Review

Unparalleled bird-watching within a 160-acre private nature reserve with more than 400 recorded species, plus first-class food, and comfortable cabins and rooms are the reasons bird-watchers and nature lovers from all over the world stay here. The ranch is a birder's paradise, with such sought-after hummingbirds as the snowcap and black-crested coquette. During high season, two resident bird guides are on hand to help you find the birds. Even if you are not a birder, the trails are excellent for hiking, and there's horseback riding up into the surrounding mountains. The two-story lodge is upscale modern, with rustic touches, as are the comfortable, separate cabins. Gourmet-quality meals are served family-style in the indoor and outdoor dining rooms, both of which have beautiful views of the Turrialba Valley and volcano. Birding guides cost extra: $60 per group (up to five people) for morning excursions, $50 for afternoons.