Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Father and son Dave and Dave greet all comers to this 10-acre reserve on the Río Sara-
piquí. It's a lovely setting in which to spy on feathered friends. There are several viewing
platforms, with feeders attracting toucans, trogans, tanagers and 10 species of humming-
bird. From here you can follow (or be guided) along a trail system that winds through sec-
ondary forest all the way down to the river.
Santuario De Mariposas Aguas Silvestres
WILDLIFE RESERVE
( 8720-1074, 2761-1095;
www.santuariomariposas.jimdo.com
; admission US$8.50, guided hikes
US$18)
You'll need your own wheels to visit this butterfly sanctuary in the mountains. Guided
hikes (in Spanish) take you through the rainforest along a waterfall trail, including a tour
of the butterfly garden. You can also stay overnight in the rustic bunkhouse (per person
US$24) and swim in the nearby lagoon. However long your stay, be sure to bring bug re-
pellent, as butterflies are not the only insects living up there.
To get here, turn onto the Pozo Azul road and follow the brown wooden signs to the
sanctuary, which is about 10km up the mountain, near the village of San Ramón.
Activities
The Río Sarapiquí isn't as wild as the white water on the Río Pacuare near Turrialba,
though it will get your heart racing. Even better, the dense jungle that hugs the riverbank is
lush and primitive. You can run the Sarapiquí year-round, but December offers the biggest
water. The rest of the year, the river fluctuates with rainfall. The bottom line is: if it's been
raining, the river will be at its best. Where once there were nearly a dozen outfitters in La
Virgen, now there are three. All offer roughly the same Class II-IV options at similar
prices.
Sarapiquí Outdoor Center
RAFTING
( 8506-6889, 2761-1123;
www.costaricaraft.com
; 2/4hr rafting trip US$65/90, guided kayak trips
US$90-120)
Here is your local paddling authority. In addition to offering its own rafting excursions, it
offers kayak rental, lessons and clinics. Indie paddlers should check in for up-to-date river
