18 Apr 2024
I traveled to Costa Rica with some friends and we wanted to get a close-up look at the natural beauty that it had to offer, and boy did we find the right place! As soon as we arrived at the easy-to-find meeting spot, we were welcomed by the team. They were courteous and courageous as we entered into the reserve on their all-terrain truck. We had already seen a few other trails and vistas in Costa Rica by this point but felt that we were being transported to a very special place as Caesar deftly drove up and down the steep roads leading to our destination. Our tour guide, Juan Carlos, was a living ray of sunshine that shed light on so many parts of the reserve from start to finish; He was both personable and passionate. Juan Carlos spotted many birds, butterflies, iguanas, flowers, and even a tiny Poison-Dart Frog (each of which he knew by name) as we journeyed through the wilderness. Juan Carlos literally spoke to the nature that surrounded us, summoning birds closer and thanking them for the appearances that they made. Between sightings, Juan Carlos would share inspirational insights about why he loved nature so much and we felt very safe while also having lots of fun. The breaks we took at the foot of two different waterfalls were very refreshing and made us feel a deep gratitude for these natural treasures and the team that was introducing us to them.
We got to try new foods including “ice cream fruit” and coconuts as we gazed upon unbelievable views. I am a birder and appreciated seeing nearly a dozen new types of birds during the experience. We were surrounded by the surreal and the team was happy to stop and explain whatever we wanted to get a closer look at. The lunch at the end of the tour before descending back to our starting point was delicious and refreshing; the experience that includes the lunch is well worth the price and we left feeling that we’d received more than we given in cost by far. (We gave an additional tip even though they did not gesture that this was expected in the least.)
We’re so happy that we found one of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica, which is itself one of the most beautiful places in the world. Be you a birder, a hiker, a fan of flora and fauna, an immersive traveller, someone who enjoys guided tours, or someone who loves having your breath taken away by epic views, the Hacienda Ébano nature experience is for you! Jump in with both feet and come out the other side with a deeper appreciation for nature. You won’t regret it! This place exudes la Pura Vida and I will definitely return if I come back to this part of Costa Rica.