What to Do
This is Cabuya! Originally founded as a fishing village, Cabuya has more recently become a mecca for international conservation. The very first national park of Costa Rica was declared here in 1963. The nearly 3,000 acres of protected forest are home to countless species of birds and mammals. In fact, Cabuya is an international hotspot for bird watching.
Being in close proximity to the touristy towns of Montezuma and Mal País means that there are lots of fun and exotic activities with which to fill your time. Below is a breakdown of free and paid activities as well as local restaurants
Local Restaurants
Panadería
High end Costa Rican Cuisine. Delicious food, smoothies, coffees and desserts. Free wifi. Don’t miss their chocolate cake! Open for B, L, D. Closed Mondays.
Habitat
Run by a friendly couple, one Canadian, the other Tico, they have a real flare for service. Daily fresh catch menu (veggie & vegan options). Local coffee and fresh made pastries. Recommended: fish tacos. Open Tu-Sun, Noon-6pm. Dinner after 6pm by reservation only.
La Selva Brewery
Local craft brewery and tapas bar. They offer a brew tour for 10,000C (minimum 3 people) which includes beer tastings. Or just sit at the bar and order one of their 5 standard beers or constantly changing selection of innovative microbrews. Non-alcoholic drinks also available. Recommended: Hummus and falafel platter. 11am-8pm.
Soda La Castañita
Mom and pop joint, locally run, authentic Costa Rican flavor, favorite of Cabuya’s community. Recommended: Arroz con camarones (shrimp and rice).
Antojitos
Next to Super Chicho, serving delicious empanadas, ceviche and other snacks from 2-8 pm
Bar Higuerón (The Hig)
THE bar in town. During the day order a beer and they’ll serve you a free “boca” (usually a small chick pea soup or chicharrón, aka pork belly). By night there’s often live music and a good crowd. Also a place to watch sporting events. Lacal andreat pizza. Recommended: Margarita pizza with jalapeños. Wednesday-Sunday 5pm-11:30pm.
Local activities
Free Excursions
Cabuya
Tour of Wild Sun Rescue Center (after breakfast, approx. 9:00am daily)
Tours of the rescue center are free just for hotel guests and may occur any morning after breakfast. Just let our receptionist know that you are interested. The tour lasts about 30-45 minutes and may require hiking uphill about 30 stairs.
Scarlet Macaw Feedings on Campus
Every day we feed our Scarlet Macaws around 8:15am and close 1:30pm. Actual times depend on workload of volunteers and may vary by 30 minutes. It’s the best way to watch these majestic birds in flight and up close for a photo op.
Rio Lajas River/Waterfall Hike
Located just a mere 20 minute bike ride from our center, Rio Lajas provides hours of free entertainment. The river is shallow but every now and then the rock bed opens up and forms a natural Jacuzzi with cascades sending water into your swimming hole, perhaps over your shoulders for a nice massage. There is a large swimming area close to the river mouth, which is frequented by exotic birds, including the large, pink Roseate Spoonbill. Hike up river for about an hour and head to the right when the river divides by equal tributaries and you will find a small waterfall with a large pool followed by the tallest waterfall in the region.
During the dry season, this river can fill up with tadpoles and other fun creatures but may not be suitable for swimming. But for hiking, always!
Doña Nena’s Marmelade and Bird Farm
Born and raised in Cabuya some 60 years ago, Doña Nena can tell a story or two (in Spanish)! She also makes fresh marmelades and coconut oils from locally grown and collected fruits (her Pineapple Coconut is my jam!).
Nena also boasts a bird farm of ducks, pheasants and a few rare birds she keeps for company. Be sure to take a walk around to see them all. Nena is located immediately before the bridge over Rio Lajas.
Los Cedros Beach
Just past Rio Lajas is Los Cedros, one of the best surf spots on the peninsula. While surfers angle for waves, you can enjoy one of the more beautiful sandy beaches around. At low tide there are lots of tide pools to wade in. It’s the perfect place for a picnic!
Isla Cabuya Cemetery Island
Straight to the beach from our campus, you will see a mysterious island off the coast. During low tide, you can walk there, but the onset of high tide may leave you stranded, so time it carefully!
There are close to 50 head stones on the island. Some were created by local artists and are extremely creative. There is great snorkeling around the island and a sandy beach on the southern side. It's certainly worth a visit or two. =
Mango Beach
The closest beach to our campus is just 1 km away. Walk down to the main street, make a right and your first left and follow straight till the road ends. The beach is rocky, so not the best to swim but the sunrises and moon rises are not to be missed. Walking south in the rainy season you will find a windy creek that affords great spots for wading and playing in.
Montezuma
Las Manchas Beach
Just before Montezuma you’ll see a beautiful little beach directly across from the beautiful lawn of a no-longer-existing hotel. It’s the clearest and most aqua blue water in our area. Watch out because there are swift currents but if you’re a strong swimmer, there is great snorkeling to be found.
But the best part is the tide pool. Facing the water, walk to the right over the rocks for a few minutes until you see the large pool. Take a dip in the warm water and know you’re in paradise! Low tide is best for the pools.
Montezuma Waterfall Hike
Wild Sun is just 8 km from the spectacular Montezuma Falls. A 20 minute taxi or bus ride can take you to the base of the Montezuma River. From there you can follow the river for an easy hike to our favorite local watering hole for a rest and a quick dip. There you can swim or just sit and admire the magnificent 75 foot falls. For the more daring, you may continue through some difficult terrain to the second and third falls where you can take the rope swing out for a twirl and maybe even do some cliff diving. It's a great time, guaranteed.
Sea Turtle Release
From May through October, giant endangered sea turtles make their way onto the beach to lay eggs. Roughly 2 months later they begin to hatch. ASVO is an organization which protects sea turtles and their eggs and offers organized releases in Montezuma. Releases are announced ahead of time and occur at 4pm about 500 meters north of Montezuma along the beach.
Mal País
On the way out of Cabuya, if you turn left at Bar Higueron you’ll be in Mal País in 15-20 minutes (maybe longer in rainy season; best with 4x4). Cross 3 rivers and drive carefully!
Mar Azul Tide Pools
Once in Mal País, turn right. On the left hand side you should see a sign for Mar Azul, just across from Indigo Hotel. Follow to the end and turn left. Park along the beach and walk the rocks to find loads of tide pools. The gem of the lot is the infinity tide pool where water sloshes in and cascades over the edge toward the horizon. Be careful of sea urchins but also mindful of the tropical reef fish and starfish who reside in the pools.
Tide pools are always best at low tide and in Mal País even better when low tide matches the sunset!
Paid Excursions
Explore by Bike
Rent one of our 4 bicycles at reception, available on a first come first served basis. Biking to Montezuma will take about an hour, but there are so many beaches, rivers, waterfalls, tide pools and secrets to find along the way. We recommend a full day of biking and exploring to discover and enjoy a few gems you won't find in any guide book.
Zip-Line Canopy Tour
Your zip-lining tour will send you soaring, high above the rainforest floor for one of the biggest adrenaline rushes Costa Rica has to offer. If you keep your eyes open, chances are you’ll see monkeys, exotic birds and unmatched views of the Pacific Ocean. Professional, experienced instructors will guide you safely through the exhilarating course, containing 9 cables, 3 waterfalls and 2 and a half hours of high-flying fun.
Horseback Riding to the Panica Falls
Your horse awaits 5km north of Montezuma where you’ll begin your tour. Guides will take you along the old Bijagua road, through the quaint pueblo of Florida and into the jungle towards the Panica Falls. There you will dismount and take some time to chill out in a natural Jacuzzi, swim in the refreshing river and check out the falls in total privacy (aside from the curious monkeys, of course). The whole trip lasts 3-4 hours and includes water and a snack. No experience is necessary.
Hike through Cabo Blanco National Park
In 1963, the nearby Cabo Blanco became the first National Park in Costa Rica. Today it boasts close to 3,000 ares of lush rainforest, dramatic coastline and countless species of animals and plants. Monkeys, Sloths, Toucans, Parrots and a slew of other exotic animals frolic through the forest and fly over head. Hike through the mountains, picnic by the river or stroll along the stunning beach and you’ll see things your friends would never believe if you didn’t have the proof on your camera.
Isla Tortuga Snorkeling Tour
This uninhabited island off the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula provides exquisite beauty and endless fun. You’ll work on your suntan and enjoy the views from the deck of a speedboat on the way through the islands. Once you reach Tortuga, you’ll disembark, grab your snorkel gear and head for the volcanic reef to hang in the crystal clear waters with some tropical fish. Afterwards, you can wade in the ocean or explore the island while your guides cook you up some fresh fish and local cuisine. But save some gas in the tank ‘cause the ride back often turns into a dance party.
SCUBA Diving
A speedboat will take you straight from Montezuma Beach to one of three sunken boats or underwater volcanic rocks for a day or nighttime dive. Visibility ranges from 30 to 80 feet!! where you may spot angel fish, sea horses, octopus, manta rays, spotted eagle rays, dolphin, whale sharks and countless tropical fish. Trip includes lunch and drinks, full diving gear and professional, English speaking, dive master instructors.
Deep Sea Fishing
Costa Rica is also the top fishing destination in all of Central America. Take a “3 hour tour” into the Pacific Ocean, cast your rod and start reeling in blue marlin, giant yellowfin tuna, roosterfish, red snapper, dorado and wahoo among others. Whatever you catch, bring on home, and for just a few colones, our in-house chefs will grill it up for a mouth watering, happy ending to a fantastic day.
ATV Rental
Take a ride on the wild side with a Honda 4 wheeler to discover some of the more secluded pristine beaches, waterfalls and pueblos in the area. One of the better forms of transportation on the mostly bump-laden (a.k.a. adventurous) dirt roads, you can take your quad all the way to Cabo Blanco or Mal Pais and Santa Teresa for some wildlife or an afternoon surf.
Whale Watching
From June through October, Humpback whales migrate to Costa Rica to give birth and raise their young before heading back to the rich waters of the northern Pacific to feed in winter. Take a boat ride and spot these enormous and majestic creatures while enjoying the sights, sounds and aromas of the ocean. Often we’ll see dolphins or mating giant sea turtles on the same adventure. Cabuya tours tend to be less expensive but also less professional. Mal País tours include a swim by an underwater volcano that belches a steady stream of bubbles to the surface (think swimming in champagne!).
Bioluminescence
Although bioluminescence can be seen throughout the year in Cabuya, the waters are too dangerous to tread at night. Curú park (1 hour 15 min. drive) is your best bet. Choose to kayak or speedboat into a calm bay where the water glows and sparkles around you all year round. The new moon is the best time to go and dry season gives you the best weather, but any time of year it’s an adventure. You’ll feel like a super hero as you lift your arms out of the water and they glow!
Massage
We’ll set you up on our yoga deck with a comfortable massage table and a professional local masseuse for one hour or 90 minute massage of your choice:
Therapeutic
Deep tissue
Swedish
Shiatsu
Lomi Lomi