About Wild Sun
Welcome to the Jungle Lodge at Wild Sun Rescue Center. Founded in December 2016, we are the only wildlife rescue center within a 5 hour drive. That leaves us with a big responsibility!
Our task? We aim to have a positive impact on conservation. In every day terms that means rescue, rehabilitation and release of local wildlife. To make release plausible, we’re strict on how we manage our wildlife considering we want them to be just that…wild. That means we ask all of our volunteers as well as our guests (like YOU) to not talk to, touch or feed wildlife on campus or beyond. Everything we do here is in the best interest of the animals in our care and we hope you can help us with that goal in mind.
But what’s the use in all that if we can’t identify the biggest problems that wildlife face and find solutions to those problems. That’s an even more important challenge. We’re working on solutions to the biggest problems we see, namely pet attacks and electrocution.
On top of it all, we are reintroducing locally extinct species that maybe we could have saved had we been here sooner. On site, we’ve released 10 scarlet macaws that haven’t flown these skies in decades. We’re working on endangered Spider Monkeys next and in the future we hope to bring back Tapirs, Sloths and more.
Read about our mission and how you can help on our website: www.wildsunrescue.org. And please give us a like and follow on facebook.com/wildsunrescuecenter and Instagram: @wildsunrescue.
Rules of the House
10pm quiet hours: For the well being of animals, volunteers and other guests, we ask for your cooperation. If you would like to make a little more noise, we suggest hanging out at the yoga deck, which is the farthest point from all rooms.
No Visitors: Facilities such as yoga deck and pool are for Wild Sun patrons only. It is prohibited to bring visitors to the lodge…and an especially bad idea at night.
Check-out 11am: On the day of your departure, please leave your keys in your room and see our receptionist before leaving the property.
Please turn off lights and AC when leaving your room. Otherwise 26 degrees is generally comfortable.
Food & Drink
Breakfast is included in your stay. Coffee and tea is available in your room for self-serve.
Superior rooms have breakfast delivered to your balcony at 8am. Deluxe rooms have breakfast delivered pool-side by 8am.
Lunch (1pm) and Dinner (7pm) are available at extra cost. For most meals we serve chicken, seafood, vegetarian or vegan cuisine. Let us know if you have any special dietary preferences and we will do our best. Veggie meals are $12 ($7 for kids 3-10 y.o.) while meat and meat substitutes (tofu, tofurkey, etc.) are $15/plate ($10 for kids 3-10 y.o.). Meals come with a fresh fruit beverage or water. We must know 2 hours ahead of time to prepare your meal.
Coffee is available in your room. We have a filtration system on campus to all water is potable. Fill up the electric kettle from your sink, plug in, turn on and wait to boil. Fill french press with coffee grounds (I use one heaping table spoon for each cup of coffee but you may like it weaker or stronger). Put top on and push handle so that filter is touching just the surface of the water. Let brew (longer is stronger, but 2-3 minutes is usually enough). Pour. Enjoy!
Mini Bar service is available to you until 8pm. Scan the QR code on your wall labeled “mini bar menu” or click here to see what’s available. Contact the front desk via whatsapp (+506 8992-2442) to order or ask the front desk manager on site.
Menu
We serve one dedicated meal for each lunch and dinner every day except Saturday. Please ask the front desk for the lunch and dinner of the day.
Laundry Service
Bring your clothing in a bag to our receptionist. It costs 5,000C minimum, up to 5 kilos and 1,000C/kilo up to 10 kilos. Same day service available if dropping off before 10am. Laundry will be delivered to your room when finished.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected but always appreciated. Our cleaning staff will divide tips evenly unless you leave instructions otherwise. Our front desk will be happy to facilitate any specific tips to cleaning, maintenance, front desk or kitchen staff. Donations are also welcome for the rescue center.
Local Advice
It’s a good idea to keep your doors, windows and screens closed at all times. Otherwise, mosquitoes and other critters like to visit you and make terrible housemates.
Scorpions like to crawl into clothing, shoes and towels. Be sure to shake them out before wearing. But remember, a scorpion sting here in CR won’t kill you. It will hurt like a bee sting and last a little while longer, replete with some numbness and tingling of various body parts. Shake out those towels and underwear and you shouldn’t have a problem.
If there are bats in your bathroom, please do not worry, they are eating the mosquitoes and are not a threat to you. They will sleep there during the day.
Making Your Stay Exceptional
If you have any questions, issues, or want to book an excursion or transportation, call or WhatsApp our reception: +506 8992-2442
Your TV
Your television set is connected to a Netflix account with either a FireStick or Roku streaming set top service. To use:
Be sure the TV’s source is set to HDMI 1 with larger remote control
Use smaller remote control to:
Turn on FireStick or Roku
Choose Netflix
Log in to your room’s Netflix account (congo room, toucan room, etc.)
If previously selected media resumes, use the return arrow to make your own selection
As an additional option there are pre-loaded movies on your tv. To use:
Deluxe Rooms TV’s
Use larger remote control to choose source: USB
Choose: Movie
Choose: C
Choose: movie category (i.e. comedy, drama)
Choose: movie
Superior Room TV’s
Press Home on your remote control
Scroll right to media
Choose video
Choose sda1
Choose Wild Sun Movies
Choose category
Choose any movie that does NOT begin with dot underscore “._” as they are unsupported files
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).
Café Indígena
Italian café trying to give something back. Gianni invites indigenous groups and offers cacao ceremonies, craft fares and more. He has built the restaurant from adobe and other natural and recycled materials. Hours and days are a bit sporadic but worth a coffee and a chat when open.
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. Recommended: Margarita pizza with jalapeños. Wednesday-Sunday 5pm-11:30pm.
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 rainforest 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.
Local Excursions
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.
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
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 a few kilometers outside 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. Open Wednesday through Sunday only.
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. A car picks you up at Wild Sun around 3:30pm and brings you to a speedboat in Montezuma. You’ll head into a calm bay and await sundown on a beautiful remote beach. When dark enough, you’ll begin to swim where the water glows and sparkles around you 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
How To Help Our Rescue Center
Wild Sun is a non-profit organization, funded entirely by donation and revenue generating activities such as hotel booking, biology internships, vet externships and retreats. Just by booking a night stay you are contributing to the welfare of countless animals and to conservation in general.
If you would like to make a bigger impact, our needs are still great. We plan to make better walking paths, build more and larger enclosures as well as flight cages, buy a rescue vehicle, build a vet clinic, and import an x-ray machine, amongst other goals.
Wild Sun is fiscally sponsored by Green Wave Enterprises, 501c3 in the USA. For US based individuals and corporations, donations are tax deductible. Please email Jeremy@wildsunrescue.com for more information about how you can be of help.
Other things you can do… ask our receptionist how to buy a Wild Sun T-shirt or throw some colones in our donation box in the dining room. All proceeds directly support the wildlife in our care.
Not in a great financial position but still want to make a difference? Volunteer with us! Minimum time commitment is 2 weeks but incentives are given for longer stays. For 12-week commitments you can volunteer for free if you stay off site or take advantage of major discounts to stay in shared simple rooms.
Virtual Information Booklet
