Quepos to Macaws and Rainmaker Forest: Private day trip
Private ride with a local driver
10h 15mRound tripPrivate driver
About your trip
Begin among vibrant macaws in a peaceful rescue center, then roam rainforest walkways alive with birdsong—Costa Rica’s natural wonders combined in a single trip!
Exclusively yours: private vehicle and professional driver
Discover local insights you won't find in guidebooks
Experience the freedom to explore at your own speed
Perfectly planned for families, friends, or solo travelers
What to expect
Your day trip begins wherever you are
Meet our professional driver right where you prefer in Quepos whenever suits you best. No time wasted getting to the pickup point, grab your bag and start your trip right away.Discover more with local expertise
Your driver’s local insights will set the tone for your day trip. A hidden café here, a must-try restaurant there; insider tips you’ll love sharing later. This isn’t a guided tour but your ride will be rich with stories and discoveries along the way. And throughout the day, your driver will be available for you as needed, ready to assist, happy to help, making your trip stress-free.Explore at your own pace
After arriving at Macaw Sanctuary Natuwa, you'll have the freedom to observe tropical birds before continuing on to Rainmaker Forest, where you can hike nature trails, all at your leisure. Meanwhile your driver will wait for you nearby, ensuring a stress-free return trip.
Perfect for any private group
Whether you're traveling solo, as a family with kids, or as a large group, this service is tailored for your comfort and flexibility. It's the ideal option especially if you have limited time or a busy schedule.Good to know
- Two-way private car transfer
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Personalized pickup and drop-off
- Professional English-speaking driver
- Complimentary bottled water
- Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
- Entry/Admission tickets to paid attractions Macaw Sanctuary Natuwa and Rainmaker Forest should be purchased separately unless specified otherwise
- Meals, snacks, and gratuity are not included
From US$101
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotalUS$303
Your trip at a glance
Your trip at a glance
Start in Quepos
You choose the pickup spot. Macaw Sanctuary Natuwa
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discoverStop: 2 hours - admission not included
See rescued wildlife up close at the Natuwa Wildlife Sanctuary, where animals such as the scarlet macaw and great green macaws are offered protection and rehabilitation until they're able to return to their natural habitat.
Main attractions
- Enriching tours of the rescue and rehabilitation facilities, offering insight into Natuwa's vital conservation efforts
- Close viewing of rescued animals such as jaguars, macaws, and two-toed sloths
Take note
- Book your guided visit in advance for the best experience: https://www.natuwa.com/language/en/
Rainmaker Forest
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discoverStop: 2 h 30 min - admission not included
Immerse yourself in a lush green jungle, surrounded by the sounds of birdsong, howler monkeys, and serene waterfalls.
Main attractions
- Hikes along well-marked trails and suspension bridges, offering incredible views of waterfalls and the surrounding rainforest
- Abundance of wildlife, including red-eyed tree frogs, colorful butterflies, and plenty of tropical birds
Take note
- Bring sturdy hiking shoes, sun and insect protection, and plenty of water and snacks on your hiking adventure
- Book guided hikes or self-guided tickets in advance online: https://rainmakercostarica.com/
Back to Quepos
We’ll take you back to your starting point.Duration of the stops can be changed upon request after booking
Have questions or need help?
Contact our Customer Support. We are available 24/7Daytrip is loved all around the world. Here's why.
Know more about your day trip
Yes, several natural pools along the trails are open for swimming when conditions allow, fed by clean streams running off the mountains. The water is cool and refreshing after hiking. Wear water shoes for slippery rocks, follow posted swimming areas, and avoid the pools after heavy rain when currents become unpredictable. Always check with park staff before entering the water.
Yes, Natuwa requires advance booking for guided visits to protect the animals and manage capacity. You can reserve through their official website. Tour times are limited, and walk-ins are not always accepted, so confirming your slot before the trip is essential. This also lets staff prepare an English-speaking guide if you request one when booking.
Natuwa Macaw Sanctuary is about 30 miles (50 km) north of Quepos, with a drive of roughly 1 hour each way. From Natuwa to Rainmaker Forest is around 25 miles (40 km), or about 50 minutes more, before the return to Quepos. The full round trip including stops takes just over 10 hours, making for a relaxed day in nature.
Yes, this combination is one of the most family-friendly day trips from Quepos. Kids love seeing colorful macaws and big cats up close at Natuwa, while Rainmaker's bridges and waterfalls feel like a real-life jungle adventure. Trails are manageable at a slow pace, with rest spots along the way. Bring snacks, water, and insect repellent to keep everyone comfortable.
Rainmaker Conservation Project features a famous network of suspension bridges through the upper canopy, well-marked rainforest trails, and a series of natural pools fed by mountain streams. You can hike independently, join a guided wildlife or birdwatching tour, or swim in the cool waterfalls. The reserve is known for red-eyed tree frogs, butterflies, monkeys, and over 350 bird species.
Natuwa is a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center home to over 100 rescued scarlet and great green macaws, plus jaguars, ocelots, two-toed sloths, monkeys, and tropical birds. Guided tours explain each animal's story, from confiscated pets to injured wildlife, and explain the breeding program that releases macaws back into protected forest. It is an ethical, conservation-focused stop popular with families.
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sturdy hiking shoes with grip, and a rain jacket. Bring swimwear and a quick-dry towel for the Rainmaker pools, plus insect repellent, sunscreen, and a hat. A reusable water bottle, snacks, binoculars, and a camera with a zoom lens are highly recommended. A small dry bag protects electronics during sudden showers.
The dry season from December through April offers reliable sunshine, easier trails, and clearer wildlife sightings, making it the most popular window. The green season from May to November brings fuller waterfalls, lower prices, and lush scenery, with rain mostly arriving in the afternoon. Starting early in the morning is ideal year-round for active wildlife and cooler hiking conditions.
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