Jaco to Macaws and Rainmaker Forest: Private day trip

The Macaw Sanctuary Natuwa is a charity dedicated to preserving Costa Rica’s wildlife, with a special focus on at-risk species. The sanctuary’s namesake macaws aren’t bred for the pet trade - rather, they’re released into the wild. As such, the birds here fly unrestricted, and are free to enjoy their habitat as the get ready for the real world. The sanctuary provides a home for animals victimized by human actions, so along with the macaws, you’ll see monkeys, tapirs, anteaters, and orphaned jaguars, and many other species. For more information, please visit http://www.natuwa.com. Please allow a minimum of 90 minutes to allow for the duration of the guided tour.

The Rainmaker Forest is a privately-owned nature reserve that narrowly escaped destruction. Thanks to the dedication of the late Mauricio Gutierrez, his Ann and their children, and the Body Shop (yes, the cosmetics giant), this swath of pristine rainforest was saved from being repossessed by the bank and sold to a Japanese logging company. The privately owned and lesser-known, 2.5 kilometer trail system here doesn’t see much foot traffic, so you usually have the lush mountain forest to yourself. Over half of Costa Rica’s plant and animal species are represented here, and more adventurous hikers can head further up the mountain to enjoy a series of majestic lookout points and suspension bridges. Before you set out on the trail, you can place an order to have lunch upon your return, and if you happen to visit during high season, you might be able to enjoy some beer brewed on-site by Ann’s son Mick. For more information, please visit www.rainmakercostarica.org