Hacienda Barú
Ecolodge and National Wildlife Refuge

About Hacienda Barú

Hacienda Barú, located near Dominical on Costa Rica’s southwest coast, is a remarkable example of conservation and ecotourism. Spanning 330 hectares of diverse ecosystems, this property has been transformed from its origins as a cattle ranch and agricultural land into a thriving wildlife refuge. Today, Hacienda Barú is a national treasure, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in Costa Rica's natural beauty and biodiversity while learning about the region’s history and the ongoing conservation efforts that make this sanctuary possible.

The story of Hacienda Barú is one of restoration and renewal. In the early 20th century, much of the land was cleared for farming and cattle ranching, leaving only fragments of the original rainforest intact. By 1972, deforestation had driven many species, including jaguars, tapirs, and scarlet macaws, to local extinction. However, the owners of Hacienda Barú recognized the value of the land’s natural ecology and made a bold decision in 1979 to cease agricultural activities and begin restoring the land to its natural state. Over the following decades, through reforestation and habitat management, Hacienda Barú became a vital corridor for wildlife and a hub for ecotourism.

In 1995, Hacienda Barú was officially declared a National Wildlife Refuge, protecting its diverse habitats, which include primary and secondary forests, mangrove estuaries, wetlands, and beachfront. This patchwork of ecosystems supports an astonishing variety of wildlife, from all four species of Costa Rican monkeys to sloths, peccaries, and a multitude of bird species. Hacienda Barú’s dedication to restoring natural habitats has allowed many of these animals to return to the area after decades of absence, offering visitors the opportunity to witness wildlife that once seemed lost to the region.

Visitors to Hacienda Barú have a wide range of eco-adventures to choose from. The lodge offers numerous tours, including birdwatching, hiking through rainforest trails, canopy tours, and overnight camping. Birders will delight in the more than 300 species that have been documented on the property, while herpers can explore the rich reptile and amphibian diversity, with over 100 species present. Guests can also explore the nearby mangroves or relax on the property’s unspoiled beach, which is frequented by dolphins and, during nesting season, Olive Ridley and Hawksbill sea turtles.

The commitment to sustainability extends beyond land conservation at Hacienda Barú. The lodge itself occupies less than one percent of the total land area, with all construction materials sourced sustainably. Solar energy heats water, and energy-efficient LED lighting is used throughout the facilities. Guests are encouraged to participate in eco-friendly practices, such as reducing water and energy use and minimizing waste. The staff at Hacienda Barú also composts organic waste and treats wastewater with environmentally sound methods, ensuring that the lodge’s operations have minimal impact on the surrounding ecosystems.

Hacienda Barú’s transformation is a testament to the power of conservation and responsible tourism. The former rice fields and cattle pastures have grown into dense secondary forests, reconnected with the old-growth primary forests on the property. This reforestation has created crucial wildlife corridors, allowing animals like sloths, pacas, and curassows to roam freely across the reserve. Hacienda Barú also plays a key role in the Path of the Tapir Biological Corridor, an ambitious conservation initiative aimed at protecting wildlife migration routes along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.

Guests at Hacienda Barú are not only treated to exceptional wildlife experiences but also have the opportunity to learn about the region’s conservation history. The property’s founder, Jack Ewing, a former cattle rancher turned environmentalist, has shared his personal journey and the story of Hacienda Barú in his books and essays. His deep connection to the land and passion for preserving its natural beauty has been a driving force behind the refuge’s success and serves as inspiration for visitors who come to experience the wonders of Costa Rica’s rainforest.

Whether you’re looking for adventure or a peaceful retreat into nature, Hacienda Barú offers something for everyone. With its diverse ecosystems, rich wildlife, and sustainable ethos, it provides an unforgettable experience for ecotourists, birders, herpers, and wildlife photographers. Located just two miles north of Dominical and accessible by a four-hour drive from San José, Hacienda Barú is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to connect with Costa Rica’s natural world while supporting vital conservation efforts.

Birding Hacienda Barú

Hacienda Barú is a birdwatcher’s paradise, offering exceptional opportunities to view a stunning array of bird species in their natural habitats. One of the highlights is the chance to see scarlet macaws (Ara macao) feeding in the trees outside your cabin. Parrots (Brotogeris jugularis, Amazona autumnalis, Pionus senilis, Psittacara finschi, Amazona farinosa), black hawks, and toucans are also commonly seen, while along the coastline, visitors can spot magnificent frigate birds gracefully gliding above the waves. Unlike other destinations where birds may be lured in for viewing, Hacienda Barú offers the rare experience of observing these magnificent creatures in the wild, behaving naturally in their native environment.

With over 300 species of birds documented, the variety of habitats on the property—from dense rainforests to mangrove estuaries and open wetlands—supports a diverse bird population. Birdwatching tours at Hacienda Barú provide expert guidance in spotting these species, whether perched high in the treetops or foraging along the forest floor. Early mornings are particularly rewarding for birders, as the forest comes alive with the sounds of toucans, parrots, and other tropical birds. The natural, untouched setting of Hacienda Barú makes it one of the best places to experience Costa Rica’s vibrant avian life without disturbing their natural behaviors.

View A Partial Checklist of Birds Recorded at Hacienda Barú →

Herping Hacienda Barú

Hacienda Barú has many unique herping opportunities. One of the most commonly seen species is the black spiny-tailed iguana (Ctenosaura similis), often found basking in the sun near guest accommodations or roaming the garden areas. These prehistoric-looking lizards have become so accustomed to people that they can be observed up close, though guests are warned not to touch them. For those exploring the freshwater canals of the former plantation at night, spectacled caimans (Caiman crocodilus) are frequently spotted lurking in the shallows, their eyes reflecting the light from flashlights. Nighttime explorations often reveal species like cat-eyed snakes (Leptodeira ornata) and blunt-headed snakes (Imantodes cenchoa), both of which are commonly seen after dark in the lowland forests.

For safety and conservation reasons, night herping at Hacienda Barú is allowed only with permission and is restricted to the secondary lowland forest. Guests are strictly prohibited from entering the primary forest habitat north of the highway during nighttime hours. Even during the day, the primary forests host a variety of herpetofauna, including the striking and frequently seen eyelash viper (Bothriechis nigroadsperus). This venomous snake is known for its distinctive appearance and can be found coiled in trees or shrubs, even in daylight hours. Visitors are encouraged to join guided herping tours to make the most of their experience and to safely observe the incredible diversity of reptiles and amphibians on the property. However, tours are extremely limited or discontinued in the wet season (late May through November), which is the best time of the year for herping Costa Rica.

View A Partial Checklist of Reptiles Recorded at Hacienda Barú → View A Partial Checklist of Amphibians Recorded at Hacienda Barú →

For herpers looking for complete, unrestricted access, day or night, to pristine primary rainforest, check out the Costa Rican Amphibian Research Center or Yatama Ecolodge.

Mammals of Hacienda Barú

Hacienda Barú is home to an incredible diversity of mammalian wildlife, and visitors are likely to encounter several species during their stay. Around the cabins, coatis are frequent visitors, often seen foraging near the lodgings or exploring the garden areas in search of food. All four species of monkeys occuring in Costa Rica (Howler, Capuchin, Spider, and Squirrel monkeys) can be found around Hacienda Barú. White-faced capuchin monkeys are arguably the most common and can be seen and photographed leaping from the canopy branches. Collared peccaries are also commonly encountered along the trails through the secondary forests.

Kinkajous (Potos flavus) and opossums (Didelphis marsupialis, Caluromys derbianus) were seen multiple times on night excursions through the secondary forest by the author of this article. Their bright eye shine and the openness of the secondary forest make them easy to spot at night.

Accommodations

Trails of Hacienda Barú

Hacienda Barú has four named trails, in addition to several kilometers of beach to hike. Three of the four trails are in flat, lowland, secondary and recovering forest and wetland habitat. The trails close at night, however, the author was granted permission to hike the lowland trails at night, simply by asking the front desk manager. Unfortunately, the upland trail north of the highway in the primary forest was off limits to us at night and guarded by a security guard.

The lowland habitat south (towards the ocean) of the highway is divided into two sections by a primitive access road leading to the beach. To the northwest of the beach road is a loop trail that crosses through recovering forest and open pasture. Man made canals in this area are inhabited by spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus), which are most easily seen by looking for their eye shine with flash lights at night. Anoles, basilisks, and Savage's thin toed frogs (Leptodactylus savagei), formerly referred to as smokey jungle frogs, were also seen along this section of trail.

A more natural environment can be found on the two intersecting trails to the southeast of the beach road (south of the highway). This section consists of secondary forest and wetland habitat. The author only spent two nights at Hacienda Barú, at the beginning of a late wet season, but still managed to encounter Imantodes cenchoa, Leptodeira ornata snakes, several mammal species including kinkajou, two species of opossum, and peccaries.

The lookout trail to the north of the highway is short (2.5 km), steep, and enters primary rainforest. Night access is not granted to regular visitors. Day access is granted to guests of Hacienda Barú and to paying visitors. A lookout tower at the end of the trail grants views towards the ocean, and views into the forest canopy.

Tours at Hacienda Barú

Multiple nature and zip line tours are offered for an additional fee. The tours are offered during the peak tourist season, which coincides with the Pacific dry season (December through April). For details on the individual tours and to inquire about availability, consult the Hacienda Barú website.

Hacienda Baru Videos Playlist

5 YouTube videos about Hacienda Barú, Costa Rica. Press play, then press (or Shift+N) on the video player to move to next video and (or Shif+P) to move back to the previous video. Click the icon in the top right corner of the player to view list of all videos.

Travel Guide to Hacienda Barú, Costa Rica

*Caution: Use this section as a starting point for your transportation research, but be sure to confirm accuracy with a second reliable and up to date source. Additional travel information can be found in the Costa Rica Travel Guide or from an outside source such as My Tan Feet or Two Weeks in Costa Rica blog.

To get to Hacienda Barú, you need to travel by road (via taxi, bus, or car rental) towards the Pacific costal town of Dominical (Hacienda Barú is about 3km north of Dominical). The quickest route from downtown San José is to take highway 27 west to the highway 34 exit and then take highway 34 south almost to Dominical. About 3km north of the town of Dominical or the Rio Barú, look to the right side of the road for the Hacienda Barú sign. The entrance to Hacienda Barú is just north of the gas station. If you pass the gas station, you've gone to far.

San Jose to Hacienda Barú

Car Rental: From Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), proceed past the luggage carousel to a car rental booth, where the attendant will direct you to your shuttle to the car rental office in Alajuela. From Alajuela, the fastest route will be to take highway 1 to highway 27, and follow the directions given above

Taxi: After exiting Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO), finding a taxi is easy. Taxi drivers or their scouts will likely approach you as you leave the airport. Look for red taxis, or orange ones (orange denotes airport taxis), usually marked with a yellow triangle on the door. Instruct your driver to head toward Dominical (Puntarenas provence), use a navigation app, such as Maps.me to ensure he follows the most direct route, explained above. Your driver may not be familiar with Hacienda Barú, so be sure to help him locate the entrance before getting to Dominical.

Bus: From Juan Santamaria international airport (SJO), you need to get to the Terminal Tracopa San José bus station. This is most easily accomplished by hailing a cab ($20-30) immediately outside the airport exit and instructing your driver to go to the Terminal Tracopa San José (the driver should know how to get there). Alternatively, you can take a bus from the airport to the Tuasa terminal in San José, and then a short taxi ride to the Terminal Tracopa.

Once at the Terminal Tracopa, purchase a bus ticket (at the Boletería) to Quepos (a Pacific town north of Dominical). It's helpful to have a map app on your phone, such as Maps.me, with a downloaded map that can work even if you don't have cell service. With a map app, you can track your location so you know where to get off (the bus route will likely have many stops, as the route passes through many coastal towns). From the Tracopa Bus Stop Quepos pick up the bus to Dominical. Before getting to Dominical, let the driver know you want off at Hacienda Barú (or the gas station). If your San José to Quepos bus drops you off in downtown Quepos, look for a bus that goes to San Isidro or Uvita, both of which pass through Dominical. It is very common for busses to stop at intermediate stops along a route if a passenger requests it, so you don't need to feel obliged to get off at the terminus. Also note that the buses will likely pull off the highway for intermediate stops along the route, so make sure you know where you are so you don't get off at the wrong place.

Additional Bus Resources

For more information on the San Jose bus terminals, please visit San Jose Bus Terminals. For information on bus routes, Rio 2 Rome is an invaluable resource. Just type in your starting point and destination, and then select the bus option. Use Rio 2 Rome to find the bus route, the terminal name, and its location on a map. Other helpful travel blogs include Two Weeks in Costa Rica and My Tan Feet.

❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Hacienda Barú