Birding
Selva Escondida on foot
Alexa's Market
Hiking
Selva Escondida is a tropical rainforest property with Mother Nature on full display. You'll be able to explore wildlife without having to drive anywhere. We maintain a private trail system as follows:
- Sunrise walk on concrete roads in flip flops with you cup of coffee in hands
- Moderate 30 minutes hike up to the Mirador lookout
- Advance 90 minutes hike to the Mirador and to Cascada Sofia
- CamelBak/hydration pack/water bottle
- Good cotton socks
- Hat
- Light long pants
- Short sleeve shirts that won't catch on branches.
- Sunglasses (you don't need them for the Mirador & Cascada Sofia as you will be in the jungle)
Cascada Sofia
The Mirador
Hiking to the Mirador is the best part of Selva Escondida. Our trail system to the Mirador is moderately difficult yet many grandparents and grandchildren have explored the trails. The view of the Pacific Ocean, Whales Tail, Osa Peninsula, Isla de Caño, and the surrounding rainforest is both impressive and relaxing, and the breeze will make you not want to leave. Read more about Hiking at Selva Escondida.
El Manu ::: Water Temple
Set over a water stream, El Manu was originally a restaurant known for its great food and one of the first places to have electricity in the area leveraging hydroelectricity. The space has been preserved and includes teak floor harvested onsite within Selva Escondida, reptile statues in the flowing water beneath El Manu. The rainforest immersion hovering above flowing water is ideal for yoga and meditation. Two plexiglass panels on the floor allows you to look down upon a flowing stream below.
It is very common to find blue morphos here in the morning, and is a stunning place during the raining season.
Studio
The two-story Studio serves many purposes.
The lower floor is a workshop studio with tools, a kitchen, tables, storage and restroom. This is where our staff hangs out.
The upper floor has a bedroom that can sleep 3-4 people and a large terrace that's been used for wedding dinners, yoga classes or as office space. It has sweeping views of the orchard and Pacific Ocean and internet connection.
The second floor can be rented out for retreat organizers or private chef who is looking for additional privacy.
Howler Monkeys
Howler monkeys live on our property. They travel around eating fruits and nuts from the trees. They travel in groups of 6 to 15 animals and during the right season pass through the trees near our house. Group males generally howl at dawn and dusk.
Sloth
Sloths are very difficult to spot. They are slow, quiet and very well camouflaged. This one was found on our property.
Toucans
Toucans love to hang out in pairs under our tall royal palm trees near the house around sunset. Once you can recognized their sound, you will be able to spot them very easily.
Visit our Birding Page.
Strawberry Poison-Dart Frog
If you look carefully, this specie can be found near El Manu, our old restaurant turned into yoga platform.