Things To See and Do

National Parks • Waterfalls
Bird-Watching • Beaches
Butterflies • Hiking
Whale/Dolphin-Watching

Weaving wildlife preservation and a beach getaway vibe, Manuel Antonio National Park is known for its capuchin and howler monkeys, rare sightings of scarlet macaws, and gorgeous beaches. The park is an hour’s drive from Casa Elysian. The nearby town of Quepos is another wonderful Costa Rican town to explore.

Closer to home is the Marino Ballena National Park, also known as Whale’s Tale, a natural formation that is the distinct shape of a whale’s tail when viewed from above. Ironically, it is a yearly gathering place for hundreds of humpback whales. Located in the small town of Uvita, less than 10 km from Casa Elysian, this is one of only two national marine parks in the country. You can view the Whale’s Tale as you watch spectacular sunsets beside Casa Elysian’s pool.

Very close-by is the Uvita Waterfall, which we highly recommend you visit. Driving further inland, you can visit the Diamante Waterfall near the town of Tinamaste in the stunningly beautiful Diamante Valley, as well as the Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park. Keep going on the spectacular drive that takes you to the second largest city in Costa Rica, San Isidro. The scenery is stunning as you drive into the city nestled in a valley surrounded by the foothills of Mt. Chirripo, the largest mountain in Central America.

If you are up for a longer drive, you can visit the Casa Alegria Butterfly Dome another half-hour drive east of San Isidro on the flank of Mt. Chirripo. Nestled by the mighty Rio Chirripo, the mesh dome houses thousands of butterflies, from the spectacular blue morpho to the familiar monarch. Take a quick tour of the butterfly breeding program, have an espresso at the coffee shop, and then take a leisurely stroll through the village of Canaan, where you will find Quesos Canaan, a local family’s cheese factory, La Estrella, a delicious bakery, and the popular restaurant, Batsu. The butterflies are more active when the sun is out, typically in the mornings, so plan accordingly.

The Mt. Chirripo National Park and Cloudbridge Reserve are five km up the road from the Butterfly Dome. Both are known for their hiking trails, and Cloudbridge for its 80-foot waterfall (see photo above).

The absolutely beautiful Osa Peninsula is close by (only an hour’s drive south of Casa Elysian). As one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet, it has much to offer. Whether checking out the sweet fishing village of Jimez on the Golfo Dulce, discovering the wonders of Corcovado National Park, or taking a big adventure via boat from Sierpe to Drake’s Bay, it will be well worth your time and effort.

Wherever you are in Costa Rica, you are bound to see an abundance of birds, from toucans, toucanettes (smaller cousin), and macaws to hummingbirds and hawks. Bring your binoculars and long-lens cameras if you love to check off your bird-watching lists.

And, of course, the beaches. Costa Rica means “rich coast,” and there is a reason for that. Some of the most popular surfing and sunning beaches in Costa Rica are on the 20-km stretch between Dominical and Ojochal, the town just south of Uvita. In Costa Rica, no one “owns” the beaches or riverfronts. Anyone is allowed to access them within 20 meters of the water. So, get your sandals or water shoes on and get going!