dominical bird watching

There seemed no end to it. This vast green abyss — one of many rain forests in Costa Rica — was thick and lush and drowned the mountains in an emerald tapestry, descending to kiss the rolling surf of the Pacific coast. It was as intimidating as it was alluring. What secrets it held, what mysteries it hid, what dangers it offered darted through my mind as I prepared to venture into its green maw — anxious, yet undaunted.
The Villas at Kiana Resort
Villas at Costa Rica's new Kiana Resort

I was going into the bosom of this rain forest on horseback with several other riders, bent on catching a glimpse of the vast indigenous inhabitants of Hacienda Baru, a biologically diverse private reserve of nearly 1,000 acres near Playa Dominical. The reserve has been set aside to protect the varied species of birds, mammals, trees and insects in the rain forest. Our final destination was the Nauyaca Waterfalls, a torrent of cascading water from the river Baru, which winds its way down the mountains and through the heart of the forest before emptying into the sea.
Horses are the transportation to the rain forest
Horses provide rain forest transportation

This would be no easy trek. The horses, though seemingly surefooted, would be tested on this day thanks to the steady drizzle that turned the crude trail into a quagmire of mud and slippery stones. It was treacherous at times, but never more so then the final descent from the trail down along a foot path barely wide enough for man and beast. The trail was beset with cavities of grasping muck and slick, table-sized volcanic rock.

Barely a word was spoken, as we all concentrated on negotiating this last bit of wilderness before emerging into a small clearing, where we heard the distinct roar of the nearby waterfalls. We all dismounted with a collective sigh of relief, and at last had the opportunity to really concentrate on our primitive surroundings.
Toucan in the Rainforest- Playa Dominical, Costa Rica
Toucan in the Costa Rican rain forest

The wind, heavy with the hot breath of summer, still felt cool on our wet skin. In quick succession, the two guides pointed out a three-toed sloth lounging in a tree, several toucans, a scarlet macaw and a poison dart frog. We scrambled to reach under our ponchos and retrieve cameras to record the native creatures. After a few minutes of shutters clicking, it was time to hike to the waterfalls and perhaps take a refreshing swim in the wading pools formed beneath them.

The jaunt was worth the effort. The water — thousands of gallons a minute — gushed over the precipice and crashed onto the immense slate-colored boulders below, just yards from where we stood. This was nature's stage, and it was a spectacle this audience appreciated.

Several in the group had brought bathing suits and walked further away from the powerful falls to take advantage of the opportunity to cool off in the glistening pools. Two brave souls climbed up and around the rocks to a makeshift platform where they dove headfirst into the water. The obstacles we overcame to get here were all but forgotten in the giddiness of the moment. However, there was still the ride back. Fortunately, the return, though daunting, also went without incident.

It was an auspicious beginning to my first trip to Costa Rica's burgeoning west coast, though it would not be my last foray into the Hacienda Baru.
Zip lining through the rain forest is a popular activity in Playa Dominical, Costa Rica
Zip lining through the rain forest

One other activity awaited me-a zip line ride through another part of the dense forest. Zip lining affords you the chance to literally zip through the rainforest while dangling from a harness with a carabiner attached to a steel wire.

Before that undertaking, I was ready to return to Kiana Resort, a new development in Playa Dominical that prides itself on its "light footprint" approach to construction projects. Simply put, the resort is small and compact with much of the land set aside as ecological reserve. This commitment to being non-intrusive translates into a secluded hideaway that offers a wealth of amenities but allows for plenty of space between humans and the flora and fauna.
Kiana Resort- Playa Dominical, Costa Rica
The new Kiana Resort

Using Kiana Resort as my base, I could savor all of what Playa Dominical offers. The waves are revered among the windsurfing set, and there are windsurfing competitions held throughout the year. Other water sports include snorkeling and diving, ocean kayaking or river rafting, whale watching and sports fishing. If you prefer land-based adventures, then horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking and bird watching can all be booked through Kiana, in addition to zip lining.

The rush of adrenalin that zip lining gives you as you step off the platform and glide through the openings in the trees is indescribable. Baru contains nine lines that crisscross through the jungle in varying lengths. Two guides always accompany you. One goes first to catch you and bring you onto the platform, and one helps you to prepare for being cast off.

If these adventures are a bit taxing, you can enjoy the customary resort offerings such as spending time at the pool or Jacuzzi, walking the beach or enjoying fine dining at the restaurant.
Private chef's cater to patrons needs at the Kiana Resort in Playa Dominical, Costa Rica
Private Chefs await at Kiana Resort

Kiana also gives you the opportunity to have a private chef cater your meal in your room. Not only will you get VIP treatment, you'll have the opportunity — if you desire — to take a cooking lesson from the chef and his staff during the affair.

If you don't mind driving - though many of the roads are still barely passable - there are other sights to see both north and south of Playa Dominical.

Corcovado National Park, to the south, is the country's largest tract of virgin forest. Wildlife in the park includes jaguars, pumas, tapirs and monkeys.

Manual Antonio National Park, to the north, is one of the better-known national parks and features nearly 200 species of birds and all three species of monkey found in Costa Rica.

Just north of the park is Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort, with an 18-hole, par-72 championship course designed by architect Ted Robinson Jr. It is worth taking the still unfinished road to play this scenic layout.
Flight from San Jose to Playa Dominical, Costa Rica
Flight from San Jose to Playa Dominical

If time permits, spend at least one day in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. This culture-rich metropolis has a number of interesting venues for the traveler, including a fantastic gold museum, national theater and many buildings with historical or architectural value. If you have only a short time here, hire an experienced guide.

I was fortunate to have the services of Ignacio Solom of Urbanaddicts, who met me at the Hotel Grano de Oro, a small, but luxurious boutique hotel near the center of town. The walking tour Solom provided presented a unique perspective of the city and its history. I capped off the evening with a superb dinner at the Grano de Oro restaurant, which resembles a stately mansion rather than a hotel restaurant.