Adventures & Relaxation

Here are some ideas of how to really enjoy everything, or really enjoy nothing

SURF!!!!

We have a variety of boards available for rent: boogie boards, short boards, long board and in-between boards. For those of you that are already experienced surfers, we offer daily rental rates. For those of you that have always wanted to try surfing, but have not yet done it, we offer the opportunity to go out with an experienced surfer/instructor for individual or small group classes. (Alfredo, is a native of Esterillos and Spanish speaker with a strong Surf based English language knowledge. Enjoy an authentic Costa Rican experience for a reasonable price. ) Times depend on the tides.

Canopy Tour

For anyone visiting Costa Rica for the first time, or who has not done this once before, this is a Must! There are a variety of companies in the area with whom we would be happy to set you up. Because of this the schedule is pretty flexible. You will be given a brief lesson on how to use the ziplines and your equipment as you get suited up with harnesses and helmets. (This is always a great opportunity for a helmet photo, my favorite kind.) You will be taken up into the mountains, whether by vehicle, foot or tram, at which point you will be guided (usually by friendly, funny informative guides) onto the zip line and scream your lungs out as you fly over the jungle. Most companies offer around 12 to 15 lines. These tours usually have an educational aspect, in that the guides will teach you about the local flora and fauna as you tromp between zip lines. This is a unique way to get a look at all that nature has to offer here in CR. Locations and distances vary.

Massage

Telsy is a local masseuse who gives the most relaxing wonderful massages. She has been working with us for over two years, and I believe it is safe to say that 100% of her clients have left completely satisfied. Enjoy your massage under the shade of the palms as you listen to the surf crash. I can't imagine a better way to begin or end a relaxing vacation in Costa Rica.

Horseback Riding

Discovery Horse Tours now has sole rights to a 1500 acre farm with virgin forest. This tour is fabulous. This is a small husband and wife run operation, acclaimed for the care they give to their animals. This tour is exciting for everyone from the inexperienced rider to the expert. They will take you along trails through their property and tropical forest up to a spring with natural pools. On the way you will learn about the flora and fauna in the area (CR has a lot of this to offer.) Once you arrive at the pool you will be treated to a fresh fruit snack and then submerge yourself into the pools for the most incredible mud bath. This mud leaves your skin and hair soft as a... You know what, and also creates some fantastic photo opportunities. The entire adventure is about 2.5 hours. Don't forget to bring a bathing suit, sneakers, long pants, camera, towel, bug-spray and sunscreen. Now offering a beach ride as well, guests can walk to the stables from Encantada and begin their beach ride adventure with an experienced guide. Always imagined yourself galloping along the beach at sunset? Now is your opportunity.

Spice Plantation

This tour is fabulous for anyone who likes to breathe or eat. ;) This is a tour of a local spice plantation where you will learn about and see the process of growing and refining plants and spices, especially those that we all love so much: pepper, cinnamon, vanilla, chocolate (cacao to be exact) and much more. Not only that but you will also be treated to a sampling of culinary delights created with the spices that are grown on site. And finally you will have an opportunity to purchase some of the goods to take home with you. My personal experience with this tour was fantastic and of all the things that my girlfriends did while on their trip in Costa Rica, this was at the very top of the list. This is a tour done on foot. The plantation is located outside of Quepos.

Mangrove tours

Based outside of Quepos, you will board a lancha (flatbed boat) for a two hour tour of the manglares (mangroves) The boat will take you through canals filled with nature, most famous for visits from the white faced monkeys (one actually ate bananas right off of my fingers.) You are also likely to see many species of birds, plants, lizards, insects and possibly crocodiles. Don't forget to bring your camera. Times of the tours depend on the tides.

Manuel Antonio National Park

This is an easy day trip from Encantada. The Park offers some pristine beaches, hiking, a ton of nature, from monkeys and sloths to iguanas and hermit crabs. The hike to the look-out point can be done in flip flops and is well worth the view. You can contract a guide or you can do what I do, take a look where other's tour guides have stopped you are likely to see almost all the park has to offer this way. I recommend going in the morning as the park closes at sunset or once they have reached capacity. If you don't want to leave the park, bring a packed lunch and beverages, or eat beforehand.

River Rafting

Rafting trips are available on all levels of rapids for all levels of rafters, from Class 2 to class 5. Trips leave daily from the Quepos area, and range from 1/2 day to 3/4 day.

Sailing

Get on a boat and sail out into the Pacific Ocean. Stop off shore where you can snorkel, enjoy lunch and a beverage or two. This is your opportunity to see turtles, fish, dolphins, birds and maybe even whales. Perfect way to spend a day in Paradise

Cheap or Free activities to Enjoy in the Area

- Bacci ball

- Volley ball

- Soccer

- Swim in the Pool

- Frisbee

- Yoga

- Walk along the never ending Chocolate Sand Beach

- Take a dip in the Ocean

- Board Games and Puzzles

- Relax or read in the hammocks

- Enjoy an ice cold beer during the Technicolor Sunset

- Check out our gardens (we are happy to report that we compost, recycle and try to grow as much of our own produce as possible.)

- Star Gaze

- Try some local Ceviche

- Walk over to the fields to ponder the Costa Rican cattle.

- Look for bioluminescence in the night sand

- Watch for turtles laying eggs or leaving their nests (seasonal)

- Ask for directions to Tres Piscinas waterfall, getting there is an adventure, but once you arrive it is worth the drive. Be sure to look for the leaf cutter ants along the trail, and the amazing life or death plants that close up as soon as they are touched right before your very eyes. This is a 1 km hike through cow pasture, to a cascading waterfall with three swimming holes. Dare to jump, or just watch the local kids. (Please remember to bring a plastic bag to carry out your own trash.) Check out the many varieties of orchids and air-plants, and if you are lucky you might even see a poison arrow frog.

- Listen for the approach of the Scarlet McCaw, you will almost always hear their abrasive call, before you see them fly over in pairs or groups.

- Watch the sunset symphony from the pool, flocks of green parrots babble overhead, followed by a few minutes of flying fruit bats, later to be followed by the fireflies. I will never tire of this small luxury.

- Go to Villa Caletas to enjoy a cocktail and sunset from their breathtaking outdoor amphitheater.

- Use the barbecue to make dinner in. (You just need to get the groceries and a bag of charcoal.)

- Rent a DVD to watch on your personal computer

- If you brought your digital connection to the world, make use of our complimentary wi-fi service to keep in touch or surf the web.

And of course if you have any questions or ideas do not hesitate to ask us.

If you would like to give us a call our number is:
International calls: 011-506-2-778-7048
Within Costa Rica : 2-778-7048

email: encantadacostarica@yahoo.com

Meditation on the beach