Around Los Suenos

GOLF
To play at Los Suenos’championship par-72 golf course, La Iguana, is to experience breathtaking natural beauty. Designed by Ted Robinson Jr, this eco-golf course is surrounded by exotic native plants, banana trees, orchids and native wildlife, featuring friendly monkeys and brightly hued macaws among other small wildlife. More than 150 species of birds have been identified on the resort’s grounds, nestled alongside a 600-acre rainforest reserve with breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. Many golfers consider this 18-hole championship course the most exotic in Costa Rica, owing to its contour alongside a Costa Rican jungle. The services and facilities offered at La Iguana will satisfy players of all skill levels, including a vast driving range, putting green, a full range of rental equipment and a team of PGA qualified golf professionals.

GAME FISHING
Thinking about a big game fishing adventure in Costa Rica? Considered one of the prime bill fishing grounds in the world, big game fishing in the waters off Los Suenos is hard to beat. Unusually calm waters coupled with short rides to the fishing grounds are two good reasons, plus the fact that this part of the Pacific Ocean teems with Marlin, Dorado, Sailfish, Mahi-Mahi, and Yellow Fin Tuna year-round. The 200-slip Los Sueños Marina is one of Latin America's most sophisticated. Over 26 licensed luxury charters call it home, offering full-day, half day or multi-day excursions on vessels ranging from 21 to 65 feet. On a regular half day charter, the boat will go for inshore fishing for mahi mahi, yellow fin tuna, snapper, mackerel, and rooster fish, starting in the morning and ending at noon, or from noon until late afternoon. On a full day the boat will go for sailfish and marlin, trolling along the way for mahi-mahi and yellow fin tuna, beginning in the morning and returning in the late afternoon. English speaking captains and crew provide not only tackle and bait, tips and strategies to land your trophy, but will also serve up tempting breakfasts and lunches.

SURFING
Surfing is the number one reason why international visitors are drawn to Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast. If you do not already surf, Playa Jaco, about 10 to 15 minutes south of Los Sueños, is the perfect learning ground for beginners due to its consistent and moderate surfs. Experienced surfers will find more challenge at Playa Hermosa, another 10 minutes further south, which is world renowned for hosting a number of international surf competitions throughout the year. Don’t miss the chance to take up this sport while you have dozens of surfing instructors to choose from and the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean to safely give it a try.

SNORKELING AND KAYAKING
Herradura Bay is renowned for calm waters, which make for an ideal playground for snorkeling and ocean kayaking. The best way to explore the Pacific coastline in this region is to board a 40-foot long outrigger canoe, which accommodates up to eight people, children included, and go on a half-day tour. Tours take off from the beaches north of Los Sueños and include ground transport, paddling equipment and refreshments.

RIVER RAFTING
Several rivers, about one hour away from Los Sueños, offer gentle rapids for river rafting. A full-day whitewater rafting tour includes ground transport, expert guides, instructions and lunch. At the end of the tour, you will have a chance to swim beneath a spectacular waterfall. This tour is a must for nature lovers who enjoy watching wildlife in their natural habitats; iguanas, blue morphs butterflies, parrots, otters, king fishers and herons inhabit the rainforest that embraces the rivers.

VOLCANO TOURS
Get a close-up view of Arenal Volcano and listen to its deep-throated ramblings. Enjoy a relaxing soak at one of the many mineral hot springs, surrounded by Costa Rican rainforest setting, in the Arenal Volcano National Park. Or take a hike at Poas Volcano National Park to see the world’s largest volcanic crater, which features a stunningly turquoise lagoon. The extensive walking trail system offers hikers a beautiful view of the Central Valley and San Jose city. A tour to Poas Volcano is combined with a stop at Sarchi, a town well known for all types of Costa Rican handicrafts, including woodwork, textile, leather, precious metals, clay and basketry.

HORSEBACK RIDING
Follow your guide on horseback and ride into the hills behind Jaco to take in the panoramic view of the mid Pacific coast and the beautiful countryside. In the dry season (December through May) the tour includes a visit to a private Costa Rica rainforest reserve with three beautiful waterfalls. Half day tours depart in the morning and afternoon so you can still fit in a golf session and a couple of massages in the spa. Remember to wear long pants and closed-toe footwear for better comfort.

MANGROVE WILDLIFE TOUR
The Damas Island is an ancient mangrove area which is home to hundreds of exotic mammals, reptiles, seabirds, wild macaws, colorful toucans and striking jungle plants. Tour participants will be exposed to the diverse eco-systems in a Costa Rican transitional forest. This ecological adventure through the mangrove will delight even seasoned birdwatchers.

RAINFOREST CANOPY TOUR
To ‘fly’ above a rainforest canopy in Costa Rica is an exhilarating adventure for many, young and old. Imagine riding over the treetops using a secure system of zip lines. There are multiple canopy tours to choose from; those who have less tolerance for height and speed can still experience the rainforest canopy from a semi-enclosed aerial tram, or an integrated network of suspension bridges. Those who prefer hiking will be rewarded by views of amazing bird life from up-close.

ATV JUNGLE TOURS
It is a lot of fun to be able to explore the rainforest on an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV). The tour includes stops at several high altitude lookout points where some of Costa Rica’s most popular beaches come into view. Surrounded by lush rainforest vegetation most of the time, you will ride up and down the hills, splashing crossing creeks and streams.

MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK
Manuel Antonio National Park has long been regarded as the jewel in Costa Rican national park system. Not only it incorporates rain and dry forests, there are three beautiful beaches within the park of pristine beauty. Enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters or sunbathe on the white sand beaches. Follow the walking trails within the park which wind through a variety of ecosystems and exposes exotic wildlife, such as the three-toed sloths and capuchin monkeys. Both half and full-day excursions from Los Suenos to Manuel Antonio are offered.

WATERFALL TOUR
For the truly adventurous, a trip to the little-known Bijagual waterfalls hidden deep in the Costa Rica jungle must not be missed. The journey over the small range between Carara National Park and the Protected Zone of Turrubares is in itself challenging and rewarding, with views of the Pacific Ocean and the coastal villages. The roaring sound of the waterfall competes with the calls of the Toucans and Red Macaws. You will feel deeply immersed in nature. On arrival at the waterfall, plunge into the pristine pools at the base of the high cliffs.

BEACH HOPPING
Rent a car and go beach hopping down the mid Pacific coast all the way to Quepos and Manuel Antonio, passing Playa Hermosa, Esterillos, Bejuco, Bandera, Palma and Palo Seco. These are near-deserted beaches waiting to take your footprints. Playa Esterillos is a broad sandy beach which stretches for miles; it is divided into Esterillos Este (East), Esterillos Centro (Center) and Esterillos Oeste (West), and each has its own entrance road. Driving to the north, you can visit Playa Blanca at Punta Leona and Playa Aguja.

CROCODILE TOUR
At the Tarcoles River, about 20 minutes north of Los Suenos, gigantic American crocodiles are an attraction. You can join a Crocodile Tour and safely watch these monstrous creatures from a tour boat while they are being fed.