Bellavista

Birdwatching and Wildlife Observation

Costa Rica is an area where you can find more than 850 different bird species in an area no larger than West Virginia. From scarlet macaws to quetzals to brown pelicans and hummingbirds, there are more bird species here than in all of North America combined. Finca Bellavista offers a unique opportunity to watch and study Costa Rica’s avifauna in a natural, relatively quiet and undisturbed setting. Each morning you will wake up to the soothing sounds of hundreds of species of birds as life in the rainforest canopy begins a fresh new day. A treehouse is the perfect perch for birdwatchers...Those that don’t consider themselves birders just might after a visit to the rainforest canopy! It is an experience of a lifetime.

Playing in the Waterfalls and Swimming in Natural Pools

Finca Bellavista is blessed with kilometers of whitewater river access. Opportunities to explore the many natural pools and waterfalls are seemingly endless! Rio Bellavista is a great spot to find pretty rocks and fossils, especially after rainstorms. During dry season, snorkeling the river’s crystal clear pools is also possible and offers a unique experience. Crabs, gobies, small fish, and shrimp are often spotted, and the river’s amazing variety of colorful rocks make a pretty backdrop.

Hiking

Finca Bellavista has several marked hiking trails that access different portions of the property and provide a great way to get ‘face-to-face’ with nature.

-Hike to “The Point” for sweeping vistas of the Piedras Blancas region and for a picnic overlooking the convergence of the Bellavista and Piedras Blancas rivers.

-The Sendero del Rio is a stone pathway that leads to the first set of waterfalls on Rio Bellavista and an old cacao plantation.

-El Camino Mango is a knife-ridge that has vistas of a primary rainforest mountain.

-Sendero de la Primera Poza is a winding trail that accesses one of Rio Bellavista’s larger natural swimming pools.

-Night hikes are the best times to spot reptiles, amphibians and nocturnal creatures that are out and about in the cooler weather.

Ziplining

While Finca Bellavista has ziplines and platforms (we call them the SKYTrails), these are considered to be a private transportation network for the exclusive use of owners and their guests only. Finca Bellavista does not operate a commercial canopy tour on the premises. Use of the SKYTrails is not inclusive of a rental, visit or stay at Finca Bellavista. Introduction to and use of the community’s private SKYTrail network of ziplines and platforms is contingent on employee and equipment availability. Users are expected to bring their own equipment or to rent equipment through our office at Finca Bellavista. Children under the age of 8 require special equipment and it is not recommended to include them in your plans for any use of the SKYTrail network.

Tree Climbing

Tree climbing is just like rock climbing...only different. Tree climbing is an exhilarating, yet challenging way to access the rainforest canopy and is an activity that requires specialized training and equipment (which interested climbers must bring) and arrange PRIOR to visiting.

Photography/Painting/Writing

Opportunities abound for the amateur or professional artist! Whether you are a photographer, painter or writer, Finca Bellavista’s vibe and various backdrops might inspire you. A striking variety of options await those interested in recording the finca’s avifauna, insects, moths, butterflies, flowers, trees, and scenic wonders. The color, composition, and clarity of subject matter can be overwhelming, but very rewarding!

Unplug and RELAX!!!

This seems to be a relatively foreign concept to many of our visitors! Kick back in a hammock, lay out by the river, skinny dip, stretch, write in a journal… read. The birds and bugs won’t mind if you take a few minutes or an afternoon to do the things we normally don’t get a chance to do! The community center's open-air rancho is a great spot to take in a yoga session. With a scenic backdrop of the Fila Cruces mountains and an occasional breeze, it can be a peaceful place to meditate as well.