Hacienda Ensenada - La Ensenada National Wildlife Refuge

It is in a beautiful, very remote location on a bay near Abangaritos, Puntarenas on the Nicoya Peninsula.

We saw a great deal of wildlife including howler monkeys, iguanas and bats as well as many bird species.

The horseriding is excellent although not suitable for novices which they didn't mention or seem bothered about - thankfully I am experienced but I feel it would have been dangerous for anyone who didn't know what they are doing as it is a very fast ride with steep banks to climb and descend.

The cabin was very small and full of insects but it was great to share the room with geckos! We were given a twin even though there appeared to be much larger non-smoking doubles available.

The staff were not particularly welcoming, didn't give us any information about what activities were available and weren't always easy to find! Apparently it is possible to assist with work on the ranch with the cattle and horses which would have been fun had we be offered the opportunity.

It does have the potential to be a wonderful place to stay - they just need to improve their customer relations!

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• birdwatching
• Costa Rica
• horseriding
• ranch
• wildlife