See monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, birds, and other wildlife! The Sierpe River is the gateway to the most extensive virgin mangrove forest in Central America and is a refuge for an abundance of wildlife. Relax on a covered Bimini style boat with a biologist guide and bring your camera.
Mangrove River Boat Wildlife Safari – Sierpe River
There are so many unique sounds, chirps, and songs at Topanga Villa; at 700 feet elevation, the area is a haven for lowland birds, forest birds and mountain birds. Our expert guide will help you spot some of the most beautiful birds while teaching you about their behaviours and habitat.
Bird Watching at Topanga with an Ornithologist Guide
River paddling is a relaxing way to discover nature and explore the coast. Explore deep mangrove forests and jungle rivers, abundant with tropical wildlife. Keep your eyes out for monkeys, parrots, toucans, and iguanas. SUP, tandem or single kayaks are available.
Kayak or SUP in the Tropical Mangroves
National Geographic recognizes this park as the most biologically diverse location on Earth. It holds 3% of the world’s biodiversity and has the largest primary rainforest on the Pacific Coast. This full day adventure includes a boat ride, 3-4 hours of hiking and a swim at a beautiful beach.
Guided Hike at Corcovado National Park
Looking to explore waterfalls, jungle, or coastline on foot? Our expert guide, equipped with a high-powered spotting scope, will help locate the vast variety of flora and fauna in their natural habitat, you can also use their telescope to take pictures of the animals up close.
Local Walk with a Biologist Guide
Baru National Wildlife Refuge conserves 330 hectares of tropical rainforest, mangrove, wetlands, riverbank, and beach. The wide variety of ecosystems means a high level of biodiversity. Explore on your own or chose a guided hike.
Baru National Wildlife Refuge Hiking Trails
The stunning beauty and diversity of wildlife in Manuel Antonio’s 683 hectares is unmatched. In this tour, you will hike through the rain forest along 1,500 meters of easy-access trails, with an experienced and bilingual naturalist guide.
Manuel Antonio Park Guided Walk
Alturas is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured, sick, and orphaned Costa Rican wildlife. Visitors will learn about Costa Rica’s biodiversity and the threats our wildlife is facing. 100% of donations support the animals.
Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary Educational Experience
Wildlife Excursions (8)
Memorable Experiences for Everyone
Water, sand, reefs, jungle and more. Although Costa Rica is a small country, 5% of the world’s biodiversity is found here. Topanga is perfectly located to offer a wide range of options for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those looking for relaxation.
You’re in for a treat as you soar through the treetops of the southern-zone primary rainforests. You’ll zip 7 different cables (ranging from 200m long to 1.1km), move between 13 platforms, get lowered down 3 rappels, and challenge your balance on 2 hanging bridges.
Ziplining Adventure and Canopy Tour
Tubing and floating on the Rio Baru is a perfect experience for those who like to enjoy nature and adventure. The river offers lots of vegetation, wildlife, and beautiful scenery. Along the river you will stop for a picnic. Each person will be on their own individual tube.
Baru River Float
Your guides will lead you out of town into the mountain ranges. You’ll cross trickling streams, pass lush coffee and banana plantations, ride through quaint towns and farms, visit the San Luis waterfall (one of the highest in Costa Rica) and enjoy striking ocean and valley views.
ATV Adventure
Take a relaxing horseback ride through a private refuge. There are three ride options to choose from, ride in the jungle to a waterfall and take a dip, ride to a pristine beach, Playa Hermosa, or catch an astonishing sunset.
Horseback Riding at a National Refuge
Paddle down the Savegre River for 11km (2/3 hours) with beautiful scenery and wildlife. There are fun flat pools to swim in and waterfall stops. The Savegre is one of the most pristine rivers in Costa Rica and is perfect for families and young kids. Level II and III rapids.
White Water Rafting Adventure
The Chorro River has fast and fun rapids, with a spectacular canyon backdrop. Previous adventure experience and swimming is required. The river stretches for 7km (1.5 hour) with a fast paddle down. Level III and IV rapids.
Experienced White Water Rafting
Experience human-flight, something you will never forget. The landscapes combined with the exhilarating freefall, followed by a peaceful parachute ride will blow your mind! Instructors are highly qualified, certified in the USA with years of experience.
Tandem Skydiving
Nothing comes as close to flying like a bird as taking to the air with a para-glider. Go on an adventure of a lifetime with a tandem paragliding tour and let the professional pilots be your guide as you glide over the jungle canopy and float through the air on a 20-minute flight.
Tandem Paragliding
Pass through an organic garden and hike to the largest waterfall in Costa Rica. Rappel 90 feet in Diamanté canyon, swim in 2 natural pools, 1 cliff jumping session. Top off the day with a lunch served in a cave behind twin waterfalls. No experience needed.
Hike and Waterfall Rappel at Diamanté Waterfall
Hike through an organic garden and cloud forest to arrive at a mystical destination – a powerful waterfall with a cavern behind it. Your wilderness guide will prepare and serve lunch in the cave. Explore the natural swimming pools. Optional cliff jumping.
Guided Hike and Lunch in a Cave Behind Diamanté Waterfall
The canyon in San Salvador on the Diamanté offers an unforgettable canyoneering experience. With the highest rappel of 150 ft, a 25 ft cliff jump (that can be rappelled), and a 20 ft water slide this is an epic adventure for adrenaline seekers. *Physically demanding.
Diamanté Canyoning Adventure
Come and enjoy Mother Nature's tropical water fun park! After learning the fundamentals and proper techniques of rappelling, you start with a 21-foot waterfall and gradually increase to the 6th and largest 80 foot waterfall. The tour ends at a swimming hole in the Uvita River.
Uvita Waterfall Canyoning
Enjoy the incredible beauty of one of the most splendid waterfalls in Costa Rica via an 8km horseback ride through lush paths and trails. Take a swim and enjoy the spectacular scenery of 2 stunning waterfalls. A delicious typical Costa Rican lunch is served at the ranch.
Horseback Ride to Nauyaca Waterfall
Enjoy an open-air truck ride to look for monkeys, Peacocks, Guatusas, and other animals. First stop is the ranch, second stop is the spectacular Nauyaca Waterfalls where you can swim and enjoy the scenery for 2 hours. A Costa Rican lunch is served at the ranch on the way back.
4x4 Vehicle to Nauyaca Waterfall with Lunch
Looking to enjoy a stunning waterfall but want to avoid the walk? Take an open air 4x4 truck on private roads to the towering falls and natural swimming pool. You will only walk 100 meters on steps to enjoy this magical place. Look for wildlife along the way!
4x4 Vehicle to Nauyaca Waterfall
Costa Rica has plenty of stunning waterfalls but probably the most spectacular, is the Nauyaca Waterfall, with two sets of falls measuring a combined 61 meters (200 feet) tall and a large natural pool for swimming. From the trailhead, the hike is 4 kms (2.5 miles) in each direction.
Hike to Nauyaca Waterfall
Jungle Adventures (16)
Whale watching is a once in a lifetime experience. Encounter these beautiful animals between July and October each year. The whales travel thousands of miles from Antarctica to mate and give birth in the warm waters of our coasts. Includes 20 mins of snorkeling (if conditions allow).
Whale Watching Tour
Cruise the Pacific coast aboard a luxurious, 100 foot, two mast, wooden yacht. Whether you are a sun worshiper or shade seeker, enjoy the coastline, sea, and wildlife. You will anchor in a sheltered bay to swim, snorkel, SUP, kayak, lounge, or walk the plank.
Brisa Elegante - Sailboat Adventure
Located about 40 miles offshore, Caño Island’s biological reserve is home to copious amounts of marine wildlife, such as, sharks, rays, reef fish, octopus, and turtles. It’s like an ocean aquarium! Don’t miss this opportunity, Caño is the best dive / snorkel site in Costa Rica.
Snorkeling or Scuba Diving at Caño Island Marine Preserve
Start by kayaking around the magnificent Whale’s Tail at Marino Ballena National Park. Next, snorkel in the reefs created by the Tombolo. Finish this adventure by kayak surfing to shore and heading into a mangrove forest and paddle through the tranquil waters.
Ocean Kayak
Playa Dominical is one of the best surf spots in the world. It boasts consistent waves 95% of the year. A certified surf instructor will teach you how to catch “green” waves. Learn how to read the waves, catch waves, and maneuver your board.
Intermediate or Advanced Surf Coaching
Just south of the main beach (Playa Uvita) is Playa Chaman. Playa Chaman has sandbars offshore that create consistent rolling waves and perfect conditions to learn and practice surfing. You’ll be catching a wave in no time!
Beginner Surf Lessons in Uvita
Manuel Antonio is ranked as one of the top places in the world by leading sport fishing magazines. Fish 40 miles offshore for Blue Marlin, Black Marlin, Striped Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, Dorado, Wahoo, Grouper, Amberjack and more. Try trolling, jigging and popping.
Full Day Sport Fishing - Manuel Antonio
Continually raising the bar with safety, equipment, vessels, and staff, our Dive Center operates at the highest standards. Choose from a variety of courses such as, Discover Scuba, PADI Open Water, PADI Junior Open Water, PADI Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, and Divemaster.
Scuba Diving Courses and Certifications
This fishing trip is within 20 miles off the shore and includes 1.5 hours of snorkeling at the clear waters of Cano Island. Depending on the season you might see dolphins or whales. Target catch is Mackerel, Wahoo, Mahi-Mahi, Yellowfin Tuna, Black Tuna, and Snapper.
Offshore Sport Fishing and Snorkeling from Uvita
The onshore fishing trip explores the bay of Uvita beach, Hermosa beach and Dominicalito in search of fish such as Rooster fish, Mackerel, Snapper, and Tuna. If Mahi-Mahi are running, you can target these as well.
Onshore Sport Fishing from Uvita
Dreaming of sport fishing in Costa Rica? Fish in shallower onshore coastline waters where it's calmer but just as productive. Try bottom fishing, popping, and jigging to catch the bite of Roosterfish, Cubera Snapper, Corvina, Mackerel, Jack Crevalle, and many more.
Half Day Sport Fishing - Manuel Antonio
Set sail from the Manuel Antonio Marina and enjoy a luxurious, catamaran cruise. Meals and drinks will be served by your professional crew. Lounge in relaxing nets or Jacuzzis and look for dolphins. The boat will anchor so that you can swim, snorkel or slide in the warm pacific water.
Ocean King – Catamaran Ocean Cruise
Beginner Surf class consists of 40% safety and technique with an instructor and 60% in water learning of how to surf in white-wash waves. The class is in Playa Dominical a beach break with great conditions all year round, warm water and no surf crowds.
Beginner Surf Class – Playa Dominical
Ocean Fun (13)
Our trip to Costa Rica was incredible. We stayed at Topanga Villa for 2 weeks and Topanga Villa is in large part why our trip was so fantastic. It is a slice of heaven. The villa and outbuildings are very well appointed and maintained. The grounds are gorgeous! We woke to the sounds of howler monkeys each morning. If you like to bird watch, then Topanga Villa should be added to your bucket list. The Topanga staff was absolutely phenomenal! They helped us arrange everything from delicious dinners prepared by chefs, to tours, to reservations at local restaurants. We highly recommend staying at Topanga Villa if you are thinking of going to Costa Rica.
Topanga villa is a magical place to commune with nature. The grounds and views are stunning with wide ocean views to the front and mountain views to the back. The home is beautiful and immaculately maintained with all of the creature comforts. Howler monkeys, toucans and scarlet macaws are a few of the sounds from the jungle creatures you will awake to in the mornings. The property provides total seclusion and yet is just minutes to amazing restaurants, beautiful beaches and waterfalls. Sipping coffee on the front porch as the sun rises, watching the tropical birds nest and enjoying the view over the crystal blue lap pool and beyond to the shimmering Pacific ocean is one of my favorite memories. Words can not fully describe the beauty of the property. There are plenty of things to do nearby such as nature walks, beautiful beaches and the Uvita waterfall. For a day excursion I highly recommend a trip to Corcovado National Park. The owners of Topanga Villa are helpful, knowledgeable and hospitable. For a unique and unforgettable experience and memories that will last a lifetime I highly recommend a stay.
Lanae Barnes
We had a fantastic time at Topanga Villa with Chad and Kari Michaelsen hosting!! Their villa is amazing - relaxing views, beautiful rooms, great shared areas. The "bird show" in the morning when the birds start waking up is wonderful - so many species and colors! The adventures in the area are so much fun - we did canyoning, zip lining, and a mangrove boat tour - along with time at Whale's Tail beach, restaurants, and many waterfalls and hikes. Would HIGHLY recommend this villa!
Kristin Ross
What Our Guests Are Saying
Looking to explore the local town? Start with the Uvita farmers market, then walk around town or Whale’s Tail beach, stop for lunch and gelato or the local brewery or wine bar. Next explore the butterfly conservatory and the Uvita waterfall. Finish with a photo in the bamboo forest!
Explore Uvita's Farmers Market, Waterfall, & Butterfly Garden
Transform a few hours into an amazing time to connect, chat, and create your own painting. You’ll feel like an artist by stenciling and then painting your own piece of art. Bring your art home as a special memory of your trip.
Painting Classes at Topanga Villa
The coconut is called the tree of life, it has been providing food, drink, materials for housing, fuel, and medicine for thousands of years. Learn the benefits; from opening the nut, squeezing the milk, to preparing a cooked coconut in oil. You’ll even make a natural lip balm.
Coconut Tour
Embark on an authentic journey with a local culture specialist. Learn about the mysterious ancient spheres, visit an Indigenous Térraba community, make chocolate, have lunch with a local family, then visit the Boruca people who are artisans known for their traditional masks.
Indigenous Community and Chocolate Making Experience
Enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience while you learn from the best chefs in the area. Learn how to create delicious and flavorful meals or classic and personalized cocktails. Experience flavors and happiness with our best Chefs and Mixologists.
Costa Rican Cooking Classes
Bring the dance party right to Topanga Villa and enjoy a sunset dance party on the pool deck. This is a fun way to celebrate your amazing journey and perhaps have a goodbye party. Perfect for groups celebrating a special event.
Local Band on the Topanga Pool Deck
The history and traditions of Borucan masks began over 500 years ago during the Spanish Conquest. 'Diablito' masks, or little devil masks were worn with the intent to scare the unwelcome invaders back to Spain. Paint your own mask and take it with you as a memory.
Boruca Mask Painting Workshop
Boruca is built on faith in the wisdom of elders and the Boruca legends they tell, passed down for centuries. The identity of Boruca reflects a deep respect for the nature that surrounds them. Visit the Borucan People, a waterfall and participate in a mask painting workshop.
Visit the Boruca People and Mask Painting Workshop
Our dance experts offer a unique opportunity to experience Costa Rican culture and get your feet moving to some tropical beats! Enjoy a sunset dance party while you learn basic steps.
Latin Dance Lessons at Topanga Villa
This activity is ideal if you want to learn the traditional way of making chocolate, explained by a local Costa Rican guide. You will be part of the process, by helping to peel, grind and cook the cocoa. You can sample along the way and enjoy a delicious chocolate drink at the end.
Local Chocolate Making Tour
The family of Don Emilio are authentic coffee growers that will show you their farm and teach you about producing coffee. Learn the process of coffee making, from the plantation to achieving a delicious cup of coffee. Dec to mid-March it is possible to collect the plant grains.
Coffee Lovers Tour
Culture & Education (11)
Rejuvenate under the skilled hands of our certified, professional therapists while surrounded by the healing sounds of the rain forest. Choose from a variety of massage treatments to suit your needs from deep tissue to relaxation.
Onsite Massage at Topanga Villa
Looking for a relaxing spa treatment such as a pedicure, manicure, chocolate scrub, or facial from the comfort of Topanga Villa. Listen to the birds and sounds of the jungle while getting the treatment of your choice from our certified Spa technicians.
Onsite Spa Treatments at Topanga Villa
Indulge in the exotic experience of rain forest yoga or meditation under the Topanga pool cabana or on the pool deck, surrounded by the beautiful chants of birds, monkeys, and forests. Choose the type of Yoga that suits your spirit and wellness desires.
Onsite Yoga or Meditation at Topanga Villa
Go beyond taking photos: learn how to tell a story and capture a moment. You'll discover useful tips for taking incredible landscape, wildlife, and still photos. Your photos will be transformed into art.
Photography Workshop at Topanga Villa
Capture your memories with a photoshoot at Topanga Villa, the beach or a local waterfall. Our professional photographer will conduct a photoshoot and provide 35 edited photos. Bring home the rainforest and your smiles.