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Around 100 years ago the southern region of Costa Rica was all forest, but it was shrinking fast because of agriculture, cattle rising and urbanization. Many animal species lost their homes, and others were killed by hunters. Even though, Costa Rica still has one of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. That is why also in Dominical you will be surrounded by beautiful rainforest, a river, waterfalls and animals.
The biggest reason why we can still enjoy this nature here is Hacienda Barú. This is a National Wildlife Refuge near Dominical. Jack Ewing is co-owner of this protected area and his goal is to protect the wildlife habitats, while educating the visitors. To make the people aware of nature, there is also a big observation tower in the trees, along with a zip-line. Here you can also find the most wildlife in Dominical. If you are lucky you spot sloths, hawks, white-faced monkeys, river otters and two kinds of crocodiles.
But the most important and special part of Hacienda Barú is ‘The Path of the Tapir’. This path is a biological corridor. That means it provides connections for species trough the landscape. It is also used for transportation of fauna and seeds. The main goal of this corridor is to get the Tapir back in its original habitat. Jack Ewing says the last one around this place was killed in 1957. Path of tapir cover the entire territory from the border to the Savegre river to the Terraba river.
Eco jungle resort Villas Rio Mar hotel is a sustainable hotel located at 5 km from Hacienda Baru. We think it is important to protect our nature that made Costa Rica to what it is today and provides us life. It would be a shame if a lot of animal species would disappear, because they are rare and special and help us understand nature. We also protect the nature by informing the guests about some rules, like not to feed or hunt the wild animals.
Nature lovers, who want to visit the forests of Hacienda Barú, are always welcome in Villas Rio Mar that is only 800 meters from the center of Dominical. Our hotel also has tours available that bring you trough the park to watch the animals or, if you like adventure, go between the trees with the zipline. You can book them via our website or you can just stop by at our tour desk.
