Birds, critters and nature: simply roll out of bed 

Early mornings are easier in Costa Rica, since darkness fall around 6 pm.  Succumb to sleep early and awaken to wonderful sounds.  Open your eyes to the chorus of birds and the rhythms of wildlife, and take it all in. You may find yourself smiling and relaxing!

Birdsong IS the CHORUS morning and dusk

The first thing you notice when you wake up at the Villas Rio Mar Eco-Lodge is the chorus of nature. The rainforest comes alive just before the sun peeks out. As dawn breaks, the early risers of the avian world begin their songs.

Flycatchers, Scarlet-Rumped Tanagers and Thrushes sing and chirp you awake, then the Gray-Cowled Woodrail becomes downright insistent that there are adventures to be had.  Scarlet Macaws light up the sky, and Toucans flit around, occasionally dropping nuts to keep things interesting.

Time seems to move differently in Costa Rica. With darkness falling around 6 pm, it’s easy to succumb to sleep early, which makes an early morning so much easier.  Open your eyes to the chorus of birds and the rhythms of wildlife, and take it all in. You may find yourself smiling and relaxing!

Grab an early coffee and stroll the stunning gardens, listening to the happy songs of a vast varieoty of birds. It’s a way to reconnect with nature in the most authentic way possible—waking up to the life that surrounds you. The Villas Rio Mar grounds are home to many species of birds, sloths, butterflies, Pizotes (also known as coatimundis,) monkeys and so much more. 

meeting the wildlife 

Beyond the calls of birds, the jungle is alive with creatures of all sizes. Monkeys are a highlight for many visitors. The howler monkeys, known for their deep, guttural howls, make their presence known in the early morning hours, their calls reverberating through the trees as they begin their day. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a troop of capuchin monkeys swinging playfully through the canopy or a solitary spider monkey hanging from the branches, its long limbs and tail gracefully navigating the jungle.

Costa Rica is also home to a wealth of reptiles, and Dominical is no exception. You might come across a colorful tree frog nestled in the underbrush or iguanas scampering around the restaurant roof gutters. Iguanas are plentiful on the property, with their ancient-looking faces and scaly bodies; they bask in the warmth of the morning sun and wait for birds and monkeys to drop fruit. 

For the more adventurous at heart, dense jungle trails near Dominical offer opportunities to spot elusive wildlife like sloths or jaguars, although these creatures tend to be shyer and more reclusive.

Smaller critters, like the stunning Blue Morpho Butterfly and colorful insects are just as fascinating. The air is filled with life in every direction.

connecting wth nature 

Waking up to wildlife in Dominical offers more than just a sensory experience – it creates a deeper connection with the natural world. Feel grounded and in awe of the world around you. The rhythm of the sea and the flow of the river just outside of Villas Rio Mar’s property provide a backdrop for the incredible nature around you.  As the sun rises and sets, and the wildlife follows its instinctual routines. It’s a reminder of the delicate balance of ecosystems that exist here and the importance of preserving these precious habitats for generations to come.

the magic of the sunset

As magical as the mornings are in Dominical, the sunsets are equally captivating. After a day of exploring the beaches, hiking in nearby rainforests, or simply relaxing by the shore, you’ll often be treated to a colorful sunset. The sky paints itself in shades of orange, pink, and purple, as the ocean reflects the colors in a perfect mirror. During this time, many of the same birds you heard in the morning return to their roosts, and the wildlife slows its pace for the evening.

The sunrise and sunset mark the beginning and end of the day, but the hours in between are full of discovery, wonder, and peace.