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rsqdvr
We arrived at La Cieba late one night with no idea what to expect. We had some problems initially getting here because I messed up our tour dates on the Pacific side. The folks at the Jaguar Rescue, who run La Ceiba, were very helpful in allowing us to change the dates. We also had trouble because we really didn't get any directions on how to get to La Ceiba. We went to the Jaguar Rescue but they had long since closed. We ended up driving back in to town and stopping at the travel information center on the corner who was kind enough to call for us.Fabian was there to greet us when we arrived. He had such a great spirit and attitude, it was very refreshing. We feel really badly because we communicated to management 3 days in advance that we would be one day later but they didn't pass the word on to Fabian. He stayed up past midnight the night before waiting for us. In spite of that, he was welcoming and had a great attitude. He said he was just happy to have us there, how nice is that?We stayed in the main house which was spectacular. We had a large three bedroom house in the jungle all to ourselves. I should warn you that the walk to get to the house can be quite taxing for those with bad knees, hips, or backs. Once you get there though, the view of the jungle is breathtaking. We were a mere 50 feet from howler and capuchin monkeys hanging out in the trees. They were doing some construction near the volunteer quarters so it was a little loud during the day but the jungle was still quite soothing. The volunteers were nice but didn't seem that keen on interacting much with us. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to do any of the day or night tours through La Cieba, and I had hurt my knee cliff diving a few days before so wouldn't have been able to do it anyway.We did have one of the most incredible experiences of our lives. Our first night we had a visitor in our kitchen at 2am. He was pretty loud and messing things up so we left him alone. He actually growled at us a little so we gave him his space. We let the rescue know and they told us that he was Javier the kinkajou. Apparently he had been kidnapped as a baby by one of the locals who tried to make him a pet. After he grew up they felt he was being too aggressive with their kids so they turned him in to the rescue. Jaguar Rescue was working on rehabbing him and had released him to the jungle 4-5 days before but he decided to come back.The next night he came back at 230, this time though we were less concerned. He was hanging out in our luggage, which was locked so I wasn't worried. I went back to sleep and sometime later I woke up to find him asleep on my pillow!! He was the cutest damn thing, making suckling noises while he slept. In my fast asleep stupor, I thought he was one of my dogs. When I figured it out I said something out loud and all Javier did was bend over and give me some kisses! We hung out with him for about 10 minutes before deciding that the right thing to do was to go get Fabian and make sure Javier continued his rehab. We would have loved to hang out with him all night! When Fabian came to get him he squeaked and cried and was reaching for us. It was heartbreaking. He used is big ol tail to grab on to my arm on the way out. Needless to say, in that short 10 minutes we bonded deeply with Javier. If we lived in Costa Rica and he needed a home, we would have volunteered. I feel like that was a once in a lifetime and a very unique experience that we will always treasure. When we left in the morning Fabian thanked us for telling him about Javier and said that we were offically part of the rescue process!Tips: be prepared for a little uphill hike to get to the rooms. The kitchens are well appointed but there is really no food on property. We were told the kitchen is for the tours. Our first night there we were super late and hadn't eaten so I asked if we could have some leftovers. The cook let us have some but it wasn't cheap. I recommend eating in town or getting some supplies from the store.Directions - to get to La Ceiba drive past Puerto Viejo and past the sign for the Jaguar Rescue Center. About 1.5 miles down the road you will see a sign for Lucy Tours and IMMEDIATELY after that sign is a gravel road. Take this road in to the jungle for about 2 km and the gate for La Ceiba is on the left. These weren't provided by JRC so now you have them if you decide to visit!
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travelbal2015
We arrived at la Ceiba to a beautiful breakfast that was waiting just for us.....as we ate, we talked with our guide, Fabian, who is also the Eco-tourism manager of la Ceiba. After outfitting us with mud boots, he took us on a rather strenuous hike through the jungle area where the animals from Jaguar are re-habilitated sand released when they are ready. All along the way, Fabian shared his vast knowledge and love of la Ceiba....his enthusiasm and passion for what he does are inspiring! Along the way, he pointed out a poison dart frog, a sleeping eyelash viper, a huge fire ant habitat, and finally, the glorious tree from which the area takes its name: La Ceiba, a 600 year old tree whose lowest branch was 40 meters above our heads! Breathtaking! One of the most fun features of this hike was the companionship of three delightful raccoons who are being re-introduced to the wild, and came with us for their daily walk. We felt this tour was well worth the cost, but it is a rather vigorous hike, and, even though it hadn't rained there in a week, there was plenty of mud to schlep through. Another treasured memory of our trip here
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Nancyheffernan
This walk was amazing but a little more rugged than expected I think just due to all the rain .it was very muddy and slippery so at times had a hard time climbing, but did do it .Expect to get a little muddy however they do provide rain boots which were much needed. The guide was amazing and able to find night life that I would never have been able to see without him .If possible take a headlamp so your hands are free for walking/climbing they do provide handheld flashlights if u wish. I do think we should have been told to be careful about some of the walk as it was very narrow and if having gone over the side who knows where I would have ended up. We saw many animals like snakes frogs sloths,and anteaters and the guide knew all about them and his enthusiasm came through throughout the entire walk. Dinner was provided before we went one on the walk it too was excellent and the staff were very friendly and courteous .After the walk the guide did not push us out he was very willing to hang around and answer questions that anyone on the tour had
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johnesv
We did the day walk and after our experience and reading other reviews I would opt for the night walk next time. My wife and I love the jungle.. we have been to the OSA on multiple occasions and maybe because of that our expectations for wildlife viewing was high. Unfortunately, we didn't see too much in terms of animal or insect life. However, the jungle alone is absolutely beautiful and worth travelling to. We had a good walk, the guide kept it informative and was very positive and helpful with questions. We did have a raccoon accompany us on the trail and in all of our nature trips and walks that was a first! The raccoon was being primed for release back to nature and is what La Ceiba is all about. We would also say the price of $55 per person is a little high for this. Nonetheless, we enjoyed the experience overall.
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peggymm2015
We went on the morning hike after a delicious breakfast, and had a guide who was cheerful, funny, informative. We took Gwendolyn the raccoon with us and she proved as interesting as the monkeys, sloths, snakes and trees. The hike was steep and muddy from rain, and would not recommend for anyone with significant physical limitations. The reserve is a hilly 2 km from the main road turnoff at Punta Uva, so a rental car or taxi makes it more accessible.
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kellygurza
This was a highlight. We had a wonderful guide who clearly had a passion for the jungle and the animals. We were able to see many animals in a night jungle environment. The dinner before the tour was top notch as well!
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luvs2ski
You can only go on guided walks organized by the Jaguar Rescue Center. The guides are volunteers with some training and knowledge but not experts. We went twice - one day hike, one night. Saw almost nothing on the day hike, of course is wilderness and not a zoo, but surprised us, perhaps we just had back luck with the animals that particular morning. The guide was too quiet and laid back, no outward enthusiasm. Turned out to be a sloggy walk in primary forest. A pretty setting but not worth the money. The night hike was rather different experience. Different guide who was very outwardly excited. Saw snakes and multitude of frogs. Heard monkeys. Both hikes included a meal which was quite good. They are not well organized though, on both occasions they were not prepared for our visit despite our advance reservations and confirmations. For the morning tour that meant doing the 2 hour hike before breakfast. For the evening it meant being turned away the first night to come back the second night...In each case they apologized profusely...
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juliob472
After the animals have been rescue, they're reintroduced into nature.....mother nature! That's a beautiful walk into the forest with a guide
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F9231BJkarens
Took a night tour and enjoyed a private dinner prepared by the wife of the guide. They have houses to rent - wish we had stayed there all night!
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erinthomsen-byet
I was looking around Jaguar Rescue Center's website, and saw that they offered day or night hikes in the reserve where they release all of their rehabilitated animals. I couldn't believe I had a chance to go on a night hike, so I contacted them and set everything all up for my arrival on the 14th October. Upon arrival at La Ceiba, I was greeted by Greivin who walked me up to the volunteer house and restaurant. They provided an amazing dinner cooked by Diego, and I was surrounded by frogs at the pond serenading me as I ate. Immediately I was in Heaven!I was the only one signed up so after dinner Greivin asked what I was interested in and wanted to see that night. I said that I had come for really only one thing.....the frogs! He suggested that we adapt our hike to give us the best opportunity to find them, and off we went. About 10 minutes into our walk we found a hog nosed pit viper right along the trail. What a gorgeous creature, and so well camouflaged. Continuing down the trail toward the creek we found a blind snake, lots of cool spiders and all other kinds of crawling critters. At the creeks edge we saw a sun bittern sleeping on the opposite bank. Along the creek Diego found a coral snake! It was so colorful, what a striking creature. We also found frogs, a sleeping dragonfly, blue morpho caterpillar, glass frog egg sack, more crawling critters. Then we climbed up out of the creek bed and continued toward the frog ponds. Along the way we found a gigantic katydid! Greivin and Diego were so excited to find this, and we spent quite a bit of time holding it and taking photographs. At the ponds we found a yellow eyelash pit viper, then a green pit viper along with several cat eye snakes...and then, the findings to end the night.....multiple red eye tree frogs! We were having such a remarkable night, we lost track of time and before you know it, it was time for me to leave.I had the best experience that first night that I decided I had to do it all over again, so I went back 3 nights later and brought a tico friend who is a nature guide with me! Again, Greivin and Diego made the night spectacular. Both Riqui and I had a great time...so much so that I decided that I just had to go one more time before leaving town, and several nights later went back again with another tico friend.All in all, within an 8 day period, I went on 3 night hikes at La Ceiba. Each night was beyond expectations. I had wonderful food cooked for me, found so many species of frogs and snakes. Spotted my first kinkajou in the tree tops, saw sleeping birds, chameleons, spiders, katydids and so much more. Greivin and Diego have such a joy and passion for wildlife, and it comes through loud and clear when you are out walking around with them. They are extremely personable, charming and I can honestly say they became friends of mine in a short time frame.I highly recommend spending a night at La Ceiba. You will not be disappointed! I cannot wait until my trip in 2015, as this will be one of my first stops.
