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Rancho Naturalista, Turrialba | Timbuktu Travel
Turrialba

Rancho Naturalista

Travel and Leisure Worlds Best Awards for number 1 tour operator in the world 2024 and number 2 tour operator in the world 2025
We're one of the World's Best Tour Operators!
Named three years running in Travel+Leisure World's Best, including No.1 in 2024

About Rancho Naturalista

A bird-lover's dream, where every day can be spent spying the most secretive species.
Enveloped by cloud forest, Rancho Naturalista's 120-acre grounds are a twitcher's paradise. At dawn, a variety of feeders are put out and draw throngs of colourful visitors including tiny, iridescent hummingbirds. Breakfast can be enjoyed as the birds do the same - and the photo opportunities are incredible. In the afternoon, visit a collection of natural pools where rare, purple-crowned fairies and snowcap hummingbirds (one of the smallest birds in the world) bathe in the sunlight. Rancho Naturalista's guides are fabulous and know just where to look for Costa Rica's most elusive species including many life listers!
Turrialba , Costa Rica
From $290 per person/per night
Retreat
17 Rooms
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Property details

The property

Tucked into the forest, the peaceful views and understated design of the ranch put nature firmly in first position. Both Costa Rican and international fare is prepared with locally-sourced ingredients in the restaurant and accompanied by flower garnish and 'carved' fruit. In fact, the fabulous fruit is a major feature in both breakfast and lunch. All meals are family-style and encourage guests to mingle, while the living area is a great spot to swap stories and ponder your next sighting. Always have your eyes peeled for a sun bittern, toucan, tanager, or the secretive lovely cotinga.

The rooms

The Rancho Naturalista has 15 rooms, most of which are in the main building, although there are four private cabins in the garden. Each room is uniquely decorated with bright textiles and handmade furnishings and all have their own cheerful colour palette. Upper floor rooms enjoy views of the smoking Turrialba Volcano, and some have a private balcony and bird feeder. Certain cabins are larger than others with a kitchen and living room, while some can be combined for larger groups.

Activities

Rancho Naturalista boasts 7 kilometres of trails on which 450 species of birdlife has been spotted; explore them on your own or enlist the help of a guide. Night walks are available and ideal for spotting curious frogs, reptiles and other nocturnal mammals, whilst the surrounding reserves offer the best chance to see resplendent quetzals, fiery-throated hummingbirds and silky flycatchers. If you're up for an adventure, ziplining, canyoning, white water rafting and mountain treks can be added to the itinerary.
Why we love it

Why we love it

The guides at are eagle-eyed experts who will have you photographing even the most camera-shy of birds.
Insiders tip

Insiders Tip

Should you fancy it, request for the external moth light to be turned on and watch as winged critters of every size and colour appear. The Honeycreeper is the nearest cabin to either book into - or steer clear of!
Something to think about

Something to think about

Insect repellent and plenty of warmer items are a must when packing...
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Turrialba Tours & Trips

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The beaches and beauty of the East
Costa Rica

The beaches and beauty of the East

9 nights from $6.6K per person

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How to book Rancho Naturalista

How do I book Rancho Naturalista?

Rancho Naturalista can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Costa Rica trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Costa Rica trips featuring Rancho Naturalista or get advice and suggestions from one of our Costa Rica specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.

How much does it cost to stay at Rancho Naturalista?

Stays at Rancho Naturalista start from around $290 per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.

Rancho Naturalista

Costa Rica

Turrialba

Get stuck into nature in the parrot-green, eastern landscapes – and enjoy some of the best whitewater rafting in the world.