Spring Paradise nature walks in Bijagua

A family farm on the road to Río Celeste

Spring Paradise is a 19-hectare family farm in Bijagua de Upala, the small town on the road into Tenorio Volcano National Park and Río Celeste. The family has worked the land for about 28 years and has opened it to visitors for about twelve. Tapirs come through the forest here, sloths sit in the trees along the trails, and the birding is good from first light.

Most of what they show you is the farm itself: hives of stingless bees, the small native bees ticos call mariolas, with a honey tasting at the end; the farm's handmade trapiche (sugar mill); and coffee and cacao from plant to cup. After dark the guides take small groups out for frogs, including red-eyed tree frogs, and the other animals that only come out at night.

It fits two kinds of day. Pair a morning on the Río Celeste trail with an afternoon at the farm, since the park takes its last entry in the early afternoon and the farm runs until 4 pm. Or use it to break up the drive between Arenal and the Guanacaste beaches: Bijagua sits about halfway, roughly 1.5 hours from Liberia.

Ways to do it

• Nature walk and stingless bees: $30 per person. An easy walk of about 1 to 1.5 hours on the farm's walking and hiking trails, with a honey tasting. Runs 8 am to 4 pm, up to 15 people.
• Coffee and cacao: $25 per person. About an hour, up to 15 people. Wheelchair accessible.
• Handmade trapiche (sugar mill): $12 per person. About 30 minutes, up to 15 people.
• Birding walk: $70 per person. Two to three hours with a guide, starting between 7 am and 4 pm.
• Day-to-night walk: $50 per person. About 2.5 hours from 5 pm, catching the forest as the day animals settle and the night ones come out. Up to seven people per guide.
• Night tour: $45 per person. About two hours, 5 to 7:30 pm. Up to seven people per guide.

What to bring. Closed shoes that can get muddy, a light rain jacket, insect repellent, and a flashlight or headlamp for the night walks.

Good to know

• Prices are the farm's own published rates per person, plus 13% sales tax. Children under 6 go free.
• Several experiences can be combined into a half day or a full day with lunch at a local restaurant. Ask us and we will price the combination for your group.
• Open every day from 8 am to 4 pm; night tours start at 5 pm. Book ahead, especially for the night walks, which run in small groups.
• There is covered parking, and drivers and guides have a place to rest while you are on the tour.
• Río Celeste itself is a separate visit: the park sells tickets online only, through the national parks system, and you cannot swim in the river. Our Río Celeste and Bijagua guide has the details.

Photos

Photos: Spring Paradise Bijagua