Rainmaker Conservation Project

Rainmaker (tel. 506/777-3565, fax 506/777-3563, rainmakerusa@hotmail.com, www.rainmakercostarica.com) is a 540-hectare private reserve on the forested slopes of the Fila Chonta mountains, near the village of Pocares (the turnoff is by a water tower), southeast of Parrita and seven km inland of Hwy. 21. The main draw is a treetop trail formed by six suspension bridges slung between trees to form a 250-meter aerial walkway through the rainforest canopy ($65 canopy walk, half-day, including hotel transfers). Far below, a wooden boardwalk and other bridges lead you through a river canyon, with cool pools for bathing. It’s a stiff climb up several hundred steps to reach the first platform. A four-hour guided river walk costs $45 with hotel transfers; 8 a.m.–3 p.m.

Other trails lead into the reserve, which climbs through four distinct ecological zones—including cloud forest—up to 1,700 meters elevation. Horseback riding is offered to the Damas Caves, which have stalactites and stalagmites.

Reservations are needed to visit. Hotels and tour operators in Quepos and Manuel Antonio offer tour excursions. There’s a restaurant and interpretive center. It is closed on Sunday.