La Ensenada Lodge

Hacienda La Ensenada is a National Wildlife Refuge located in the province of Puntarenas, on the Gulf of Nicoya. It’s just 2.5 hours from San José and 1.5 hours from Liberia. It is an ideal place for naturalists, bird watchers, and nature lovers. The ranch is a paradise where you will find the perfect point of…

Quick Facts on La Ensenada Lodge
- Type of Location
  National Wildlife Refuge
- Habitat
  Farmland, Gardens, Coastal Forest, Mangroves, Dry Forest
- Commonly Seen Bird Species
  Rufous-necked Wood-Rail, Mangrove Hummingbird, Spot-breasted Oriole, Double-striped Thick-knee, Green-breasted Mango, White-necked Puffbird, White-throated Magpie Jay, Black-crowned Night-heron, Pacific Screech Owl

What to Expect During Your Stay at the La Ensenada Lodge...

Rooms and Amenities

The lodge offers approximately 22 comfortable bungalows, each with private bathrooms, hot water, and spacious terraces furnished with hammocks. The experience emphasizes simplicity, comfort, and immersion in nature.

Birding on the Property

On-site trails pass through forest, salinas, and mangroves right from the lodge. Guided horseback and boat tours provide access to prime areas for raptors, shorebirds, and open-country species.

Other Activities Available

Beyond birding, guests can enjoy swimming in the pool, horseback riding through varied habitats, tractor tours across the ranch, and mangrove or riverboat excursions to nearby Palo Verde National Park. The property also offers a glimpse into rural life in the Gulf of Nicoya region.

La Ensenada Lodge

Travel & Logistics

Conservation Initiatives
As both a national wildlife refuge and a working cattle ranch, La Ensenada is committed to reforestation, sustainable land management, and wildlife protection. The lodge supports local education and community initiatives.
How to Get There
Located about 2–2.5 hours from San José and 1.5 hours from Liberia, the lodge is easily integrated into Pacific or northern Costa Rica itineraries. Access involves a paved road followed by short rural stretches.
Seasonal Notes
The dry season (Dec–Apr) offers clearer skies and better road access. Birding remains excellent year-round, though May–July and August–November bring lush vegetation and heightened bird activity, especially near water sources.
Best Times to Visit
December–April for the driest weather and best trail conditions. May–July for flowering vegetation and fewer visitors. August–November for lush scenery, active birding, and quiet surroundings.

A Few More Notes on La Ensenada Lodge

Hacienda La Ensenada is a National Wildlife Refuge located in the province of Puntarenas, on the Gulf of Nicoya. It’s just 2.5 hours from San José and 1.5 hours from Liberia. It is an ideal place for naturalists, bird watchers, and nature lovers.

The ranch is a paradise where you will find the perfect point of balance between nature and serenity. The lodge offers accommodations in comfortable rooms facing the Gulf. Each room has a private bathroom, hot water, closet and a spacious terrace with a hammock. On-site guests can enjoy a swimming pool, restaurant, and hiking trails. Because of its family management, the lodge offers guests the opportunity to participate in the daily activities of the farm as well. Guests can become part of the typical life on a Costa Rican ranch. The Gulf of Nicoya, the mangroves, and the forest offer those who love birds and photography many different species of birds, mammals, reptiles and insects to discover.