Hacienda La Pacifica

Hacienda La Pacífica Hotel was founded in the 19th century by former president Bernardo Soto Alfaro and his wife Pacifica Fernández Guardia. They established the hacienda as a retreat from their busy lives in San Jose. The area is a paradise nestled between the Corobici and Tenorio rivers. Now, the hacienda operates as a hotel,…

Quick Facts on Hacienda La Pacifica
- Type of Location
- Habitat
  Gardens, Riverine Forest
- Commonly Seen Bird Species
  White-throated Magpie Jay, Squirrel Cuckoo, Spot-breasted Oriole, Rufous-naped Wren, Wood Stork, White-fronted Parrot, Long-tailed Manakin, Black-headed Trogon, Turquoise-browed Motmot, White-lored Gnatcatcher, Northern Jacana, Banded Wren, Roadside Hawk

What to Expect During Your Stay at the Hacienda La Pacifica...

Rooms and Amenities

Rooms at Hacienda La Pacifica are simple but comfortable, with air conditioning, private bathrooms with hot water, and garden views. There are Standard Rooms and Junior Suites, as well as a few larger units for small groups. The on-site restaurant serves Costa Rican and international dishes, and can accommodate dietary needs with advance notice.

Birding on the Property

Birders can explore well-maintained trails through the dry forest and along the river, where species like manakins, trogons, and cuckoos are often seen. While there are no feeders or towers, birding is productive right around the gardens, lawns, and edges of the pasture.

Other Activities Available

Guests can relax at the pool, enjoy a guided horseback ride, or visit nearby attractions like Palo Verde National Park or the Lomas de Barbudal Biological Reserve. The lodge is also a popular stopover en route to the Guanacaste coast or Monteverde.

Hacienda La Pacifica

Travel & Logistics

Conservation Initiatives
As part of a former ranch turned eco-lodge, Hacienda La Pacifica has restored portions of its land with native vegetation and maintains wildlife corridors. The property promotes low-impact tourism and supports environmental education in the local community.
How to Get There
Located just off the Interamerican Highway near Cañas, the lodge is easy to access by car and a convenient base for exploring Guanacaste’s dry forest reserves.
Seasonal Notes
The dry season (Dec–Apr) offers the best trail conditions and visibility for birding. The green season (Aug–Nov) brings more leaf cover and flowering trees, which can increase activity for hummingbirds and garden species.
Best Times to Visit
December through April is best for dry forest specialties and easier access. May to July is a good shoulder season with fewer visitors. August to November can be rainy but still productive, especially near the river.

A Few More Notes on Hacienda La Pacifica

The area is a paradise nestled between the Corobici and Tenorio rivers.

Now, the hacienda operates as a hotel, providing a wonderful natural experience for guests.

Amid the lush flora and fauna of the area, visitors can enjoy the birds and animals that call this area home.

It’s been over 100 since the hacienda was first built. The authentic charm remains. The location not only provides excellent on site birding but a great spot for visiting the top bird watching locations in the area.

Along with lovely grounds and gardens, the hotel features a swimming pool and spa, on-site restaurant serving international dishes, and quaint comfortable rooms, decorated in hacienda style.

Each room has a terrace, private bath, hot water showers, and cable TV.