Things to do Within our Reserve

Michael H. Cranford and Rebecca Amelia have created a unique vacation experience. Each home includes access and use of  2-3 Km of trails that lead guests up , around and over our rainforest preserve, where you’ll find great trees to climb, creeks to explore, and small pools to sit in.  Staying with us is a great opportunity to learn about the tropics, trees, flora and fauna and culture. You’ll soon discover how important it is that we preserve such a special place now. Be sure to walk the Bamboo  &  Blue Morph Trail and keep a look out for Scarlet Macaws,  Parrots, Toucans, Sloths, Monkeys, and if you’re blessed a Coati or Tayra.

Monkeys are Easy to See

Once you arrive to Sombra de la Lapa, we recommend 2-4 days of just relaxing in one of our homes, sitting in the pool, going for walks, spotting toucans and turning over leaves looking for poison dart frogs.  A week at Sombra d Lapa is like being in summer camp when you were 8-10. You may see all 3 of our resident monkeys during your stay with us. The Titi Monkeys ( Squirrel )are more commonly seen, but occasionally you’ll see our White Face Monkeys, ( Capuchin ) The Congo Monkeys and Parrots will  awake you each day a bit earlier.  The views from both the main house and up in the tree house are the best spots for bird and animal watching. You never have to leave your hammock as most of the animals are living in their natural state and pass through. 

Meet some of our monkeys and birds - Visit www.youtube.com

At the end of the day our Basilik Lizards will arm wrestle  you for a spot at the edge of our pool.  And if you’re not careful the 3 Troops of Titi “squirrel” Monkeys will steal all your bananas. Our resident sloth is a bit more elusive but he does enjoy an audience on the ground  as “Nature Calls”  in the rainforest. 

Sloths and Trees are also Good Teachers.

Take a night walk down by the river and count the Caiman’s eyes beaming at you from the rivers edge. Keep an eye out for glow in the dark spiders, fireflys, frogs, Lizards and if you’re lucky a snake or two.  Night walks within the reserve are some of our favorite hikes. Don’t forget to bring your cameras. On several occasions guests and families living here have seen a Jaguar, Pizotes, Anteaters, River Otters, Caiman, Eagles and Wild Pigs. Tapirs  have been spotted in the area and are increasing in numbers as the numbers of  Jaguars  decline. You will also find a Pre-Columbian Indian burial ground close by and opportunities to hike endlessly in the rainforest or pan for gold near our rainforest pool.  immerse yourself into the rainforest on 2 -3 . km of trails winding through, up and over the rainforest. The rainforest and reserve we steward  is a special place to us, and we invite you to share in our tropical rainforest experience.

Rainforest Preservation & Regeneration

2 years before we built our main home, 150 almond trees were planted, which are the primary food source for Scarlet Macaw Parrots ( Lapas), as well as over 100 secondary and primary trees to widen & strengthen the corridor near our tree house. Since then 9 Lapas make Sombra de la Lapa their home, and 2 of them are fortunate enough to breed and nest in an old Ceibo Tree just a few 100’ away from our home. Each year 1-2 new baby macaws is born and fledges the nest in March – April.  in order not to disturb the animals and monkeys natural daily migrations through the reserve, we planted 100 primary and secondary trees near the tree house site 3 years prior to construction, as not to affect the natural lives of our wildlife.  There are generally 2-3 new Congo Monkey babies each year, 1-2 Whiteface babies and dozens on new baby Titi Monkeys. So there is plenty to do and watch here at Sombra de la Lapa. Recently The Great Currassow ( wild turkeys )were spotted by guests. Visit our young bamboo reforestation project and learn about the sustainable uses and benefits of bamboo.  Or just hang out in a hammock and disappear in a book. We have also planted 100 Columbian and Brazilian bamboo plants and are in the process of regenerating and re-planting a large pc. of pasture land just north of the reserve in Canyaza  www.ranchodulce.com .

The rainforests and culture of Costa Rica are very important for our planet as the trees filter Carbon from our atmosphere and create Oxygen through photosynthesis. A typical rainforest hardwood tree will move 200-300,000 gallons of water upward into the canopy where it is released as  Oxygen as part of their Photosynthesis process. We all know  plants and trees create the oxygen we breathe, and if deforestation is not stopped , our grand children’s right to breathe is at risk, if not our own.

The rainforests of Costa Rica are endangered, and being threatened  every day. We invite you to live with us in Costa Rica for a week and help us support local community and a very special school, where 20-30 children face many challenges in the years to come.  Our local school in barrio Bonito is in need of decent chairs, tables, electrical, lighting, and basic ESL school supplies. In 2008, the school was unable to pay their electric bill for 2 months, as the rising costs of living here have created challenges for both public and private institutions.

Workshops and Retreats

Some of our art groups and home renters volunteer their time or resources while they are here, by helping the small rural school and we encourage you to do the same. We feel the best way to help stop deforestation is to support the local schools and teach the children of The Osa Peninsula  the value of their precious natural resources and assets. In the anticipation that you choose Sombra de la Lapa for this years vacation or retreat,  we will donate 5% of your rental fee directly to the school, and we encourage you to do the same. You can also bring down  ESL school supplies with you in your personal luggage,  and any gift or contribution is appreciated. There are 20+ students  and 1 teacher in need of basic school supplies. If you are in the position to help or contribute contact us at info@costaricaartretreat.com

Sombra de la Lapa Nature and Conference Center

The main home can serve as a community & conservation conference facility and can accommodate large groups forthe day, week or the month. Those interested in discussing conservation, climate change, alternative energy, healing arts, art, music, film, dance and creativity are more than welcome to stop by and schedule their next gathering.  Over the past 8 years, Sombra de la Lapa has been home to many musicians, writers, teachers, filmmakers, painters and photographers all within the privacy and seclusion of the rainforest.   Spiritual leaders, biologists, Ecologists and Entomology students studying climate change. 

Close to Beaches and Puerto Jimenez

Just 15 minutes away, You’ll find some great restaurants, and a few characters to make friends with while visiting Puerto Jimenez.  The nicest beaches are just a 20 -30 min away, and if you’re feeling adventurous, try a trip to Matapalo or Carate in your rental car or Collectivo (public trans). We are within a few short minutes drive to the mangrove and water front  and if you’re feeling adventurous, try our secret  waterfall hike 2-3 hours up river from the reserve.  Your touring options are endless.