Rainmaker
Rainmaker things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Were visiting from Toronto to Manuel Antonio when a local told us about this place. Glad he did because this was one our most favourite places in Costa Rica. We actually enjoyed this way more than Manuel Antonio National Park. To start, not a lot of people know about this place and therefore it's not super busy with tourists. You will not feel the hustle and bustle of Manuel Antonio here. The way there is 15 minutes (7.4km), all flat on a bumpy dirt road. If you can get over that then you have entered a heavenly forest. Trip around the park takes about 2 hours to complete. You will experience wooden hanging bridges that take you high above the canopies. Personally, this was my first experience on such hanging bridges and at lest two of them were super high up there. Sometimes it's disorienting to look down. There was someone with a phobia of heights and they were unable to go on those hanging bridges. But thats alright, you can just walk around them. The waterfalls are so breathtaking and you can swim in all of the "natural pools". Super shallow and safe for children also. Swimming in those pools is a treat after all that hiking on the trails. Honestly, not much wildlife that we saw but perhaps we have untrained eyes. Interestingly they also do night tours of the place when nocturnal creatures come out (however we only went during the day). This place is a must see if you love nature! Plenty of parking, safe and organized. The bridges and railings were all in good condition. The place really makes you feel like you are truly in Costa Rican raw nature and beauty.
Akaramah KhawajaAkaramah Khawaja
40
(Visited July 2019) Such an amazing hike through the rainforest in Rainmaker Park. Our tour guide Dilan Serrano was the best. He and the driver (I think his name was Maurcio) came to get us from our hotel and drove us to Rainmaker. They were very friendly and made sure we were comfortable. Dilan even made sure we had towels and turned around so that we could get them from our hotel. When we turned down the path to Rainmaker, Dilan pointed out the and told us all about the trees and animals we would see on this journey. . We even saw a couple of raptors which he said was a rare sighting. He assisted us in taking good pictures of the animals, including close ups of some cows we saw on the road. Once we got to Rainmaker, he pointed out and let us pick starfruit. He guided us though the park at a good pace, and pointed out various animals, and insects etc. There are a few good lookout places along the path. The hanging bridges were quite an experience. The best part was taking a dip in the water with the waterfall. It is very cold, but you get used to it after a while. It was very refreshing after the hike. I recommend sitting away from the waterfall by the rocks, it was like a water massage! Afterwards we enjoyed a Costa Rican lunch of rice with chicken, black beans, some type of slaw/cabbage, and potatoes. Because it was raining, Maurcio backed the van up to the entrance for us to get in. It was a nice outing, a great experience, and I would definitely recommend it for anyone visiting Manuel Antonio.
Erica ClarksonErica Clarkson
30
Pretty neat park. Hiking was pretty steep in some areas but not bad in others certainly manageable for most people. Lots of stairs and a lot of areas had hand rail. We didn’t see a ton of wildlife but that’s how it goes sometimes. Nice walk in the jungle and get to cool off at several pools. There were people around but not overly crowded. I’d certainly recommend it if you’re in the area. My only complaint I guess would be the price, $23 a person seemed a little bit steep I think $15 would be more fair for what it is but I also understand marinating it costs money and it’s all private. I’d still say it’s worth it. A couple of notes. This is the one area we got hit with bug bites I Costa Rica so bring bug spray. Wear your bathing suit in. Flip flops won’t cut it, ideally wear a pair of water shoes. I have a pair of the sneaker style and forgot them. Putting your hiking shoes on and off from the sweat and dampness wasn’t ideal. I’d bring an extra shirt. I do not sweat a lot but boy you get sweaty but the cool pools are refreshing. We went in January, would be interesting to see what it’s like during the rainy season with more water
Josh RJosh R
00
Several thoughts: 1. Please do not go here thinking to see tons of wildlife. The area is so vast it gives the animals freedom to roam. We did not see any big wildlife, just a few bugs & butterflies. 2. Visit Rainmaker for the jungle itself. It is very dense, lush and beautiful. There are numerous waterfalls with wading pools, but please watch the currents as some wading pools are too dangerous to enter. 3. You do not need to pay a guide to show you around. Our house concierge set up our tour with a guide but it wasn't needed. The trail is one big loop and is safe to do alone. 4. They are many, many steps. Some extremely steep. 5. You can walk it in a couple hours so morning tours don't need to include lunch - it's just another fee. 6. The suspension bridges look shotty, but they are safe. Just go a few at a ti.w. 7. I encourage folks to visit as it's a wonder, but please have the expectation to enjoy the jungle around you and any wildlife sightings as a bonus :)
Dannielle RiceDannielle Rice
10
I almost don’t want to rate this magical place because I don’t want it to get crowded! We went at 4PM (last time you can enter the park), and we were the ONLY people in the park. What a fantastic experience. Swimming in the falls and pools was so refreshing after the hike. We saw toucans and lots of lizards. Next time, I’d love to go with a guide to point out all the wildlife our untrained eyes missed! The website says you can book a guide in advance. Prior to arriving, I contacted the owner/manager (?) via the WhatsApp number on the website, and they quickly answered all of my questions! Some of the bridges and trails are a bit on the shaky side, so I wouldn’t do the hanging bridge route if you don’t like wondering “will these ropes hold” while you’re crossing. (I thought it added to the excitement and experience! I don’t think there’s actually a safety issue!) You could get there without a 4x4/SUV, but the last 2km are definitely easier with one.
Travis DeMarsTravis DeMars
30
This place is truly amazing. First, don't use the GPS mapping they have on their site. Locate the town of San Rafael Norte and drop a pin 📌 on your Google maps GPS then go there. Then it'll be another 3 kilometers past it on the main road without turning. This place has a lot of incline so expect to utilize those legs a bit!!! But the climb is definitely worth the extraordinary views of the Jungle and the Pacific Ocean. We were able find many living creatures in the jungle. The entire trek takes about 2 hours but stopping at the pools of water 💧 under the waterfalls adds extra time... 1 hour... The suspension bridges are a bit scary but appear safe and secure. It's most certainly worth the experience and better than most places I've seen in Costa Rica 🇨🇷. I'm almost beginning to feel as though I could be a tour host here because I visit often to this magical country. Pura Vida... Hasta luego and via con dios. Rick
Rick KeaneRick Keane
30
Basic Info
Address
Red Vial Cantonal 100, Puntarenas Province, Parrita, Costa Rica
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Phone
+506 2777 3565
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Website
rainmakercostarica.com
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Overview
4.7
(577 reviews)
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outdoor
adventure
family friendly
Description
Struggling new attorney Rudy Baylor (Matt Damon) resorts to working for a shady lawyer (Mickey Rourke), where he meets paralegal Deck Shifflet (Danny DeVito). When the insurance company of Dot Black (Mary Kay Place) refuses her dying son coverage, Baylor and Shifflet team up to fight the corrupt cor… MORE
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