Day 6. At Guanacaste.

A day in Guanacaste.

 What a great way to spend the day after 6 days full of activities! Today you will have free relaxing time day at the JW Marriot! But this doesn`t mean that there is not much to do! 

Visit Playa Grande, the nesting site for the Leatherback Turtle.

 What a great way to spend the day after 6 days full of activities! Today you will have free relaxing time day at the JW Marriot! But this doesn`t mean that there is not much to do! 

Visit Playa Grande, where  leatherback turtles come ashore to lay their eggs from October to May.

Leatherback turtles are not only the world's largest turtle, but its largest reptile, which can weigh up to 2,000 pounds (900kg)! Leatherbacks wander the open seas in search of their favourite food, jelly fish, which they will dive to a depth of 4,000 feet (1,220 m) to pursue.

 For thousands of years leatherback sea turtles that hatched at Playa Grande have returned to lay their eggs. They're returning in ever smaller numbers as a result first of settlers who used their meat and eggs to supplement their diet, then poachers who sold eggs, first as an aphrodisiac and later for cookie dough at a factory, and finally exportation to Asia as a delicacy. The numbers continue to decline. Caravan Tours has made big efforts in renovating the Park¨s visitors center to attract more tourists and help with the conservation of this Giant reptiles. 

Hacienda Pinilla is surrounded by lowlands and mountains, beaches. You can find plenty of activities to fill your day. Talk with the Hotel Concierge about Golf, Horseback riding, biking, ping pong, fishing and more. Or simply enjoy the magnificent pool and the beach.

Not to forget that the Hotel´s Spa is considered one of the best in the region and if you want to keep fit, then visit the gym, which is open 24 hours. The staff will also be able to tell you about special activities as tango lessons, bingo etc.

If you are a bird lover, you can walk around the Hotel gardens where is common to find ruby throated hummingbird and the beautiful cinnamon hummingbird.  You can follow a path on the right by the parking area. Early in the morning or by 4 in the afternoon are the best times to look for birds. 

                                            

You might spot the Turquoise Browed motmot, Stripe Headed sparrows, White Wing doves and Inca doves, Orange Fronted Parakeets, the White Lored Gnatcatcher, Crested Caracaras, Streak Backed Orioles, Black Headed Trogons and the amazing Violaceous Trogon among others. Be sure to bring water, cameras, hat and mosquito repellent is a must!

Some interesting trees like the Spiny Cedar will definitely call your attention. It is also common to see and hear the howler monkeys. 

You might also see the black spiny tail iguanas.  Notice the difference in vegetation. This area is considered the Dry Forest.

If you decide to take a walk on the beach, check on the tide. It is truly a relaxing walk. be sure to put lots of sunblock.

Very common to see are the little hermit crabs and some colorful shells and rocks. 

In the evening, after walking the beach while admiring the sunset, head to the restaurant for dinner. After dinner, try to walk a little by the beach, or try to seat by the terrace by the reception area. You will be amazed by millions of stars that are shining up in the dark sky!


Get your bags ready with time, and be sure you take everything out of the safe, since you are leaving the hotel tomorrow, on the way to Manuel Antonio..