El California - Refugio de Vida Silvestre Ara Macao

El California is a guesthouse near Refugio de Vida Silvestre Ara Macao.

Location
Refugio de Vida Silvestre Ara Macao, Central Pacific & Nicoya Gulf, Costa Rica, Central & South America
Coordinates
9.607202, -84.621030
Activities
guesthouse

Best Time to Visit El California

The best months to visit El California are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 26.09°C, rainfall 46.1mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 84.8%
  • February: Great, temperature 26.99°C, rainfall 12.5mm, sunshine 11.6 hrs, humidity 79%
  • March: Great, temperature 27.39°C, rainfall 32.9mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 78.2%
  • April: Good, temperature 27.01°C, rainfall 213.7mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 83.2%
  • May: Good, temperature 26.45°C, rainfall 396.1mm, sunshine 8.8 hrs, humidity 88.6%
  • June: Good, temperature 25.65°C, rainfall 591.4mm, sunshine 7.6 hrs, humidity 91%
  • July: Good, temperature 25.73°C, rainfall 561.8mm, sunshine 7.6 hrs, humidity 90.7%
  • August: Good, temperature 25.55°C, rainfall 638.5mm, sunshine 7.3 hrs, humidity 90.8%
  • September: Good, temperature 25.51°C, rainfall 568.4mm, sunshine 7.6 hrs, humidity 91.2%
  • October: Good, temperature 25.28°C, rainfall 544mm, sunshine 7.6 hrs, humidity 91.5%
  • November: Good, temperature 24.95°C, rainfall 542.8mm, sunshine 7.7 hrs, humidity 91.7%
  • December: Good, temperature 25.6°C, rainfall 150.2mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 87.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time to visit El California and see the macaws?

We recommend visiting El California during Costa Rica's dry season, roughly December to April, for the most reliable macaw sightings. The clear skies make for excellent viewing opportunities, and the vibrant red and green plumage of the macaws against the blue sky is truly sensational. While macaws are present year-round, the dry months offer more predictable weather for exploring the refuge.

What kind of experience should we expect at El California, given it's a guesthouse?

El California offers a wonderfully intimate and authentic Costa Rican experience, quite distinct from a larger, more structured lodge. We found it to be a charming, family-run guesthouse where the focus is on genuine hospitality and connecting with the local environment. Expect comfortable, unpretentious accommodations and a warm, personal touch from your hosts.

How do we get to El California, and is it safe to travel there independently?

Accessing El California typically involves a drive, often by 4x4, from nearby towns like Puerto Jiménez, and we recommend arranging a transfer with the guesthouse or a reputable local taxi service. The roads can be rugged, especially in the wet season, but we felt completely safe and found the journey to be part of the adventure. It's a well-trodden path for those seeking the refuge.

What activities can we do directly from El California, besides visiting the refuge?

Beyond the obvious draw of Refugio de Vida Silvestre Ara Macao, El California serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding Osa Peninsula. We particularly enjoyed guided birdwatching walks directly from the guesthouse, and the nearby rivers offer fantastic opportunities for swimming or kayaking. The local area also provides chances to visit chocolate farms or simply relax and soak in the jungle sounds.

What's the typical cost for a stay at El California, and what's included?

While prices vary depending on the season and room type, we found El California to offer excellent value for an authentic experience in this biodiverse region. Typically, your stay includes comfortable accommodation and often a delicious, home-cooked breakfast featuring local ingredients. We recommend clarifying whether other meals or guided excursions are included or can be arranged for an additional fee when booking.

Other Safari Lodges in Refugio de Vida Silvestre Ara Macao

Parks in Central Pacific & Nicoya Gulf

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Costa Rica

Travel advisory for Costa Rica