Private Wetlands Safari & Rum Tasting with Lunch, Tamarindo

Visit a family-run hacienda to explore its wetland waterways, learn about the rum-making process, and eat lunch and drink rum

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Overview

Boat along the private waterways of Hacienda El Viejo, followed by a rum distillery tour and a tasting. You'll first cruise along the Río Tempisque, where there's a great chance of spotting endemic wildlife, including crocs! Then, it'll be time to visit the family-operated estate's distillery and rickhouse for a look-see and to learn about the rum production process, from sugar cane juice extraction to distillation to aging. The fun ends with a tasting of aged Sabandí rum in the form of a cocktail as you lunch on traditional, home-cooked fare. This activity is ideal for nature and rum fans eager to explore Costa Rica's Blue Zone.

Highlights

Glide along Río Tempisque, a vital Blue Zone river, in El Viejo Wildlife National Refuge
Learn about the traditional techniques used to extract and cook sugar cane juice
Observe the fermentation and distillation process of rum production
Taste the unique aged Sabandí rum, perfected in oak barrels at the on-site rickhouse
Enjoy lunch and a rum cocktail with views of exotic birds nesting and feeding along the lagoon

Know before you go

Duration
1.5 hours

Recommended for
All ages

Group
Private

Food & Drink
Lunch Included. Rum tasting

What you'll do

Your private adventure begins with a gentle boat trip along the Río Tempisque, a vital waterway in Costa Rica's Blue Zone that borders the El Viejo Wildlife National Refuge and Palo Verde National Park. Accompanied by your guide, you'll explore the waterways of the wetlands and have them help you spot the rich diversity of wildlife that calls this area home. Keep your eyes peeled for an array of bird species, as well as the playful antics of howler and white-faced capuchin monkeys. You'll also likely get to observe crocodiles lurking just beneath the water's surface or sunning on a muddy riverbank.

After your boating safari, you'll make your way back to Hacienda El Viejo, set amid Guanacaste's grassy plains and surrounded by dense sugar cane crops. Here, you'll dive into the fascinating world of rum production as your guide explains the artisanal techniques used to extract and cook sugar cane juice. Then, you'll observe the fermentation and distillation process before visiting the rickhouse, where Sabandí rum matures in oak barrels that lend to the spirit's distinct characteristics.

With your newfound understanding of the rum distilling process, you'll cap off the day's events with a delicious home-cooked lunch accompanied by a Sabandí rum-infused cocktail (for those of age, of course) and peaceful views of birds nesting and feeding along the banks of the lagoon.

Start times

Daily

9:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm

What's included

Guide
Park admission
Lunch and rum cocktail

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