
Cusinga - easily recognized by the black square spot on its breast
Birdwatching at Marino Ballena National Park and surrounding areas is an excellent activity for everyone!
Do not forget to bring your binoculars and cameras!
The ancient Egyptians represented feathered animals in their hieroglyphics. Biologists and naturalists worldwide were revolutionized in 1815 when a young Austrian named Voigtlander designed the first binoculars, introducing us to those beautiful animals with fascinating songs, colors, and behaviors.
A stay place perfect for birdwatchers
The grounds of Hotel Cristal Ballena and the Costa Ballena area are highly productive for birdwatching, with over 400 species of birds reported in the region, including some unique regional endemics. The hotel's location, nestled between the humid tropical forests at the foothills of the Fila Costeña mountains and the Pacific coastline, creates an excellent environment for observing forest and marine birdlife. Spanning 30 acres, Hotel Cristal Ballena is designed as a nature park, featuring abundant trees, a rainforest, and a nearby ecosystem, all supporting various bird species.
The boutique hotel reserve is home to more than 250 species of birds, and the range is more extensive when visiting the local birding hotspots. Local hotspots include the Marino Ballena National Park, especially for sea and shorebirds, and the Terraba-Sierpe Wetlands, home to the endemic Mangrove Hummingbird and the Yellow-billed Cotinga.

Anyone who has spent even a single day in Costa Ballena knows about the incredible variety of birds that inhabit the area. The diversity is astounding, from large to small, colorful to drab, and predators to prey. The cumulative total from all Christmas bird counts in the region amounts to 488 species, about half the number of bird species found in the United States and Canada combined.
By Christmas, all migratory species from North America have arrived in Costa Ballena. Many birders visit the area annually, especially from December to March, when the bird population is at its peak, along with an influx of birdwatchers.
Birdwatching and Ornithology at Marino Ballena National Park are worthy of reverence. In a three-hour walk, we can observe and listen to over 50 species.
We find handsome scarlet macaws, blue herons, frigate birds, and kingfishers of different colors and sizes near our beautiful beaches. We also see cormorants, bald red-lored parrots, laughing falcons, yellow-headed caracaras, and hummingbirds.
When we go up the Coastal Mountains on horseback, as we enter the lush forests, the temperature drops, and we find ourselves admiring the beautiful Laty-tailed trogon, the Pale-billed woodpecker, Cusingas, endemic of the South of Costa Rica and the West of Panama; also chestnut-mandibled toucans, and king vultures. Nearby, we hear the howler monkeys and the sound of clear water falling into natural pools; a funny white-nosed coati crosses our path, and then suddenly, the view opens over the “Whale´s Tail.”
Ballena Tales is an essential free digital magazine in Costa Rica, valid for travelers, residents, and investors covering Costa Ballena in the Canton of Osa in the South Pacific of Costa Rica. It is a fully bilingual, bi-monthly, and full-color digital magazine.
The magazine introduces the reader to the life of the local community, with interviews of pioneers, writers, and artists, as well as extensive information on restaurants, hotels, experiences, natural attractions, and wildlife of the South Pacific of Costa Rica.
We are not just a magazine; each edition (print and digital) is linked to a robust web platform; the editions are published online, and the advertorials are included in our blog and the brand in the commercial directory. We also add links to the advertising company's website and social networks. At this time, the openings of digital publications in all their expressions exceed 80 thousand openings, and the advertised brands have a global reach.
We have a loyal audience of over 8,000 readers in the South Pacific's Costa Ballena region who will view your news in each printed edition.
We prioritize our readers' satisfaction by delivering a variety of engaging content while showcasing the value of our advertisers' brands.
My Life Expectations
What were my life expectations when I landed into this wild and lush unknown? “Something else.” On the eve of my departure, I look back at these last four and a half years with a heart full of gratitude. Costa Rica has grown under my skin, and I’ll carry it with me for the rest of my life.
Authentic CACAO Pura Muba
He who is looking for authentic quality cocoa without artificial additives has found the perfect place. The idea for Cacao Puro Muba Uvita came from Mrs. Sylvia Beita. She is indigenous of the Cabécar tribe of Ujarrás. As a child, she learned from her grandmother how to get the best out of cocoa. For five years now, she and her husband Enrique have created artisan products from cocoa beans.
INCOME TAX
The new income tax brackets are effective from January 1 to December 31, 2021. An adjustment must be made each year, as provided in Law 7092, and in accordance with the Consumer Price Index.
Pet Therapy, helps to recover from diseases and mental disorders
Most pets are the best friends of humans. They provide company to man and are very beneficial for their health, both mental and physical. Pet therapy involves your pets to help you recover from diseases and mental disorders. ESA doctors review the benefits of owning pets for your health. ESA is termed as an emotional support animal, and ESA doctors are the medical professionals that recommend an ESA on medical terms.
Turtles travel far – A historic Register
On Saturday night, Óscar, director of the Tortuga Beach Reserve (RPT) in Ojochal, had a hunch and decided to accompany some volunteers who would monitor Playa Hermosa. It is a place that in recent months has received dozens of olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) that come to nest.
Growing in Real Estate “The Sky is the Limit”
Starting in Real Estate is the least expected adventure that I would have ever thought of. Just about four years ago, I didn’t know what Real Estate really meant. It triggered a series of activities, both of a commercial nature, dreams, and personal inspirations.
What to do, Where to eat, and Where to stay…
- Activities and Tours
- Whale Watching Tour
- Natural Attractions
- Marino Ballena National Park
- Restaurants
- Hotels and Accommodations
South Pacific Costa Rica Beaches,
Looking for business directories, maps or other printouts? We’ve got that too!
Dare to Discover and Enjoy…
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Email: carlos@ballenatales.com
Phone: +(506) 8946 7134