My husband and I just returned from a 7 day stay at Casa Santa Maria. We had a wonderful time. We heard the howler monkeys regularly and one spent several afternoons hanging out on a tree within easy viewing distance of the fabulous deck that overlooks the river. We used the canoe on several occasions and saw turtles, crocodiles, iguanas, bats, a variety of birds and the monkeys. Lucy was there to great us when we arrived and is not only a terrific cook but a great source of information on the activities in the area. We highly recommend hiring her to prepare your dinners!