Protected Areas Information
The northern part of Costa Rica is home to what is known as Water and Peace Biosphere Reserve, which was established as such in 2007 by UNESCO. The Reserve is bounded by the border with Nicaragua in the north, the south Central Volcanic Cordillera; Tilarán and Guanacaste Mountain Ranges to the west and the Sarapiqui River to the east. This area is comprised of the counties of San Carlos, Guatuso, Upala, Los Chiles, Sarapiqui and part of the counties of Zarcero, Grecia, Tilarán and Monteverde. This vast area is characterized by its biological diversity, rich water sources, and as one of the main areas of production of agriculture and livestock in Costa Rica. In addition, it is one of the primary tourism destinations of the country.
There are different categories of protected areas within the Water and Peace Biosphere Reserve, where a large variety of flora and fauna are protected, as well as numerous water sources and amazing tropical landscapes which are eternally green. The following protected areas form part of this Reserve and are available for you to visit through the packages that EcoTerra offers and other special packages.
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Children's Eternal Rainforest
The Children’s Eternal Rainforest (BEN) is the largest private reserve in Costa Rica, with an area of 20,000 hectares of protected tropical rainforest in the northwest of the country. The reserve is surrounded by the Arenal Volcano National Park, the highlands of Monteverde, Miramar, and the Alberto Manuel Brenes Reserve in San Ramon. It also borders many towns in San Carlos including La Tigra, San Isidro de Peñas Blancas, Chachagua and El Castillo.
The Children’s Eternal Rainforest was created thanks to the help of children and adults in many countries throughout the world who have formed part of the Children’ Eternal Rainforest Movement. This fundraising campaign began in Sweden and in the United States of America in 1987, and then later extended throughout the world. To date, 44 countries have contributed to the purchase and protection of the Reserve’s lands.
In The Children’s Eternal Rainforest 6 life zones are represented in addition to a large variety of habitats ranging from 450 to 1800 meters above sea level. The Reserve has registered 60 amphibian species, 101 reptile species, 425 bird species, and 121 species of mammals.
The Reserve has 2 areas which regularly receive tourists, one in the Eastern sector of the Reserve, near anta Elena, Monteverde and the other 12 km form San José de la Montaña, in the ranger station known as Pocosol, which has lodging accommodations and a dining area, as well as a complete network of trails, and a beautiful volcanic lagoon, known as Pocosol Laguna.
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Monteverde Biological Reserve
The Monteverde Biological Reserve is the most famous cloud forest in the world, and one of the most important private reserves in Costa Rica. Nature-lovers from around the world visit the reserve to study and enjoy the abundant biodiversity of its ecosystems.
This reserve is owned by the Tropical Scientific Center (CCT), which was founded in 1962 by Dr. Leslie Holdridge, Dr. Charles Lankester, Dr. Joseph Tosi, Dr. Robert Hunter, Wesly Kerper, Frank Jirik and Dr. Fernando Castañeda.
Between 1964 and 1972, other renowned pioneers in biology and conservation of natural resources became associated with CCT, including; Alexander Skutch, Rafael Lucas, Luís Fournier, George Powell, Robert Wilson, and others. Today this institution is comprised of 50 associates, all of whom are renowned scientists and professionals in a variety of areas.
The Monteverde Biological Reserve consists of a marvelous cloud forest which is home to a wealth of biodiversity. It has become one of the most popular and post important tourist destinations in Costa Rica. It is possible to observe over 2000 plant and tree species, 490 species of butterflies, 100 species of mammals and more than 100 species of reptiles and amphibians.
This reserve has international fame as one of the most prominent tropical rainforests in America, once home of the Golden Frog, an endemic frog species that is deaf and dumb. Currently, this species is catalogued as extinct, since it has not been observed since 1989. Its extinction is thought to be a result climates changes caused by global warming.
The Monteverde Biological Reserve is home to species like the quetzal, the black turkey, the coati, the bellbird, and a large variety of hummingbird species.
The northern sector of The Monteverde Biological Reserve, near the town of Santa Elena, is prepared to receive visitors. Services include lodging, trails, souvenir shop, and cafeteria.
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Santa Elena Reserve
The Santa Elena Reserve belongs to the community of the same name, which was one of the first communities in Costa Rica to possess and manage protected areas. The Santa Elena Reserve consists of 310 hectares of land extension, which is managed by the Administrative Board of the Santa Elena Professional High School. Tourism dividends are used to protect the reserve and in community projects.
The vegetation of this protected area remains damp and covered in moss year-round, since it is located at an average height of 1500 meters above sea level, in the continental division of the Tilaran Mountains. The constant cloud cover gives this type of vegetation the name of cloud forest.
Here species like the toucan, the emerald toucanet, the bellbird, the quetzal, and other mammal species like the wild boar, and the coati. The Santa Elena Reserve is considered a birdwatchers paradise. The reserve’s trails allow you to discover limitless natural treasures. There are also amazing observation points to view the impressive Arenal Volcano.
The area which is set up for tourism is near the town of Santa Elena, in the extreme north side of the reserve. The area has trails, craft shops, and a coffee shop.
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Maleku Indiginous Reserve
The Maleku Indiginous Reserve is located south of the town of Guatuso, in the count of the same name. The Maleku Village is settled in three different sectors of the reserve, called Palenques Margarita, Tonjibe and El Sol, all within a 2993 hectar territory, with a population of only 1000.
The Maleku people speak a language known as Maleku Jaica, which is the primary language of 70% of the population today.
The Maleku Indians were originally settled in the land which today includes the counties of Guanacaste and San Carlos. The Malekus testify that around the 19th century their territory covered around 100.000 hectares.
Currently, the Maleku dedicate their lives to agriculture and making beautiful handmade crafts, which can be purchased directly from the indigenous people, or in most souvenir shops in the Arenal region.
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