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.