Discover Costa Rica's Jungles with Beyond Tourism

If you are heading to Costa Rica for the stunning Pacific beaches, but would like to add something to make your stay extra special, then why not come and explore the Karen Morguensen Conservation Area and the meet the communities that live there and discover the magic of Costa Rica's jungles.

The reserve is considered one of the richest ecological areas in the region. Discover the primary and secondary forest, natural springs with crystal‐clear water and the impressive, 80m-high waterfall Velo de Novia where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the natural pools. Spend the night at the cosy Cerro Escondido Inn in the middle of the reserve, which is managed by a local farming family. The Inn is located far away from civilization in a wonderful scenic area and the owners, who keep to old traditions, take good care of their visitors.

Day 1: Your Costa Rica jungle experience begins with your arrival at San Ramón de Río Blanco via Paquera. Enjoy a delicious lunch at Rancho Guayacán. Then hike to Cerro Escondido Rural Lodge (approximately 1 hour) where Doña Mary and Don Arnulfo will be welcoming you. In the afternoon plant a tree and listen to a talk about the conservation efforts of the local organisation ASEPALECO. Dinner and accommodation at Cerro Escondido Lodge. (L/D)

Day 2: Bird watching tour in the morning, followed by breakfast and a hike in the rainforest. After lunch, take a 1 hour hike in the mountains to the Velo de Novia waterfall to swim in the natural pools. Some gentle mountain hiking before returning to the lodge (approximately 90 minutes). Dinner and accommodation at Cerro Escondido Lodge. (B/L/D)

Day 3: After breakfast, hike to Montaña Grande (approximately 2‐3 hours). Have lunch and then transfer to Playa Sámara, where you can enjoy Costa Rican beach life at its best. Accommodation at the El Pequeño Gecko Verde or similar. (B/L)

Day 4: A delicious breakfast followed by departure or stay a few more days on the beach. (B)

On this Costa Rica Jungle trip you'll stay at Cerro Escondido - a community-run lodge, set up by APSEPALECO, located at the southern end of the Nicoya Peninsula. ASEPALECO is a non-governmental non-profit organization founded in 1991 to develop environmental awareness on the Nicoya peninsula. With this objective, the organisation has promoted environmental education programs and has taken care of the handling and re-use of solid waste as well as recycling. It has also organised campaigns for the reduction of forest fires, for the protection of water sources and the implementation of the Peninsular Biological Corridor.

Through the operation of the Cerro Escondido Lodge in the Karen Mogensen Reserve, ASEPALECO is trying to generate funds for their conservation and education projects. The lodge is a responsible tourism project and so is respectful of the environment, the society and the culture of the area, whilst generating income sources for the communities close to the reserve.