Gulf of Nicoya, Costa Rica

• Naranjo to Paquera
• The Gulf of Nicoya
• Islands in the Gulf
• The Karen Mogenson Reserve

The Karen Mogenson Nature Reserve is located in the mountains of the Nicoya Peninsula, at an altitude between 100 and 700 meters. Its 900 hectares form part of Costa Rica's biological corridor.

Orchids in Costa Rica

On the Nicoya Peninsula this protected zone hosts large areas of primary forest with giant trees, lushly adorned with mosses, vines and many orchids.

Due to a reforestation program the dry tropical forest is now in transition to a humid forest and boasts a spectacular array of flora and fauna, many of which are in danger of extinction.
Rare animals like ocelots, jaguars, pumas and otters make the forest their home and countless birds and butterflies can be seen.
See: Animals in the Wildlife Guide

Cerro Escondido Lodge:

The lodge in the mountains of the reserve

The Karen Mogenson Reserve is off the beaten tourist path. To fully explore the reserve and its attractions you can stay overnight in the reserve's cozy guest house up in the hills.

The "Velo de Novia" Waterfall
cascades over the rocks from
a height of 84 meters

Accommodation in the Cerro Escondido Lodge is in wooden houses with large verandas opening to the forest. Rooms have private bathrooms and a solar system supplies energy.

Cerro Escondido Lodge is surrounded by primary forest and there are several hiking trails leading through the lush vegetation. Many rivers have their source in the reserve and the waterfalls and creeks are great for bathing while watching wildlife and nature.

How to get there:

From Jicaral you drive 16 km to San Ramón de Rio Blanco. From there you walk through the jungle, crossing the rivers many times and then hike up a steep hill.

From Lepanto you drive to Montaña Grande where you mount a horse to ride 1,5 hours to the Lodge.

For more information and reservations contact Asepaleco: http://www.asepaleco.com

Ecotourism for conservation and sustainable development

Asepaleco takes care of the Karen Mogenson Reserve, organizes tours for tourists and scientists, and tries to raise funds for buying more land so that the protected zone can be enlarged.

Asepaleco (Ecological Association of Paquera, Lepanto and Cóbano) is a non-profit, social-ecologic organization, dedicated to protect nature and wildlife of the mountainous interior of the Nicoya Peninsula. They do environmental education and support the development of community based ecotourism.

Besides eco-tours to the Karen Mogenson Reserve, Asepaleco also organizes visits to Chira Island and Isla Venado. On the islands you can explore the mangroves, learn about artisan fishing and get an insight of the daily lifes of local communities.