Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [174]
There’s also a simple restaurant, coffee shop and gift store. Note that all proceeds go toward managing the reserve as well as to environmental–education programs in local schools. Donations are graciously accepted.
If you have some extra time, there’s a good volunteer program here – possible projects include trail maintenance, surveying, administration and biological research. You’re expected to make at least a one-week commitment, and very basic dorm-style accommodations (no electricity and very cold showers) are available free to volunteers, though all but the most rugged will prefer a US$10-per-day homestay, including three meals. Although at times it’s possible to simply show up and volunteer, it’s best to contact the reserve in advance.
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Activities
More than 12km of trails are open for hiking, featuring four circular trails offering walks of varying difficulty and length, from 45 minutes to 3½ hours (1.4km to 4.8km) along a stable (though not ‘concrete-blocked’) trail system. Rubber boots can be rented (₡600) at the entrance. Unlike Monteverde, Santa Elena is not developed enough to facilitate backcountry hiking, and at the time of writing it was not possible to overnight in the reserve.
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Tours
The reserve offers guided daylight tours (3-hr tours excl admission per person US$15) at 7:30am and 11:30am daily; try to make the earlier hike. Popular night tours (1½-hr tour excl admission per person US$15) leave at 7pm nightly. Tours have a two-person minimum and six-person maximum, so reservations are recommended for both tours during the dry season. The reserve can also arrange three-day private tours through various guides for US$20.
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Getting There & Away
A daily shuttle (₡1200, 30 minutes) between the village of Santa Elena and the reserve departs from the Banco Nacional in town at 6:30am, 8:30am, 10:30am, 12:30pm, 1pm and 3pm, and returns at 11am, 1pm and 4pm. A taxi from Santa Elena costs ₡5000.
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ECOLODGE SAN LUIS & RESEARCH STATION
Formerly a tropical-biology research station, this facility now integrates research with ecotourism and education, and is administrated by the University of Georgia. The 70-hectare site is on the Río San Luis and adjoins the southern part of the Monteverde reserve. Its average elevation of 1100m makes it a tad lower and warmer than Monteverde, and bird-watchers have recorded some 230 species attracted by the slightly nicer weather. There are also a number of trails into primary and secondary forest, and there’s a working farm with tropical fruit orchards and a coffee harvest from November to March.
A variety of comfortable accommodations at the lodge (2645-8049; www.ecolodgesanluis.com; dm US$65, cabins s/d US$85/160; ) are available for anyone interested in learning about the cloud-forest environment and experiencing a bit of rural Costa Rican life. Rates include all meals and most activities. There are a host of day and night hikes guided by biologists, as well as slide shows, seminars, horseback rides and even an introduction to research activities. Discounts can be arranged for students, researchers, large groups and long stays.
The ecolodge also runs a resident naturalist volunteer program, though there is a preference for University of Georgia students and graduates, and a six-month commitment is required. The position entails running a number of teaching workshops and guided walks, as well as participating in development projects on the station and in the community. Training, room and board are provided.
From the main road between Santa Elena and Monteverde, it’s a steep 3km walk from the signed road where the bus will drop you off. A 4WD taxi from town costs about US$12 each way, and the lodge can also arrange transportation from San José in advance.
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PUENTE LA AMISTAD
About 23km south of