Just 20 minutes from the northern town of Pital, the Quebrada Grande Community Reserve provides uninterrupted birding away from crowds of more well-known reserves. The local Women’s Association invites you to visit the community, eat fresh fish at their tilapia project, and visit their forest reserve. All proceeds go to supporting local women and upkeep of the reserve.
Contact Information
To make a reservation to visit the reserve with a local guide, or set up a meal and/ or home-stay, please contact Olga Vargas. Her email is olgapital84@hotmail.com and her fax is 506-2473-3086. If you speak Spanish you can also call her directly at 506-8858-6905, or 506-2473-4247.
DIRECTIONS
(N 10° 32' 38'', W 84° 13' 5'')
Quebrada Grande is reached via the town of Pital. One can get to Pital from San José, Ciudad Quesada (San Carlos) or Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí via fully paved roads. From San José take the Vara Blanca pass over the mountains. Once you reach San Miguel take a hard left and continue on past the towns of Río Cuarto, Agua Zarcas and on to Pital. From Ciudad Quesada you will also go through Agua Zarcas. Once in Agua Zarcas look for the signs that point you in the direction of Pital. In Pital you will want to take a right in the center of town at the large church. Follow this out past plantations and on to the town of Vera Cruz. Continue on a gravel road to Quebrada Grande. You will see the signs for the reserve on your left side.
From Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí there are two routes. The first is to head west to San Miguel then follow the same route to Pital as noted above. Alternatively, you can go north from Puerto Viejo passing Lomas de Sardinal, and Finca Paniagua near the town of La Delia. From La Delia continue north until you cross a bridge over the Toro River. Go left and continue for 40 minutes to Quebrada Grande via gravel road.
There is bus service to Quebrada Grande from Pital.
Not to be confused with Santa Elena near Monteverde, this reserve protects lowland forest along the Three Amigos River (Rio Tres Amigos). Threatened by Pineapple production, local crop producers, women and children work together to protect this important patch of wildlife habitat. Thecommunity has years of experience hosting university students from the around the world; your group is always welcome in their community.
Contact Information
To make a reservation to visit the reserve with a local guide, or set up a meal and/ or home-stay please contact Alvaro López. His email is alvaro.1982@yahoo.es, and his fax is 506-2404-1094. If you speak Spanish you can also call him directly at 506-2404-1094. Prices for meals, accommodations and guides are subject to change and availability. The reserve can be explored on its own, however to support the local economy and for safety purposes we highly recommend the use of a guide.
Santa Elena is reached via the town of Pital. One can get to Pital from San Jose, Ciudad Quesada (San Carlos) or Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui via fully paved roads. From San Jose take the Vara Blanca pass over the mountains. Once you reach San Miguel take a hard left and continue on past the towns of Rio Cuarto, Agua Zarcas and on to Pital. From Ciudad Quesada you will also go through Agua Zarcas. Once in Agua Zarcas look for the signs that point you in the direction of Pital. In Pital, pass the church to your right and continue for xx km until you get to Cuatro Esquinas, where you need to take left at the intersection.
From Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, there are two routes. The first is to head west to San Miguel then follow the same route to Pital as noted above. Alternatively, you can go north from Puerto Viejo passing Finca Paniagua and Bosque Tropical del Toro near the town of La Delia. From La Delia continue north until you cross a bridge over the Toro River. Go left and continue for 40 mins to Quebrada Grande via gravel road.
There is bus service to Santa Elena from Pital.
Bosque Tropical del Toro (BTT) is a remote destination for the adventurous traveler. From Puerto Viejo take a jungle boat ride up the Sarapoqui and Toro Rivers to get to BTT. Enjoy a guided tour of the old forest and adjacent native species reforestation area that often bubbles with birds . Visit the small local community of La Union before returning to Puerto Viejo via mini-bus.
Contact Information
Contacting Guido directly is currently the best way to ensure a successful trip to BTT. He speaks perfect English and can help set up boat tours for you as well. Guido Quesada can be reached by email at guido@bosquedeltoro.org, by phone in Costa Rica at 506-2283-0216 or 506-8382-6803.
(N 10° 34' 23'', W 84° 3' 8'')
From the center of Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí continue NE past the Banco Popular and on past the Banco Nacional. At the Banco Nacional, going right will take you to a small marina where you can hire a boat to take you to BTT with Viajes Lao. Continuing to the left past the Banco Nacional you will go over a small bridge and curve to the right. From Puerto Viejo go 17.8 km to an intersection where you will go left at Sardinal. From Sardinal continue 3.6 km to the community of La Delia. From La Delia it is 1.6 km to Finca Paniagua on your left, and from the Paniagua farm it is an additional 3.1 km to the Toro River Bridge. Cross this bridge, turn right and continue 2.2 km to the center of La Unión. You will see the football field on the right. Continue past the field and you will see a thatched roof gazebo. This is the house of Memo, who can help you get across the river to BTT.
One of the hidden gems of Costa Rica, the Catarata del Toro will blow you away. The top of the canyon offers great views, and pre-montane wet forest with lots of hummingbirds and other mid-elevation species. Take the steep walk down to the base of the waterfall for an incredible experience and amazing photos.
Contact Information
Contact the owners of Catarata del Toro, Wil and Donais, by emailing info@catarata-del-toro.com or calling +506-2761-0681. Both speak English. Find more information about the site at www.catarata-del-toro.com.
From Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, take Route 4 all the way to San Miguel (40 minutes).Turn right at the police station which is located in the corner of the intersection. After 4 kilometers you will pass the village Rio Cuatro. Keep going straight, take bridge, go up and then 1 kilometer more, take first turn left just after a busstop. There are some signs saying 'Toro I' and 'Valverde Vega'. Keep going up for 14 kilometers, the mountains are in front of you. You will pass first the village 'La Colonia', then shortly after a new Baily bridge.
Look down and see what a mudslide/eartquake can do! After the bridge another 10 minutes and you will find the Catarata Del Toro on your right side.Welcome! This route from Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui will take you approx. 1.0 - 1.5 hours.
