Guided Group Tour of Children’s Eternal Rainforest in Monteverde
This lesser-known reserve is a great place to explore Monteverde’s rich biodiversity and peaceful forests. From Monteverde, you can explore the Bajo del Tigre sector of this vast reserve.
Background
Children’s Eternal Rainforest is the largest private reserve in Costa Rica. The 22,600 hectare (56,000 acre) swath of pristine forest spans from Monteverde to the Arenal Volcano area.
It was named after a group of elementary school students from Sweden who helped raise money to purchase some of the initial land preserved by the Monteverde Conservation League. This land became part of the much larger Children’s Eternal Rainforest that exists today.
Today, children remain a big part of the organization through environmental education programs with local schools. At the Bajo del Tigre entrance, there’s also a colorful Casita de los Ninos (Children’s House) with kid-friendly ecology exhibits that you can check out on a visit.
Guided Tour
With a bilingual, certified guide, you will walk the trails of Children’s Eternal Rainforest in search of wildlife like coati (raccoon-like animals), white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, agouti (rodent-like animals), deer, butterflies, and many other types of insects.
Children’s Eternal Rainforest is part of the Bellbird Corridor and is an especially great place to see the endangered Three-wattled Bellbird. This bird migrates from Panama to Nicaragua and is known for its unique wattles that hang from its beak. Along one of the trails, there’s even a bellbird observation area. The best time to see bellbirds in Monteverde is March through August.
Many other types of birds can be seen as well, including the Bicolored hawk, Long-tailed manakin, King vulture, Pale-billed woodpecker, toucans, and several species of hummingbird.
Near the ranger station is a nice viewing platform that overlooks the surrounding forest and Pacific Ocean in the distance.
Note: Due to its location, the forest at Bajo del Tigre, Children’s Eternal Rainforest is transition forest. This means it’s a mix of rainforest and tropical dry forest. Although beautiful and biologically rich, it is not true cloud forest like at nearby reserves like Curi Cancha, Santa Elena Reserve, or the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
Trail Conditions
The reserve has several trails to choose from, but for a three-hour guided tour, you will go on the trails closest to the entrance. These are well-maintained dirt paths that are easy to moderate in difficulty. The terrain is mostly flat but there are some inclines. We have visited with our kids (then ages 7 and 10) and they were fine.
Tour Logistics
You don’t need a four-wheel drive vehicle to reach Bajo del Tigre. The drive from downtown Santa Elena is only about 10 minutes. The road is flat and well-maintained.
*There is a 4 person minimum for this tour. For 2-3 people, you can book a private tour.
Tour Details
Cost of Group Tour (up to 8 people): $40 per person + 13% tax + entrance fee. You will pay your own entrance fee on the day of the tour ($18/adult, $16.20/student, $10.80/child ages 6-12 + 13% tax). Free for children ages 0-4.
Offered: 7:30 a.m.
Duration: 3 hours (approximate)
Includes: Certified, bilingual naturalist guide with spotting scope.
*Transportation available for an additional charge. We will let you know the cost from your hotel or vacation rental by email after you request a booking.
Meeting Location: Bajo del Tigre, Children’s Eternal Rainforest. Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8D5iUspWGZev15Xq7
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Two Weeks in Costa Rica, Inc. is registered with the State of Florida as a Seller of Travel. Fla. Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST41024.
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