Madre Verde Nature Reserve

A guide for visitors and anyone interested in getting to know this place.

Objective

Our main goal is to promote the protection of natural resources inside and outside the Madre Verde Nature Reserve, hand in hand with local communities.

We want to offer the public a natural space for healthy recreation in contact with nature.

What We Offer

Infrastructure and services: parking, drinking water, lookout points, a paved road and recreation areas.

Nature trails: 4 routes (3 km in total).

Event spaces: facility rental for workshops, camps, group gatherings, retreats and training sessions.

Experiences and learning: workshops on conservation, environmental health, well-being, ecotourism, fermentation and more.

Guided ecotourism: day and night walks, bird watching and themed tours (fungi, pollinators, forests, biodiversity).

Lodging: we have no cabins, camping or overnight areas inside the Reserve.

Food: we do not sell food or drinks, so we recommend bringing what you need.

Pets: pets are not allowed, in order to protect the wildlife.

Pet care: we do not offer pet sitting or pet care services.

What we do NOT offer

Basic Rules for Visitors

Pets are not allowed: they can harm plants and wildlife, and wild animals are disturbed by the presence of domestic animals.

Items that could start a fire are not allowed, due to the risk involved.

Do not litter

No alcohol, cigarettes, vapes or drugs

Bicycles, ATVs, motorcycles and similar vehicles are not allowed on the trails.

Protected Area

The Madre Verde Nature Reserve belongs to the foundation of the same name. It protects 31 hectares of recovering forest, the result of a community conservation initiative. The land was acquired in 2000, when it was a cattle and coffee farm, with the aim of protecting the water supply for future generations. Today it is fully covered by forest thanks to reforestation and natural regeneration. Its trails are easy to moderate, ideal for hiking and connecting with nature.

The Reserve protects the micro-watershed of the Quebrada del Calabazo, one of the main tributaries in the canton of Palmares. It is also part of the Montes del Aguacate Biological Corridor (CBMA) and the Network of Public and Private Reserves, which helps conserve biodiversity and connect other protected areas in the region.

Biodiversity Observation and Conservation

Bird list on eBird

Our reserve keeps an up-to-date bird list thanks to birders and visitors on eBird.

eBird

Restor

As part of Restor, we share data on the ecosystems, vegetation cover and ecological connectivity of the Madre Verde Reserve.

Restor

Admission

We kindly ask for a donation of 1,500 colones (about US$3) or more to enter our Reserve. The Reserve is supported by donations, community support, businesses and other sources, so your contribution is truly valuable.

We keep a record of everyone entering and leaving the Reserve.