ABOUT CURI-CANCHA RESERVE

In 1970 the Lowther family purchased the property of Hubert and Mildred Mendenhall and named it Curi-Cancha, the name derived from “Golden Enclosure” in Inca. At that time the property was approximately 1/2 pasture and 1/2 virgin rain forest. In the ensuing 45 years the Lowthers cleared no areas and allowed the majority of the pastured areas to re-grow into forest.

In 1997, through the efforts of Julia Lowther, the property was legally designated a Refugio de Vida Silvestre under MINAE and in 2011 Curi-Cancha Reserve opened to tourists in its current form.

Curi-Cancha Reserve is located in the Arenal-Tempisque conservation area in the heart of Monteverde. It protects 83 hectares (205 acres) of 50% virgin forest, 45% secondary growth, and 5% open pasture. The altitude ranges from 1450 meters to 1615 meters with 40% Lower montane wet forest and 60% Premontane wet forest. Seven kilometers of natural trails allow visitors to explore the flora and fauna of the tropical cloud forest.

Curi-Cancha is a birdwatcher’s paradise. The Resplendent Quetzal, Three-Wattled Bellbird, Blue-Crowned Motmot, Orange-bellied Trogon, and many others are frequently seen. Indeed, over 200 species of birds have been observed making their home in Curi-Cancha. Frequently sighted mammals include armadillo, coati, agouti, kinkajou, ocelot, two-toed sloth, and three species of monkey: mantled howler, white-faced capuchin, and spider monkey.

Visitors are welcome to browse the trails by themselves or take a guide to enhance the experience. Guided birding tours are also available with guides who have particular expertise in finding and identifying local birds.

Curi-Cancha Reserve is devoted to sustainable practices designed to keep the reserve a healthy habitat for the animals. Our main goal is to protect the flora and fauna and at the same time provide a first rate and environmentally responsible service to our guests.

OUR TOURS

We have the perfect tour for you

We can offer you a walk along beautiful natural trails with an experienced guide and see different species of birds and mammals. If you are looking for something different, walking in the forest at night is a magical experience to enjoy the nightly symphony of frogs and insects. We can also offer you a specialized tour with an expert guide that focuses on bird observation. Or if you prefer, a private a tour catered to your interests.

Click below to discover what each of our tours can offer to you.

* All our tours requires a previous reservation.

NIGHT TOUR

Nightly symphony of frogs and insects.

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NATURAL HISTORY TOUR

Amazing diversity of the cloud forest.

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BIRD WATCHING TOUR

A fanciful world of colors and sounds.

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PRIVATE TOUR

An enjoyable and unforgettable experience.

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CONTACT US

Do you need more information about our tours?

Give us a call at (506) 4002-4560 / (506) 8448-8283

You can also contact us by email: reservascuricancha@gmail.com

Come to visit us! We are in Monteverde, Puntarenas, 300 m Northeast of the Monteverde Cheese Factory.

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Do you want to book our tours?

If you want to book a tour with us, please click the following button.

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