TOUR DESCRIPTION

Early morning and after a 90 minutes bus ride, we will visit the highlands of the Talamanca Mountain range, the oldest geological formation in Costa Rica. The Rio Macho Forest Reserve is Costa Rica's largest protected area, composed of 13 different units for a total of over 200,000 acres. This area is home to an immense variety of flora, and an ecological niche in which the quetzal (holy bird of the Mayan culture) may be seen year-round.

Rio Macho Forest Reserve is the natural habitat for a great diversity of flora and avifauna. Some of the plant species include the cipresillo (oak - querquis costaricensis), mountain needle, and blueberry, all endemic to this area. Also to be found are hundreds of species of bromeliads, lichen moss, ferns and a multitude of orchids and colourful flowers such as guesneracias. In addition to the quetzal, you can also observe trogons, the unique silky fly-catcher, coppery headed emerald hummingbirds, cerise-throated hummingbirds and the peg-billed finch, all of which are endemic, found only in this part of the world.

This area has been researched for years by the most dedicated naturalist experts, who have discovered a rare ecological niche in which these birds may be found year round. You are invited to hike this niche, part of the largest protected area in all of Costa Rica (a total of 95,000 hectares are protected in 13 different units.) The area you will visit is one of the highest points in the Talamanca Mountain Range, a large tectonic formation reaching 10,000 feet above sea level and forming part of the Continental Divide.

After enjoy the multiple trails and birding places, we will have lunch in one of the most beautiful tourist places in the region, the Trogon Lodge.