Protected Areas

Managed by the Santa Elena Technical Professional School, the Santa Elena Preserve, as it is commonly known, is dedicated to protecting the cloud forest and contributing to the education of the Santa Elena community. Revenue from the preserve is used to protect the forest and to develop environmental programs. Several trails are available to enjoy the 310-hectare preserve.

This is the largest private preserve in Costa Rica. The area to visit in Monteverde is the San Gerardo Biological Station, located seven kilometers from Santa Elena, which offers five kilometers of trails through the wet forest and an impressive view of Arenal Volcano.
One hundred animal species and 400 bird species have been identified in this 22,000-hectare preserve.

Separate from the Children’s Eternal Forest, this area is located in Monteverde and measures approximately 29 hectares. Some 3.3 kilometers of trails allow for enjoyment of Bajo del Tigre’s flora and fauna, as well as an excellent view of the Gulf of Nicoya. Adding to the experience are white-faced monkeys, armadillos and a variety of butterflies, toads and birds.

This wildlife refuge offers a series of trails through a forest with excellent natural viewpoints, waterfalls, coffee plantations and the chance to observe animals common to the area, such as coatis, agoutis, sloths and around 150 bird species. Specially dedicated to ecotourism, Finca Ecológica comprises 30 hectares.