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The La Magnolia Cloud Forest Preserve is 38 privately
owned acres of primary cloud forest located high in the mountains
of Costa Rica. It is only a one hour drive from the capital city
of San Jose. We bring groups of no more than six visitors into the
preserve at a time, which means that the forest ecosystem remains
undisturbed, and ensures that you will experience the breathtaking
beauty of the cloud forest without crowds or interruptions.
Please visit our Story Page to see what
the Tico Times had to say about Finca La Magnolia! |
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| The ecosystem is tropical cloud forest similar to the world-renowned
Monteverde cloud forest, although at nearly 7000 feet above sea level,
we are significantly higher than Monteverde, and cooler as well. Our
property borders along the southeast edge of the 15,000-acre Tapanti
National Wildlife Refuge, part of the La Amistad Biosphere Reserve,
which stretches southward all the way to Panama. |
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The native vegetation here is marked by towering,
centuries-old native oaks, which serve as hosts to dense coverings
of vines, bromeliads, and wild orchids. Hummingbirds of every
size abound, and for the past five years we have had several
pairs of quetzals nesting on our property.
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We want visitors to know in advance that this
tourism project is low-key, personal, and often muddy. Our past
clients have loved it for these very reasons.
The climate is bright and sunny early in the morning with fog
rolling in by midday. Afternoons in the rainy season are quite
wet; in the dry season they are usually misty. For this reason
we recommend that clients visiting just for the day arrive early
to enjoy the morning sun and bright vistas. For day tours we
pick clients up no later than 8 AM. That way you will arrive
at the finca before 10 AM, to enjoy a second breakfast of hot
coffee and pastries at our "mirador" as you gaze across the
panoramic valley spread at your feet to Irazu Volcano rising
on the opposite side. Mario will then lead you on a short hike
around the southeast edge of our property, from where you can
look out over the vast, wild stretches of the Tapanti Reserve. |
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After a hearty lunch at the cabin you will head
off for a vigorous three-hour hike into the primary cloud forest.
Rain gear, long pants, and layered shirts are absolutely necessary,
as are waterproof hiking boots. (We have a growing collection
of rubber hiking boots in various sizes that you are welcome
to borrow if they fit.)
Folks who visit for just the day often like to stay until dusk,
when the birds come out in greatest numbers. You will be back
at your hotel in time for dinner.
Intrepid hikers come to Finca La Magnolia to spend the night
at our hand-built wooden cabin (which has indoor plumbing but
no electricity) before trekking into the Tapanti Reserve. |
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Special Opportunity:
Research Interns Wanted
We want to encourage research of the cloud forest ecosystem.
We will gladly provide free housing for student interns
interested in carrying out research on our preserve. Contact
us for more information!
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If you like our site or just want to say hola, please visit our
Guest Book to leave a comment.
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