Curi-Cancha Reserve
Monteverde, Puntarenas
The cloud forest of Curi-Cancha Reserve creates a habitat for flora and fauna such as colorful quetzals and monkeys. Visitors can explore the private reserve via several nature trails. Plus, the private reserve’s daily 50 person cap means you’ll see more wildlife without having to battle the crowds.
The reserve’s daily visitor limit makes advance booking essential. Opt for a guided tour in order to learn about the reserve’s natural history, biodiversity, and conservation efforts, and to increase your chances of spotting elusive wildlife. For a chance to see nocturnal wildlife and hear the evening chorus of frogs and insects, visit as part of a night tour. Birdwatchers can also join a guided birding walk.
Curi-Cancha Reserve is a must-visit for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
This private reserve provides a less-crowded alternative to other nearby cloud forest reserves.
All tours of the reserve require advanced reservations—even self-guided walks.
Bring binoculars to help identify birds in the forest canopy.
The Curi-Cancha Reserve is located in Montverde near the popular Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. You can reach Curi-Cancha by taking the main road toward Monteverde from Santa Elena, or simplify your trip by booking a tour that offers hotel pickup and drop-off.
If you want to explore the reserve on a self-guided walk, visit between 7am and 3pm. Otherwise, birdwatching tours are every day at 6:30am, natural history tours are offered at 8am and 1pm. Night tours depart at 5:30pm.
The biodiverse Curi-Cancha Reserve is home to around 200 different bird species, making it a top draw for birdwatchers. Birds include the resplendent quetzal, three-wattled bellbird, blue-crowned motmot, and orange-bellied trogon. To increase your chances of seeing these birds and other species throughout the park, book a tour and let a guide help you spot and identify the birds. Plus, keep track of the birds you spot on the reserve’s bird checklist.
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