The Hidden Valley Trail and Night Walk
FROM $20.00
The Hidden Valley Trail is situated in Cerro Plano, between Santa Elena and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Nestled on the west side of the Continental Divide, the trail system offers spectacular views across the valley and out towards the Monteverde Reserve, on clear days.
The Hidden Valley Trail and Night Walk
This small, 11 hectare reserve, was purchased by its founder, David Savage, in 1979. At this time, much of the surrounding land was still being cleared and deforested for cattle pastures in what is known as the "great striptease' of Costa Rica. The Savage family resisted this and decided to protect their land, creating one of the country's first private reserves and earliest "ecotourism' projects.
Situated at a lower elevation, and blessed by cool Pacific winds, the reserve is comprised primarily of less humid, pre-montane forest, offering a habitat distinct from the region's higher elevation cloud forest reserves. Its location fits within the transition zone between tropical wet and seasonal moist forest, and its abundance of fruit producing trees make the reserve an ideal home for a variety of birds, mammals and exotic butterflies not often seen in the dense, humid cloud forest.
The Hidden Valley offers an extensive trail system with many stunning viewpoints, offering great opportunities for hikers and photographers.
For those who wish to discover the night-time wonders of the forest, Hidden Valley offers a fascinating guided night walk. Led by bilingual, professionally trained naturalist guides, the tour begins at 5:30 pm, daily. After enjoying the beautiful sunset, visitors will first observe diurnal species, especially birds, as they prepare themselves to settle for the night. As darkness falls, they will witness the forest begin to awaken once again, as the nocturnal creatures start to emerge. The guide will explain many of the unique sights and unusual sounds while pointing out an array of insects, reptiles, birds, bats and mammals that inhabit the forest at night.
Among the creatures that visitors are likely to spot are snakes, spiders, especially tarantulas, sleeping blue crowned mot-mots, tiny tree frogs, coatimundis, agoutis, bats, and if you're really lucky, maybe even a sleepy sloth, a wide-eyed kinkajou, or an armadillo. Of course there are no guarantees, so keep your eyes and ears peeled!
The Hidden Valley Reserve aims to continue the mission of its founder; to protect, understand and promote awareness of this rare ecosystem and ensure its survival for future generations.
The Night Walk begins everyday at 5:30 pm and finishes around 7:30. Visitors are advised to wear long pants and suitable, covered footwear and to bring a jacket; temperatures can get pretty cool here at night! Flash-lights are provided.
Destination Snapshot:
Situated at a lower elevation, and blessed by cool Pacific winds, the reserve is comprised primarily of less humid, pre-montane forest, offering a habitat distinct from the region's higher elevation cloud forest reserves. Its location fits within the transition zone between tropical wet and seasonal moist forest, and its abundance of fruit producing trees make the reserve an ideal home for a variety of birds, mammals and exotic butterflies not often seen in the dense, humid cloud forest.
The Hidden Valley offers an extensive trail system with many stunning viewpoints, offering great opportunities for hikers and photographers.
For those who wish to discover the night-time wonders of the forest, Hidden Valley offers a fascinating guided night walk. Led by bilingual, professionally trained naturalist guides, the tour begins at 5:30 pm, daily. After enjoying the beautiful sunset, visitors will first observe diurnal species, especially birds, as they prepare themselves to settle for the night. As darkness falls, they will witness the forest begin to awaken once again, as the nocturnal creatures start to emerge. The guide will explain many of the unique sights and unusual sounds while pointing out an array of insects, reptiles, birds, bats and mammals that inhabit the forest at night.
Among the creatures that visitors are likely to spot are snakes, spiders, especially tarantulas, sleeping blue crowned mot-mots, tiny tree frogs, coatimundis, agoutis, bats, and if you're really lucky, maybe even a sleepy sloth, a wide-eyed kinkajou, or an armadillo. Of course there are no guarantees, so keep your eyes and ears peeled!
The Hidden Valley Reserve aims to continue the mission of its founder; to protect, understand and promote awareness of this rare ecosystem and ensure its survival for future generations.
The Night Walk begins everyday at 5:30 pm and finishes around 7:30. Visitors are advised to wear long pants and suitable, covered footwear and to bring a jacket; temperatures can get pretty cool here at night! Flash-lights are provided.
Destination Snapshot:
Tour Schedules and Booking
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