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El Copal National Reserve: A Sanctuary of Biodiversity

Discover Costa Rica's hidden gem: El Copal National Reserve, a community-run sanctuary of rainforests, wildlife, and serene natural beauty.

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El Copal National Reserve, nestled in Costa Rica's Cartago Province, is a haven for nature enthusiasts. This community-run reserve boasts lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, and well-maintained trails, offering an immersive experience in unspoiled nature.

A brief summary to El Copal

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable hiking shoes to navigate the trails.
  • Bring insect repellent to protect yourself from bugs.
  • Visit early in the morning for the best chances of spotting wildlife.
  • Carry water and snacks to stay refreshed during your hike.
  • Reservations are required for visiting El Copal and can be arranged through the ACTUAR organization.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach El Copal by public transport, take a bus from Turrialba to Jiménez. Buses typically depart from the main bus terminal in Turrialba, and the ride takes approximately 30-40 minutes. Once in Jiménez, take a local taxi to Selva, where El Copal is located. Taxi fare is around $10-15.

  • Car

    If driving from Turrialba, head southeast on Route 10 toward Jiménez. Continue for about 18 kilometers until you reach the intersection near Jiménez with signs for Selva. Turn left onto the road to Selva. After about 5 kilometers, look for your destination on the right at coordinates Q6MX+H7Q, Cartago. A GPS system is recommended.

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Discover more about El Copal

El Copal National Reserve, a jewel in Costa Rica's Cartago Province, offers an authentic encounter with the country's rich biodiversity. Spanning diverse ecosystems, this national reserve serves as a sanctuary for a multitude of wildlife, making it an ideal destination for eco-tourists and nature lovers. What began as an unproductive sugarcane and cattle farm has been transformed into a leading ecolodge and biological reserve. In 1986, a collective of 17 local rural farmers took out a bank loan and bought nearly 200 hectares of surrounding land for conservation. El Copal Biological Reserve is the result of a decade's hard work and determination by Beto and Patricia Chavez; owners, operators, and advocates for sustainable sources of income in rural Costa Rica. By staying below government regulations on how much of their land they could use for farming, and when their farming operations failed to turn a profit, Beto and Patricia made the bold move to transition their land into a biological reserve in the late 1990's. The reserve is characterized by its lush rainforest and vibrant flora. As you traverse the well-marked trails, you're likely to spot various bird species, monkeys, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. El Copal is a non-profit biological reserve a short distance from Tapanti National Park. It is a small lodge surrounded by 160 hectares of primary forest. The lodge itself is very rustic with no cell phone service and limited wifi capability. It has three very basic rooms. However, the rooms are very inexpensive, the food is good, and people on site are very friendly. El Copal partly connects Tapanti with Amistad International Park. Its slightly lower elevation of 900 meters probably explains the avifaunal differences. The trails at El Copal are a bit wider and are well maintained, but with still a bit of vegetation here and there in the trail and lots of leaf litter, making for great visibility and a real chance for seeing a rare bird in the path. El Copal is an inspiring story of community-driven conservation. This land is managed for conservation, and over 75% of it consists of primary forest. They offer accommodation, local meals, guiding services, hiking, and, of course, birding along the three forest trails that snake through the jungle. It's always a pleasure to support such positive community birding initiatives.

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