RURALTOURISM

Monte Alto

This natural reserve is located on the limits of Samara Beach on Costa Rica’s north Pacific coast and borders the reserves of Barra Honda and Chira Island. Due to the local shortages of drinking water caused by deforestation, Monte Alto was established as a response to this very critical problem. Its objective is to educate the local community and help protect the region’s essential water resources. Currently, the reserve runs training courses on adequate water use for farmers and organizes reforestations campaigns as well as land purchase programs. It also takes an active role in the initiative of alternative tourism in the area.
During your visit, you’ll get to walk along a 5km trail network among the trees and make your way through primary and secondary forests. You will find some of Costa Rica’s most diverse flora and fauna in this region, along with gorgeous waterfalls and a colorful orchid garden featuring over 50 different species of this beautiful flower. The reserve also boasts spectacular views of the Gulf of Nicoya, the coast of Guanacaste and the south Pacific shoreline. At the reserve you can also visit XIX century agricultural settlements, plantations, coffee and vegetable crops and ‘tapa de dulce’ (traditional sugar cane product) processing sites. On top of that, there is also a sugar cane mill and a local history museum for you to see.