Walk old-growth and recovering cloud forest on a guided 3-hour tour through Curi-Cancha, a 205-acre wildlife refuge near Monteverde. Expect excellent birdwatching—quetzals, trogons, and bellbirds—plus a chance to see monkeys and sloths along quiet, mossed trails.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Mist and thin sunlight thread through tall oaks as you step off the lane and onto the reserve’s packed-earth trails. The cloud forest here breathes slow and cool; moss slides down trunks and bromeliads cup tiny pools. Birdsong cuts the hush—bright flashes of motmot and the occasional bell-like call of a passerine—while the guide’s silhouette moves ahead, pointing out a wayward agouti or a curled sloth.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; expect gentle to moderate walking on uneven, sometimes muddy trails.
Wildlife
History
Originally part of the Mendenhall property, the Lowther family protected and restored pasture into forest; it became a legally designated wildlife refuge in 1997.
Conservation
Curi-Cancha emphasizes reforestation and low-impact tourism—visitors are asked to stay on trails, avoid feeding wildlife, and follow guide instructions to minimize disturbance.
Reserve your spot on the Walking Reserve Curi-Cancha today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Go early for birds
Start at dawn when quetzals and trogons are most active; guides schedule early walks to maximize sightings.
Layer for changeable weather
Temperatures at 1,450–1,615 m can swing quickly—pack a light insulating layer and a waterproof shell.
Bring binoculars and a field guide
Binoculars make distant canopy species readable; a compact bird guide helps identify calls between stops.
Stay on trails and keep noise low
Trails protect recovering forest and reduce disturbance to nesting birds and shy mammals—quiet steps pay off in sightings.
Water-resistant hiking shoes
Firm grip and ankle support on wet, root-strewn cloud-forest paths.
Light rain jacket
Quick showers and mist are common at these elevations—stay dry and warm.
Binoculars
Essential for identifying quetzals, trogons, and other canopy species from trail viewpoints.
Insect repellent
Keeps biting insects manageable in understory and edge habitats.