This hike covers the forest Zona de los Santos
Los Santos Forest Reserve:It comprises some 63,000 hectares of primary, secondary, coffee and pasture cloud forests. The characteristic landscape of this space shows us a mosaic where natural and cultural ecosystems coexist, nuanced by a high biological diversity, which encompasses a natural flavor along its many routes.
All visitors will be able to explore the different paths of the Savegre, a set of attractions, ranging from the clear and sonorous waters of the mountain torrents, the peaceful and majestic woods. There are also daily activities in the picturesque rural communities’ married to the forest.
This area includes one of the most biologically diverse places in the country, and constitutes, among other functions, a key link between Manuel Antonio and Tapantí national park. The trails are narrow, with slippery stretches or that require attention for the abundance of obstacles such as rocks, mud, dense vegetation, as well as precipices or ravines.
The land is scarred. It is likely that the guide will wield to use his machete to clear the path a bit. Several shallow but flowing streams cross our paths; generally this difficulty is chore rewarded by the abundance of multiple waterfalls. This area is literally an oasis of great importance for the conservation of hydrographic basins and preservation of biodiversity. It is a habitat for the quetzal and other beautiful birds like the trogon.
Also for hummingbirds, turkeys, multicolored butterflies, frogs, white and red monkeys, peccaries, foxes, raccoons, coyotes, coatis, mountain mice and felines such as jaguars, cauceles and breeding lions also abound. Tapirs whose footprints attest for their search for the so-called tapir culantrillo, an omnipresent plant in this area. There are also snakes such as the Toboba, the Kera and the coral. As to flora, the reserve contains very tall trees and many epiphytic plants (orchids, bromeliads and ferns).
Here you will find dear and trees such as oak, myrtle, magnolia and jaul. There are also species such as murta, tirrá, guaba, quina, bacillus, papayillo, cucaracho, quizarrá, duraznillo, picarillo, palm hearts, straw stick, arborescent ferns, taco de mico, copey, cirrí cañuela, parrot, cypress, poor parasol , cedrillo, arrayancillo, candelillo and male nance. The forest is characterized by high humidity and cool temperatures, and by being frequently covered with clouds.
Start at 08.30h. After a 4 1/2-5 hour hike, welcome to the community of Providencia de Dota! We meet at the Flor de Loto restaurant, located in the center of the community, where your guide warmly introduces you to the community. Then off to the family home where you will overnight. The included dinner is served at each house.
Breakfast is served at 5:30 a.m and shared with the family in Providencia de Dota. We plan to leave by 6:30 a.m. with a local transport from the community driving towards the Cerro Vueltas which is our starting point of the trek. An approximate route of 14 kilometers between primary and secondary forests lies ahead of us with mostly oak trees and awesome views of the Central Pacific. Ahead lie one of the two cleanest river basins in Central America are part of this exciting nature scene. In addition, your guides will narrate the mysteries of the nature of the area and legends of the pioneers.This walk lasts from 7 to 8 hours approximately.Approximate altitude 1745m to 1100m Lunch en route wrapped in banana leaf.
Betannia is located at an altitude of 900 meters above sea level and the temperatures vary between 18º and 25º Celsius (mid 60s – mid 70s). It is a house of two plants in a paddock in the middle of the forest and surrounded by mountains. At dawn, the view of the forest is spectacular, together with the sounds of the birds around it! During your stay at the rustic but charming Betannia Lodge, dinner and breakfast is included. Here, the lodging provided is tents and mattresses under a roof, on a plattform and shared bathrooms. Altitude from 2745 to 1008 meters above sea level
Breakfast starts early at 5:30 am with a walk after 7am to San Isidro de Dota a little village in the mountains. This crossing has a distance of 7 kilometers, with duration of approximately 4 to 5 hours.
Our arrival at San Isidro de Dota is scheduled for 11:30 am, a little shelter called Rancho Tinamú where all will share part of the day and night with the Parra family. They are very welcoming and friendly people, with luck Mr. Santiago Parra will treat us to an evening of typical shows and songs that have already have become very popular…
The lodging does not provide electricity nor hot water but private or shared bathrooms, cabins and blankets. At the lodge lunch, dinner and breakfast are also included.
Altitude of 1010m to 600m and back up to 830m
Breakfast is ready by 5:30 am. With renewed energy and enthusiasm we start hiking by 6.30am towards Londres de Quepos. Today ‘s route has a distance of 18 kilometers, with a duration of 7 to 8 hours.
A short stop is scheduled to enjoy lunch at the Quebrada Arroyo, in a hostel called Los Campesinos. Not to be missed is the wonderful suspension bridge which additionally contributes some extra income to the community! Our departure to Londres or your individually booked beach hotel in Manuel Antonio is around 2pm. Expected altitude today: from 830 to 250 meters above sea level
Rates available valid till 30.11.2023
