Rara Avis
Rainforest Lodge & Reserve
 Costa Rica

For the perfect jungle vacation package in Costa Rica

RARA AVIS is a new way to save rainforest. You learn how, while you experience the richness and splendor of the most diverse environment on earth.
Rara Avis was developed to show that we can make rainforest economically productive and so save it from destruction. In Rara Avis, you will be in a remote pristine jungle - true wilderness - bordering Braulio Carrillo National Park and the Zona Protectora La Selva.
At 700 meters (2000 ft) above sea level, the climate stays cool and comfortable year-round (77 degrees F or 25 degrees C). There is a lot of rain (it's a rainforest!), but mosquitoes are not a problem.

TRAILS & NATURE WALKS: We have an extensive series of trails through untouched virgin forest, ranging from moderate to difficult. All trails have muddy and uneven footing. You may hike alone or accompanied by one of our staff naturalists who will help you see and understand the complex, incredibly diverse life of the jungle. An introductory walk is usually offered every afternoon. Each morning, a guided nature walk takes you through the forest. You’ll learn about birds and wildlife along the trails; you’ll learn about the jungle, and we don't mean just the names of things.

Later, you may be able to swim in the large crystalline pools at the base of the waterfall or visit our butterfly farm and small orchid garden (collected from fallen branches). Or you could make arrangements with the climbing teacher to explore the canopy !

RARA AVIS offers clean and comfortable lodging, deep in the heart of the jungle, with home-style Costa Rican meals, plus an adventurous learning experience different from ordinary tourism. At the same time, you will be encouraging the wise use of the rainforest --- the reason for the existence of Rara Avis. Because of the difficult access, we strongly recommend a minimum stay of two nights. The tractor leaves Las Horquetas every morning at 9:30 AM, arriving for lunch if all goes well. Departure by tractor from Rara Avis is at 2:00 PM, arriving in Horquetas at about 5:30 PM. Horses or jeep transportation can be arranged anytime during daylight (but require walking the three kilometers between the Waterfall Lodge and El Plastico).

The diversity of the plant and animal life in Rara Avis is stunning. Over 362 species of birds have been found at Rara Avis, including sunbitterns, umbrella-birds, great green macaws, parrots, and toucans. There is a good chance to see monkeys, anteaters, or coatimundis if you walk silently through the forest, or to spot the tracks of tapirs and other jungle cats. The treetops are festooned with vines, lianas, bromeliads, and orchids, and there are more kinds of plants, birds, and butterflies in our reserve than in all of Europe !