The use of the masculine gender has been adopted for ease of reading and has no discriminatory intent.
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Guillaume Dartigue
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Village Monde and the ASEPALECO association have been working together since 2022 to improve the living conditions of targeted rural communities on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, and to protect the Karen Mogensen reserve through environmental education for young people and the promotion of sustainable tourism.
In the heart of the Nicoya peninsula, the ASEPALECO association (Association écologique Paquera, Lepanto et Cóbano) is responsible for preserving the Karen Mogensen nature reserve. This tropical forest, covering 960 hectares of protected land, is home to many rare and endangered species. It is a vital sanctuary not only for the species that live there, but also protects essential water sources for the entire Nicoya region. Five local communities draw their water from this reserve, and the main rivers have their source here. Protecting this land is vital for conservation against cattle ranching, hunting and logging, which are major threats to the region.
ASEPALECO’s mission is to protect, preserve and educate the public about natural forest systems. It is a non-profit conservation and education association.
Over the years, the association has received several awards for its environmental work. Its six main projects are the Karen Mogensen reserve, the Cerro Escondido ecolodge, a biological research center, forest fire-fighting brigades, environmental education programs and a recycling center.
he Cerro Escondido ecolodge is a hidden paradise in the heart of the reserve.
Accompanied by your guide, your adventure begins with an immersive jungle hike of around an hour to reach the heart of the reserve.
At the top of the mountain, you’ll discover an enchanting place. The ecolodge is made up of several cabins, each with a private bathroom and a terrace with a magnificent view of the forest. Electricity is generated 100% by solar panels. At least two nights are needed to soak up all that the nature reserve has to offer. Every morning, a symphony of tropical birds and howler monkeys will wake you up and invite you on an early morning hike. On your return, a generous breakfast awaits you.
A family atmosphere reigns here. You’ll feel welcomed like a member of the family by the two guides Alexander and Henry, as well as the one who will lovingly cook for you, Adriana.
Alexander is a specialist in the fauna and especially the flora of the jungle. This enthusiast will never cease to amaze you with his knowledge, his love of sharing and his constant smile.
Henry is a passionate photographer. His photos, his kindness and his knowledge of the flora and fauna will make you experience the jungle as you would never have imagined.
Adriana, what can I say about Adriana? Thanks to her, you’ll wake up every morning to the sweet smell of coffee, sweet and savory delights. Every dish is served with a smile that will melt even the most reluctant awakener.
What to do ?
Alexander and Henry invite you to discover the rainforest by hiking at any time of day.
Walk before sunrise to observe wildlife.
Take a walk in the hot hours of the day to cool off in the superb Cascade Velo de la Novia.
End-of-day walk to admire the sunset over the jungle and ocean from the mirador.
It’s in this incredible ecosystem that you’ll have the unique chance to observe tropical birds, howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, green tree frogs, white bat species and more.
The Cerro Escondido ecolodge is a project in which all profits are used to finance environmental preservation and research in the reserve, as well as ASEPALECO’s educational campaigns in Costa Rica. In addition to living an experience that the word extraordinary can hardly describe, you’ll be contributing to a better future by staying at this ecolodge.
Pictures credit : Guillaume Dartigue
Village Monde is registered as a charitable organization with the Canada Revenue Agency and Revenu Québec and as an organization of general interest with the French government.
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The use of the masculine gender has been adopted for ease of reading and has no discriminatory intent.
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