We are proud to offer an exclusive tour to the real virgin rain forest of SELVA LEONA, in the mountains of TILARAN. These same mountains continue up to Monte Verde.
The owners of La Mansion Inn Arenal, were invited 10 years ago by the owner of SELVA LEONA to visit this spectacular reserve of 180 ha.(450 acres). Before that time, this hidden treasure has never been open to the public. So they decided to open this primary rain forest for the guests of La Mansion Inn Arenal.
This is a private tour. You will be accompanied by 2 experienced guides.
Once there, you will experience a virtually untouched ecosystem of flora and fauna with the same awe the Spaniards must have felt when they set foot in this land in 1502, naming it Costa Rica (Rich Coast). With your hike into the forest you will have the chance to see many species of birds, including the birder’s holy grail, the quetzal. Three species of monkeys abound in this region with the howler monkey being the most prevalent. Reptiles such as poison dart frogs, the Jesus lizard, and numerous varieties of colourful snakes call this area home.
Your reward will be the discovery of some 3 of the 10 waterfalls that flow from the mountains into the Rio Agua Caliente (warm water river), the highest of these being 100 feet. You can refresh yourself in the cool crystal water before your hike out.
At 7:15 the boat-man will pick you up in the front of the hotel and drive you down to the lake to his boat.(Breakfast is served from 6:30.)
A covered boat on the Arenal Lake takes you to the other side of the lake. From there you will start a two hour horseback ride into the mountains. You will cross the Rio Grande several times, admiring the landscape, and views of the lake. On your entrance into the forest, you will have to leave the horses at the rancho.
And will begin a hike of 3.5 hrs through the virgin cloud forest in search of birds, monkeys, flowers, and waterfalls. The trails goes up and down the hills, so a good physical condition should be considered for this expedition.
Bring your swimming suit, a dip in the fresh water of the natural pools of the waterfalls is unforgettable.
On your exit from the forest an authentic Tico BBQ awaits you. This is a typical Costa Rican meal, served with the hospitality and humbleness that makes the Ticos such a special people.
The trip back by horse to civilization will again take 1.5 hrs, after which you will cross the lake by boat and make the return by journey to the hotel.
Required clothes: jeans, hiking boots, rain gear (it rains often in the cloud and rain forest), swimming suit, change of dry clothes, towels, camera.
