cloudbridge nature reserve

Took a great tour today with a guide from the Netherlands. He was very informative, pointing out many different types of primary and secondary forest. We saw several types of hummingbirds and beautiful waterfalls on our hike. Unfortunately, because it was unusually hot today, we did not see any mammals or other bird species.

This is a neat little place up in the cloud forest with well maintained trails and lush scenery. Being at this elevation makes for cool, damp (possibly wet) hiking conditions, so be prepared. As with anywhere else, if you're going for birds, it's best to go with one of the guides who is familiar with the trails and habitats of specific species. The road to the reserve is typical of the area; narrow, unpaved, steep and winding. In spite of the rocky road up, I would enjoy a return visit.

The opposite of Chirrupó park, this is well-organized, well-marked, volunteers are helpful vs. the typical government employees, disinterested and not helpful. Truly fabulous!

Loved the vegetation. Have never seen nothing like it. It rains 250-300 inches a year and leaves plants pristine. So lovely! However, I am not in to etymology and am afraid of insects, especially those which I have never encountered.

We originally planned to stay in the Casita Blanca cabin for 2 nights, then changed it to 3. As soon as we arrived and saw the place, decided we wanted to stay 4, and then still missed it when we left. It's a beautifully designed, simple but very comfortable modern cabin in a magical setting. I was so happy there! The reforestation program and the research efforts underway there are all really interesting, and we were warmly welcomed to join in a research hike with a group of visiting students and to watch their end-of-week research presentations. This added immensely to our overall experience. The hiking is wonderful. You need not only a 4WD drive vehicle to get to the top of the very steep dirt road, but also one with a decent engine. We had a 4WD with a weak engine, and it conked out 2x on the hill going up. But absolutely worth it, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Hiking in Cloudbridge Reserve is very beautiful. Lots of waterfalls, amazing forest, lots of wildlife. We even saw a Quetzal! We highly recommend a visit!

The hike through this reserve was one of the most exciting in Costa Rica. Although it poured rain the entire time we were exploring the reserve, it was very exciting to walk along the narrow pathways, listening to birds and enjoying a truly natural environment.

It's not the hike, the challenge or the price and hassle either!If you enjoy nature, it is priceless and free although they accept donations.

We stayed three nights at Cloudbridge in Casita Blanca, a lovely, light filled cottage with all the amenities...hot water, full kitchen, dining area, comfortable bed and even wifi. It was an excellent base for hiking in and around the reserve. The casita is very private, located at the top of a hill planted with tropical flowers. In the distance you can see peaks of the nearby mountain range. Tom and Linda, the resident caretakers of the reserve and its programs, are not only very gracious, but also extremely knowledgable about the forest and area. We would highly recommend going for a hike with Tom if you can, and check out the art studio near the reserve entrance, where Linda creates and displays some of her beautiful cloudforest artworks. We also like the fact that proceeds from the accommodation go to support the reserve.

Thank you, thank you, thank to Linda and Tom for responding to our email and making our stay at Cloudbridge a reality. This couple made us feel so welcome. They went out of their way to provide transportation and offer unique hiking opportunities with resident researchers. Passion is contagious. We three Montana women headed home with the rainforest in our hearts.

Wow, what an amazing place. It's on a private land but the owner is very kind to open it up to public. This place is run by donations, there is no ticket booth, no guard at the gate. It's not easy to get to. You really need a 4WD. I would not recommend going there with a 2WD vehicle. It is definitely worth taking the trip up there. The trail is beautiful, so lush and green. You see a waterfall, you walk through a cloud forest and you might even see some animals! There is a memorial garden with beautiful flowers and there is an art gallery where you can see the owner's art. It's a small but very cute house which is unlocked and there is no one guarding it. You simply go in and enjoy her work. There are signs at various points on the trails so you don't get lost.

A great trail system for hikers and excellent flora and fauna on the mid elevation (1500 to 2000m) Talamanca range (Pacific side). Also a worthwhile project to support. San Gerardo de Rivas is not just for Chirripo accents now, with this and other local reserves it is a fabulous hiking destination without subjecting yourself to freezing cold and high altitudes.

Excellent trails, magnificent terrain, and so typically Costa Rican to find a beautiful private reserve open to the public - we should all leave a $ contribution (even a small one) for trail maintenance and the reforestation effort.

If you want to prepared for the great hike to the Chirripo, go to the Cloudbridge Nature Reserve. There are a lot of waterfalls and the trails are well maintained. There is no entrance fee, just a volunteer contribution. You can spend the whole day there, so don´t expect to cover all the trials before going to the Chirripo!

A return visit to Cloudbridge Nature Reserve this year brought some lovely new experiences. More hiking deeper into the old forest, rivers, majestic waterfalls and wild life. Thanks to the knowledgeable guides, Tom and Linda for some great day hikes. There are so many different options for trails that you rarely run into others while out hiking. You have the rainforest to yourself. The trails are well marked, there are maps to use at the visitor centre and even some hiking sticks to borrow while on the mountain. We thoroughly enjoyed a night hike led by Matt, a resident researcher. Exploring the forest at night is an entirely new experience. We visited the lovely little art gallery at the entrance of the reserve. Beautiful artwork reflecting the beauty of the rainforest. The reserve is a little off the beaten path but well worth the trip.