Quebrada Grande is a community-operated 119 hectare reserve in the heart of Great Green Macaw territory. The reserve is overseen and managed by the local Women’s Association and Environmental Youth Group. The reserve protects both secondary and primary forest among the Chaparron Hills. The reserve features a three story observation tower that boasts magnificent views of the Sarapiquí lowlands and Central Volcanic Mountain Range. On very clear days one can see Volcán Poas and even Volcán Arenal! The local guides in the area are high school students from the Environmental Youth Group. They know the forest and the trails well, and will help point out giant Almendro trees, the main food and nest source for the Great Green Macaw, as well as harder to find gems like nests of the Great Tinamou.
The reserve trails take you through the forest and along creeks and waterfalls where other emblematic species such as the endangered Great Curassow, the Band-tailed Barbthroat, and White Fronted Nunbird are found. The reserve also hosts regular sightings of antbirds, antvireos, and antshrikes.
After your hike, visit Quebrada Grande’s community tilapia farm, also managed by local women, and for lunch have fresh tilapia, cooked right in front of you. The women of the community offer home-cooked meals, fresh linens and cultural exchange by offering home-stays for visitors. Each family that offers a home-stay also has their own piece of land, and the gentlemen of the family will be happy to show you around their properties.
The best time of the year to visit Quebrada Grande is between February and April. During these months the trails are drier and the Great Green Macaws, which nest in the area, are more frequently seen. Quebrada Grande Reserve is only a few hours from a number of other Bird Route sites including: Finca Pangola, Mi Pedacito de Cielo, Maquenque Eco-Lodge, Laguna del Lagarto Lodge, and even Bosque Tropical del Toro.
Contact Information
To make a reservation to visit the reserve with a local guide, or set up a meal and/ or home-stay, please contact Olga Vargas. Her email is olgapital84@hotmail.com and her fax is 506-2473-3086. If you speak Spanish you can also call her directly at 506-8858-6905, or 506-2473-4247. Prices for meals, accommodations and guides are subject to change and availability. The reserve can be explored on its own, however to support the local economy and get more out of your visit we highly recommend the use of a guide. Trail maps and brochures are available via Olga Vargas and local residents.
DIRECTIONS
(N 10° 32' 38'', W 84° 13' 5'')
Quebrada Grande is reached via the town of Pital. One can get to Pital from San José, Ciudad Quesada (San Carlos) or Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí via fully paved roads. From San José take the Vara Blanca pass over the mountains. Once you reach San Miguel take a hard left and continue on past the towns of Río Cuarto, Agua Zarcas and on to Pital. From Ciudad Quesada you will also go through Agua Zarcas. Once in Agua Zarcas look for the signs that point you in the direction of Pital. In Pital you will want to take a right in the center of town at the large church. Follow this out past plantations and on to the town of Vera Cruz. Continue on a gravel road to Quebrada Grande. You will see the signs for the reserve on your left side.
From Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí there are two routes. The first is to head west to San Miguel then follow the same route to Pital as noted above. Alternatively, you can go north from Puerto Viejo passing Lomas de Sardinal, and Finca Paniagua near the town of La Delia. From La Delia continue north until you cross a bridge over the Toro River. Go left and continue for 40 minutes to Quebrada Grande via gravel road.
There is bus service to Quebrada Grande from Pital.
