Edgar Corrales, the owner of Aguas Silvestres, is the kind of guy you’d like to cheer on. Against all odds, this kind and soft spoken man, has protected his beautiful forest. Living alone on his property, he is the caretaker of a forest that is endowed with dozens of gigantic, hundred-of-years-old trees. The forest itself protects the Bijagual River and its watershed. Two precious waterfalls and multiple swimming holes make Aguas Silvestres (or “Wild Waters” in English) a very special place to visit, bird watch and explore.
Enhancing the uniqueness of this site is the presence of the Tiger Palm (Geonoma petiolata). This palm has only ever been found in Costa Rica and Panama along a very small altitudinal gradient. This endemic palm is common at Aguas Silvestres. As you explore 3 kilometers or so of trails looking for this rare palm, or skipping across pristine waterways, keep your eyes and open for great wildlife.
Tawny-crowned Tanagers, Dull-mantled Antbirds, and the White-whiskered Puffbirds are just some of the many birds one can find at Aguas Silvestres. The butterflies here are also amazing. Watching a giant Morpho butterfly float in front you, its’ radiant blue popping and splashing in the sun with each beat of its wings, has to be one of the most serene and calming scenes our world offers.
Mr. Corrales, who previously managed a butterfly farm and work as a National Park Guard, is very knowledge about the forest, and can personally guide you along the trails of his uniquely special private reserve.
Contact Information
Edgar Corrales at Aguas Silvestres can be reached via telephone in Costa Rica at 506-8720-1074, via email at santuariomariposas@gmail.com.
DIRECTIONS
From Banco Nacional in La Virgen head southwest for 2.2 km. Go left and cross bridge over the Sarapiqui River. Continue uphill to a T. Go right. Go 6.3 km to San Ramon. In San Ramon go left at main Y after soccer field. Continue 1.6 km to intersection. Go right. In another .8 km arrive at a T. Go right again. Go another 1.3 km to another Y. Go left. Continue 1.7 km to a Y. Go left. From here go .7 km to next intersection. Go right and continue 500 meters to entrance of Aguas Silvestres.
