Daily
6:15 AM
1/2 day
Support The Endeavor To Conserve One Of The World’s Most Unique And Valuable Ecosystems
Visit one of Costa Rica’s three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Guanacaste Conservation Area.
Once a thriving ecosystem, the Tropical Dry Forest is now under great pressure and at the brink of extinction. There is only an estimated 1% of untouched Tropical Dry Forest left in the world, including reserves in Northern Australia, and in Costa Rica, in Santa Rosa National Park, Guanacaste.
Horizontes Forestry Research Station was established in 1989, with an area of more than 7,000 ha (17,000 acres), in an effort to study and propagate key native tree species, to counteract the pressure from the lumber industry and feed reforestation projects in Costa Rica. Once a barren cattle ranch, Horizontes has now more than 75% forest coverage, and is home to a healthy Tropical Dry Forest with a thriving population of native trees. Research continues, and Horizontes is a paragon to other conservation areas and now one of the main seed banks for reforestation projects in the Tropical Dry Forest.
Be Part Of A Great Conservation Initiative
We are very proud to support Horizontes and its goals. Your visit will give you a first hand experience of the Tropical Dry Forest and its magic, and support the endeavor to conserve one of the world’s most unique and valuable ecosystems.
The effort to wake up early and be there during the first hours of daylight pays off as wildlife action is at its peak during this stage. Follow the excitement of encountering nature hands on at its most active moments on as you hike with your guide towards the wildlife hotspots of the property.
What to bring
- Hiking shoes
- Repellent
- Sunblock
- Comfortable clothing including long pants, hat, camera, binoculars, raincoat (seasonal)
- Optional: CR bird book
Transportation
Not included in price. Please indicate in advance if required.
Duration of transportation will depend on your place of accommodation. Times can variate drastically.
who is this for?
Recommended for kids of ages 9-11
Important Information
To make things easy, follow the address link provided below to get to your destination using the Waze navigation app on your mobile device.
Location: Horizontes Forestry Research Station, drive there using Waze: https://waze.com/ul/hd1ghunppd
Upon arrival, your guide will quickly complete the check-in process and start the hiking trail getting into the best areas accordingly with the seasons and recent wildlife activity. The entire morning will be dedicated to hiking and wildlife spotting, accompanied by commentary explaining sights and interpretation of the Dry Tropical Forest in general. The length of the hike can variate depending on client requests, but normally covers 2 to 5 kilometers through trails and open areas.
Driving Times
| Starting Point | Distance in Kilometers | Distance in Miles | Approx. Driving Time | Road Conditions |
| Playa Hermosa | 35.7 | 22.2 | 0:56 | Pavement |
| Playas del Coco | 40.2 | 25 | 1:01 | Pavement |
| Playa Panamá | 31.2 | 19.9 | 0:50 | Pavement |
| Playa Ocotal | 43.2 | 26.8 | 1:07 | Pavement |
| Riu Guanacaste | 47.2 | 29.3 | 1:12 | Pavement |
| Las Catalinas | 55.7 | 34.6 | 1:33 | Pavement with some off-road |
| Playa Flamingo | 57.6 | 35.8 | 1:36 | Pavement with some off-road |
| Playa Grande | 78.6 | 48.8 | 1:37 | Pavement |
| Playa Tamarindo | 81.7 | 50.8 | 1:43 | Pavement |
| Playa Conchal | 75.5 | 47 | 1:38 | Pavement |
| Liberia | 44 | 27.3 | 1:01 | Pavement |
| Bagaces | 71.2 | 44.2 | 1:24 | Pavement |
| Cañas | 90.1 | 56 | 1:29 | Pavement |
| Santa Cruz | 61.6 | 38.3 | 1:17 | Pavement |
| Belen | 43.4 | 27 | 0:59 | Pavement |
| Filadelfia | 38 | 23.6 | 0:54 | Pavement |
| LIR International Airport | 36 | 22.4 | 0:53 | Pavement |