The Reserve
Photo: Batsú Estudio
- Leatherback turtle nesting beach -
- Marine Turtle conservation program -
- Protected habitat for over 2,500 species -
- Agami Heron nesting site -
Pacuare's coastline is hugged by dense rainforest. What was once logged for timber or grazed by cattle is now a protected home for a wide variety of wildlife – more than 32 species of mammal, including jaguar, ocelot, three species of monkeys, and many reptiles call Pacuare home.
With beach, forest, canals and freshwater habitats, Pacuare is also home to a wide variety of birds – we currently have 253 species listed! The rare and beautiful Agami heron nests in a small lagoon within the Reserve. It is the only nesting site in Costa Rica and one of only a few accessible nesting sites in the world.
Our main trail (also a bicycle path), runs the length of the Reserve through the forest behind the beach. Other shorter trails lead to areas of special interest, making observation of our incredible array of flora and fauna easy and enjoyable.
Pacuare Reserve does not have electricity, but there is limited solar power in certain public areas. For safety reasons it is not permitted to swim in the sea, the lagoon or the canals.
Where are we?
Pacuare Reserve is located between Tortuguero and Limón, on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica. The Reserve is surrounded by canals and the sea, and is only accessible by small boat.
Our staff
Office in Heredia
Claudio Quesada
Research and Conservation Coordinator
Esteban Lobo
Community Outreach and Reservations Coordinator
Jenny Castro
Sales and Reservations Assistant
Erick Bolaños
Development & Communication Coordinator
Azul Cubero
Latin America Development Supervisor
At Pacuare Reserve
Eylen Zuñiga
Pacuare Reserve Manager
Hayi Valverde
Beach Coordinator
Michael Knight
Operation Assistant
Karol Cano
Operations Coordinator
Eduardo Rangel
Operation Assistant
Dessire Sánchez
Housecleaning
Pedro Morales
Landscaping
Eder Zeledón
Ecolodge Operative Assistant
Seasonal staff
Johannis Cortés,
Virginia Navarrete
Dayana García
Cooking Team
Christian Ortega
Carlos Gómez
Rafael Salazar, Yader Parrales, Jeffrey Jiménez
Security Team
Our Partners
Partner with us!
We are always looking for the best partners to co-develop interesting initiatives. From joint research programs to commercial partnerships - we are interested in hearing from you.
Contact our Reserve Manager at eylen@ecologyproject.org