Karen Mogensen Reserve is located up in the mountains in Jicaral in the Nicoya Peninsula covering a total of 760 hectares. Karen Mogensen natural reserve is part of the Nicoya Peninsula biological corridor. A biological corridor is an area that works as a natural bridge connecting two or more pieces of natural habitats. Biological corridors are very important for the survival of many wildlife species as they keep the genetic diversity of the wildlife species. Also many species require to be migrating from one habitat to another or from one natural area to another to guarantee their survival and that of their young. This important Costa Rica natural reserve was established in 1996 after the conservationist Karen Mogensen was informed that a very important land was in sale and that is was home to many rivers that supplied freshwater to a number of surrounding communities. Immediately Mrs. Mogensen bought the land and it was given the status of natural reserve.

The small but very important Karen Mogensen Natural Reserve protects various endangered tree species, species of orchids, epiphytes species, and palm species. Karen Mogensen Natural Reserve homes two fresh water sources that supply potable water to five communities. Numerous rare animal species can also be found in Karen Mogensen Natural Reserve. The invaluable Karen Mogensen Natural Reserve guard large areas of primary forest which are saturated with enormous trees naturally decorated with mosses, vines, and orchids. The habitats that can be found at Karen Mogensen Reserve are dry forest transitioning to humid forest.

There is a lovely quaint mountain lodge to stay at while at Karen Mogensen Reserve named Cerro Escondido Lodge. Cerro Escondido Lodge is about sixteen kilometers from Jicaral town. If you reach Cerro Escondido Lodge inside Karen Mogensen Reserve from Jicaral you will have to walk through the jungle cross many rivers and hike a steep hill. You can also get to Cerro Escondido Lodge by driving to Montaña Grande and when the road ends taking a horse ride for about one and a half hours. Cerro Escondido Lodge is all made of wood and can accommodate around twenty people. Rooms at Cerro Escondido Lodge all have a private bathroom and power supplied by solar panel system. Cerro Escondido Lodge serves vegetarian and traditional meals. At Cerro Escondido Lodge you can also book a horseback riding tour along the reserve, visit the Bride’s Veil waterfall, visit the Venado Island tour, or visit their orchid garden. // So if you are up to an adventure and want to be accommodated in a really far away inlaid in the middle of the lush forest lodge, you will love being at Cerro Escondido Lodge.