Refugio San Antonio is the largest private nature reserve in the mountains above San Isidro de El General protecting 1500 acres of premontane rainforest and cloud forest. Nature lovers can enjoy the charming country house with breathtaking vista. A unique setting in Costa Rica to offer a full view of the Talamanca mountain range with Cerro de la Muerte and Cerro Chirripó, San Isidro town and valley plus the Pacific Ocean with incredible sunsets - all surrounded by lush primary forests. The space Refugio San Antonio protects a vast contiguous area of premontane old growth primary and secondary rainforest as well as a precious cloud forest within the Path of the Tapir Biological Corridor and the UNESCO Savegre Biosphere Reserve. The reserve extends west of San Isidro at 500 - 1300 meters above sea level. Nature lovers can stay in the traditional country house, built at the highest point of the reserve. At 1300 meters, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding primary forests, the town of San Isidro and the Cordilliera Talamanca with the Chirripó, the highest mountain in the country, and all the way to the Pacific with incredible sunsets. The house is equipped to comfortably accommodate up to six people in three bedrooms. There are two good-natured horses available for tours. The local caretaker José will be happy to show nature lovers the beauties of the reserve on one of the many private trails. Alternatively, English speaking naturalist guides can be hired for more in depths nature explorations. A spectacular trail on the ridge leads through mossy and bromeliad-covered cloud forest with awesome views of the Pacific coast to a secluded wood cabin in the midst of the rainforest ideal for meditation, reading, nature observation or just to disconnect. Adventurous hikers reach Rio San Antonio after a further descent, and are rewarded with pristine waterfalls and swimming holes to cool off. A day hike to the hidden waterfalls of Rio Guabito requires good physical condition, but is rewarded with wildlife sightings and the magical atmosphere of old-growth primary forest. For less ambitious explorers, a number of shorter trails allow for leisurely exploration of the various climatic and vegetation zones of the nature reserve. A secluded valley with a beautiful cabin can be reached by car, horseback or on foot by guests interested in active reforestation efforts and natural succession at work in the tropics. The house is located in a pleasant climate zone, with mild temperatures during the day and refreshing temperatures at night obviating the need for air-conditioning. Refugio San Antonio is 20 minutes from San Isidro de El General, 30 minutes from the waterfalls of Nauyaca and 45 minutes from the beaches of Dominical. All proceeds benefit in full the conservation and reforestation projects of the reserve. Guest access We strongly recommend a 4x4 for smooth access to the reserve