Rara Avis

Prepare yourself for an unparalleled adventure and an unprecedented opportunity to step into the verdant shoes of the legendary Rara Avis, a place that has left an indelible mark on the conservation history of Costa Rica. A place where the world’s first Eco-lodge sprouted, the birthplace of a fresh paradigm in conservation and the cradle of Eco-tourism as a revolutionary concept for preserving delicate ecosystems.

Envision more than a thousand acres of untouched jungle, with over 95% being primary old-growth forest, standing as a sentinel of nature’s profound beauty. In the grand tapestry of Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity, Rara Avis shines as a priceless gem, a treasure trove of diverse species in a country celebrated for its ecological richness. This Eden hosts the highest variety of amphibians and reptiles in the nation, with 367 bird species, 47 mammal species, and over 500 species of tree calling it home. Its strategically located on the luxuriant Caribbean slopes, under the watchful eye of the Cacho Negro volcano, playing a vital role as a migratory corridor for multiple iconic endangered species like the radiant quetzal, the elusive jaguar, and the resplendent green macaw.

The saga of Rara Avis reaches back to the early chapters of Earth’s history, over 2 million years ago, during the Pleistocene era. As ice-age glaciations waged war on forests worldwide, Rara Avis endured as a fortress of ancient life, a relic of an age long past. Its miraculous survival makes it a unique and precious ecosystem unlike any other on the planet.

In the early 1980s, Rara Avis was on the brink of oblivion, in the crosshairs of significant logging interests. Its salvation came from the intrepid American biologist, Amos Bien, who in 1983 transformed it into a sanctuary for biology. His groundbreaking vision was not just to protect the forest, but to prove that sustainable Eco-tourism and research could be a conservation mechanism, a better option for the local population than deforestation and cattle farming.

Amos’s vision bore fruit. In 1986, Rara Avis was catapulted into global prominence when National Geographic’s “Explorer” showcased Donald Perry’s revolutionary construction of the world’s first canopy-exploration tramway (AWCE). This unique contribution to canopy research was spotlighted on the cover of the New York Times. Having won international recognition, Rara Avis turned into the hotbed for biologists worldwide to expand their knowledge and make groundbreaking discoveries.

Today, Rara Avis, tucked against the vast Braulio Carrillo National Park and nestled within the San Juan-La Selva Biological Corridor, opens its arms for a new steward to continue Amos Bien’s sterling legacy. It offers an unparalleled stage for environmental biology, from the intricacies of orchids and arachnids to the wonders of simians and amphibians. This opens up a golden opportunity for research institutions to explore Rara Avis’s potential and secure its place as a world leader in biological research.

Rara Avis is also the birthplace of Eco-tourism. It once bustled with eco-conscious travelers and was regularly lauded by media outlets. In its prime, it was such a sought-after spot that it was packed to the brim, with guests even sleeping in the corridors during high season. The main lodge and scientist’s quarters can accommodate over 30 tourists and 24 scientists. Its slightly challenging access route contributes to the unique thrill of venturing deep into the forest, making it an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

The research station includes a large main lodge that sleeps 28, three scientist’s cabins that sleep 24, two river cabins, a guide’s quarters, a charming mini-museum, and a communal dining spot where stories of the day’s discoveries can be exchanged over hearty meals. Clean water flows in abundance and while the solar panels that once provided electricity need to be replaced, they stand as a testament to the sustainable ethos of this place.

Your basecamp in this Eden is nestled amidst not one, but three mesmerizing waterfalls, with the tallest majestically pouring down from a height of 80 meters. Each cascade offering a soothing melody to your adventure-filled days, while also making for exquisite viewpoints to appreciate the emerald expanse that is Rara Avis.

Revel in the thrill of resurrecting an Eco-tourism icon. Bring to life the stories that are yet to be written about the legendary Rara Avis experience, where guests embark on a journey of discovery and transformation, that many consider the highlight of their Costa Rican travels.

This sale is not just a transaction, but an adventure waiting to be seized; an adventure steeped in history and brimming with possibilities. It’s your chance to continue and expand on a legacy that has been an inspiration to global conservation efforts. Embrace the opportunity to continue the trailblazing work of Amos Bien, to inspire further environmental studies, and to leave your own indelible mark on the world of Eco-tourism and conservation. The story of Rara Avis is not over, and you have the chance to pen the next exciting chapter.

Read Grow Jungles articles on Rara Avis:

Amos Bien – The Man Responsible for Eco-Tourism in Costa Rica (growjungles.com)

Rara Avis-Impact On Rainforest Conservation (growjungles.com)