This 9,154 ha. reserve on the interior side of the Valle de la Estrella protects a remote and relatively unexplored area of rain forest. Trails through the forest are limited in extent and tend to be very muddy. One of the best ways of penetrating the reserve is to walk the river beds upstream. This is also a good way to be able to glimpse the strikingly patterned Sun bittern, a bird that frequents tropical streams.

Just getting to the reserve can make for an interesting all-day adventure (see "Getting there"). Huge colonies of Montezuma Oropendolas and Chestnut-headed Oropendolas, large members of the oriole family with bright yellow tails, can be found nesting in the valley from January to August. Nest trees are easy to spot since they sport dozens of meter-long hanging pouch nests that the birds so expertly weave.

Getting there

From Limón, drive towards Cahuita and turn right at the sign for Penshurst (about 34 km. from Puerto Limón). In about nine kilometers you will reach the extensive banana plantations of the Estrella River Valley, where navigation becomes a bit tricky and even claustrophobic as you drive for nearly 10 kilometers through a seemingly endless maze of bananas (it's a good idea to ask directions of people you encounter). Once beyond the banana plantations, the dirt road begins to rise above the valley floor and offers some nice vistas. Four-wheel-drive will also be necessary during these last 14 kilometers to the reserve entrance.

Climate

Be prepared for rain. The daytime temperatures are warm, but given that the reserve is at an elevation of several hundred meters, it could get a bit cool if you are camping overnight.

History

The name of this reserve comes from the two main rivers that run through it, the Hitoy and the Cerere. These are names in the Bribri language which mean "moss-covered" and "clear waters," respectively.

The epicenter of the April 1991 quake that damaged much of the province, was located near the biological reserve which suffered numerous landslides and tree falls.