terra viva...

...is a 300 acre property privately owned by a Costa Rican family.

With this wonderful piece of land we want to combine protection of the Cloud Forest (with over 150 acres of Private Reserve), education by hosting students and general public to join us from few hours to many days in our different activities, recreation (with so much space for outdoors enjoyment) and promote change among our neighbors by being a cutting-edge dairy operation with innovative, healthy and environmentally friendly practices.

We are on the quiet side of Monteverde, neighbors to the Santa Elena Reserve, just  3Km from town. 60% is primary forest, 30% is pastures for the dairy farm and horses, and the remainder has been recently devoted to forest regeneration. Besides comfortably accommodating 30 people, TERRA VIVA offers to its visitors:

· Private Wildlife  Reserve.

· Paths and trails for observing wildlife.

· Unique in Monteverde, horseback riding trail cutting through cloud forest, streams, with ocean views and beautiful scenery.

· Mountain pure water springs. 

· Opportunity to participate in the milking process, cheese making and other dairy-related activities. 

· Learn and participate in organic gardening-related activities.

· Join and participate in presentations and projects lead by our biologist.

Founder Federico Muñoz, is a renowned Costa Rican Biologist and Ecotourism Pioneer,  whose knowledge on Costa Rican Reptiles and Amphibians has made possible to publish the most complete units of information in the web about Costa Rican reptiles, co-author of the most complete Field Guide of Amphibians and Reptiles of Costa Rica .  His more than 18 years of experience as an Expedition Leader to different locations throughout Latin America and Africa account for his understanding and view of the Conservation Status of the natural heritage in our hemisphere, keeping him actively involved in the socio political arena regarding the fate of the rain forest.