Few travelers realize how far the Children’s Eternal Rainforest (Bosque Eterno de los Niños) truly extends. While most associate it with the misty highlands of Monteverde, its boundaries reach deep into Costa Rica’s northern region—spanning volcanic foothills, river valleys, and cloud-draped forests that stretch all the way to the lush slopes surrounding Chachagua Rainforest Hotel & Hot Springs.
Here, where Chachagua’s private reserve meets the forest’s outer edge, nature forms a seamless connection—a living corridor that links protected lands, shelters countless species, and supports the flow of life from mountain peak to lowland river. This quiet overlap is one of Costa Rica’s greatest ecological treasures, and one of the most accessible for Chachagua’s guests.
At its northern edge lies Pocosol Station, an under the radar gateway to the Children’s Eternal Rainforest. This hidden corner offers a rare opportunity to experience the essence of the reserve up close—without the crowds, but with all the magic.
Marvel at Pocosol Station
For those who love visual storytelling, we invite you to glimpse this extraordinary landscape before your visit. Watch our short video of Pocosol Station and discover the verdant trails, waterfalls, and vibrant birdlife that await you—just about 10 miles away from Chachagua Rainforest Hotel.
A Living Legacy of Conservation
The story of the Children’s Eternal Rainforest is unlike any other. Born from the dreams of children around the world, it began in the late 1980s when school groups raised funds to protect Costa Rica’s vanishing forests. Their efforts grew into a global movement, resulting in what is now the country’s largest private reserve, safeguarding more than 22,000 hectares (56,000 acres) of pristine forest.
Today, the reserve spans seven ecological life zones—from tropical rainforest to cloud forest—and serves as a protective buffer and biological bridge between Monteverde, Arenal, and the surrounding private lands like Chachagua. It sustains clean water sources, helps regulate local climates, and provides vital refuge for wildlife moving through the region.
Incredibly, this single protected area shelters over 3% of Costa Rica’s butterflies and nearly 5% of the world’s bird species. Within the forests bordering Chachagua, travelers are immersed in one of the richest birding areas in northern Costa Rica—home to motmots, hummingbirds toucans, tanagers, trogons, woodpeckers, and the occasional glimpse of a raptor gliding above the canopy.
For travelers, it is both a conservation triumph and a living classroom—proof that small actions, when united by purpose, can make a difference.
Pocosol Station - A Scenic Drive from Chachagua
One of the most rewarding ways to experience the Children’s Eternal Rainforest from Chachagua is through a guided day expedition to Pocosol Station, about 10 miles away. The journey itself is part of the adventure.
The drive winds through rolling farmland, forested slopes, and rural communities that border the Peñas Blancas River valley—a landscape shaped by both natural beauty and human harmony with the land. Along the way, guests often spot toucans, herons, or even a roadside sloth basking in the morning sun.
Upon arrival, Pocosol’s network of 6.2 miles of trails invites exploration. Trails weave through towering rainforest to a tranquil lagoon, cascading waterfalls, and even small geothermal fumaroles venting steam from beneath the earth. The chorus of frogs, cicadas, and birds accompanies each step, reminding visitors that this forest is alive in every sense.
The Peñas Blancas River, which cuts through the reserve, does more than nourish life—it helps generate clean hydroelectric power for nearby communities, a perfect example of how nature and people coexist sustainably in this region.
Birdwatchers, in particular, find Pocosol a dream come true. The combination of altitude, microclimates, and habitat diversity attracts a dazzling array of species—from hummingbirds and motmots to colorful tanagers and toucans. It’s no wonder this area is a favorite for ornithologists and nature photographers alike.
Experiencing the CER on Your Terms
We help you make every aspect of your visit seamless. Transportation is arranged for comfort and convenience, and our knowledgeable concierge team helps you choose the ideal trails and times of day for wildlife sightings. Pair your adventure with a morning coffee in your Master Bungalow, an afternoon hot spring soak, or a quiet yoga session back at the lodge – making your day in the Children’s Eternal Rainforest a fully restorative experience.
Our guests often remark on the sensory richness of the forest: the chorus of birds and insects, the scent of wet earth and tropical flowers, and the play of sunlight on leaves that seems to set the canopy aglow. Children and adults alike discover that learning is effortless when you’re surrounded by life at every turn.
A Commitment to Conservation and Connection
Every visit to the CER reinforces why Chachagua exists: to foster connection to Costa Rica’s natural and cultural heritage while protecting it for future generations.
By staying at Chachagua and supporting experiences like our Pocosol hiking excursion, you’re contributing to a sustainable model of tourism, ensuring that these forests – and their countless inhabitants – continue to thrive for generations to come.
Ready to Explore this Green Wonderland?
The Children’s Eternal Rainforest is waiting to be discovered – and our concierge team makes it easy. Let us arrange your day experience at Pocosol, complete with transportation and the guidance you need to explore this extraordinary reserve.
And when you return, the discovery doesn’t end. As our guest, you’re invited to join Chachagua’s complimentary daily nature hikes, where our guides introduce you to the wonders of our private Chachagua Rainforest Reserve. Pause to watch a toucan, follow a trail of leafcutter ants, or simply stand still and listen – the rainforest has countless stories to share.
Plan your excursion with the concierge, join us on the trails at Chachagua, and let the rainforest become part of your journey. We’ll see you in nature!