A deep commitment to conservation, education, and community.
Cuericí Biological Station is a place where nature and research meet in harmony.
Founded in 1989 by a group of friends with a desire to protect and preserve the high-altitude tropical forest, we are a diverse team of scientists, conservationists, and local families working together to ensure the conservation of this invaluable ecosystem.
Through a collaborative approach, the station serves as both a research center and an educational space for those seeking to learn about the environment and its protection.
Our love for nature and the urgent need to conserve it inspire us every step of the way.
We know that a forest is not just a collection of trees, but a home teeming with life.
We are driven by the vision of a world where future generations can continue exploring and learning from the natural ecosystem, while becoming agents of positive change for the planet.
At Cuericí, we not only protect the forest, but we also foster an environment of continuous learning.
We offer opportunities for students and researchers from around the world, creating a space where scientific research and sustainable practices go hand in hand.
Furthermore, we collaborate with local families, who are key partners in our sustainable initiatives, such as food production and the responsible management of natural resources.
Sustainability is the cornerstone of our work.
We not only seek to preserve the natural environment, but also to inspire others to adopt practices that respect ecological balance.
From responsible resource management to agroecological initiatives, we work to demonstrate that conservation and development can go hand in hand.
The Cuericí Biological Station is located in a unique setting, surrounded by a mostly primary, high-altitude tropical forest that harbors the characteristic biodiversity of this ecosystem. Its strategic location, bordering the Río Macho Forest Reserve, connects it to the largest conservation area in Costa Rica. This corridor includes Cerro de la Muerte National Park, Cerro Chirripó National Park, La Amistad International Park, and the Cabécar and Bribri Indigenous Reserves, creating an exceptional environment for scientific research as it is integrated into an interconnected protected system.
The station’s history begins in the 1960s, when the land was settled by the Serrano family. In 1989, a conservation-minded group, inspired by the desire to protect this ecosystem, acquired the property. This group adopted a clear philosophy: they do not consider themselves owners, but rather custodians of the forest. Their mission has been to care for these lands and allow nature to take its course, ensuring their protection in perpetuity.
In addition to its ecological value, the station is a model of sustainability. Two local families, partners in the project, manage it using responsible practices that combine conservation with productive activities. These include trout farming, the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and wild berries, egg and meat production through raising chickens, and small-scale cattle ranching for milk and meat. These practices support both the families and the operation of the station.
The station’s land offers an ecological richness that makes it a living laboratory for students and scientists. Its areas include primary forest, secondary forest in various stages of regeneration, and transition zones, providing an invaluable opportunity to study ecological processes such as succession and the interaction between different habitat types.
To safeguard the high-altitude rainforest as a sanctuary of life, where nature and knowledge intertwine. Our commitment is to preserve this unique ecosystem for future generations, fostering learning, research, and a deep connection with the natural wealth that surrounds us.
To become a global leader in the conservation and study of high-altitude tropical forests, inspiring future generations to value and protect natural ecosystems. We aspire to be a model of sustainability, where scientific research, environmental education, and community development intertwine to create a lasting positive impact, both in the region and throughout the country.
If you would like to learn more about our work or collaborate with us, please feel free to contact us or explore our projects.
