Refugio San Antonio is protecting a vast contiguous forest area of premontane old growth primary as well as secondary rainforest and cloud forest within the Path of the Tapir Biological Corridor and the UNESCO Savegre Biosphere Reserve. The reserve extends west of San Isidro at 500 - 1300 meters above sea level. The reserve is managed by a locals with the goal of preserving and expanding this important buffer zone through reforestation and natural succession. Interested nature lovers can stay in the traditional country house, built at the highest point of the reserve. At 1300 meters, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding primary forests, the town of San Isidro and the Cordilliera Talamanca with the Chirripó, the highest mountain in the country, and all the way to the Pacific with incredible sunsets. The house is equipped to comfortably accommodate up to six people in three bedrooms.

Our local caretaker can guide adventurous nature lovers to the beauties of the reserve on one of the many private trails. Alternatively an English speaking certified nature guide can be hired for more in depths nature explorations. A 20 minute trail on Guaria ridge leads through mossy and bromeliad-covered cloud forest with spectacular views of the Pacific coast to a secluded wood cabin in the midst of the rainforest ideal for meditation, reading, nature observation or just to disconnect. Adventurous hikers reach Rio San Antonio after a further descent, and are rewarded with pristine waterfalls and swimming holes to cool off. A day hike to the hidden waterfalls of Rio Guabito requires very good physical condition, but is rewarded with wildlife sightings and the magical atmosphere of old-growth primary forest. Several additional areas of the reserve can be explored at will, either on horseback or on foot. For less ambitious hikers, a number of shorter trails allow for leisurely exploration of the various climatic and vegetation zones of the nature reserve.

A former sheep pasture and cabin that have recently been added to the reserve can be reached by car, horseback or on foot by guests interested in active reforestation efforts and natural succession at work in the tropics. The house is located in a pleasant climate zone, with mild temperatures during the day and refreshing temperatures at night. Refugio San Antonio is 20 minutes from San Isidro de El General, 30 minutes from the waterfalls of Nauyaca and 45 minutes from the beaches of Dominical. All proceeds benefit in full the conservation and reforestation projects of the reserve. In 2022 and 2023 more than 6000 trees of 90 different species have been planted in collaboration with the local communities.