Children’s Eternal Rainforest: A Lesson in Conservation That Changed the World

Can you imagine a tropical forest so vast that it spans multiple mountain ranges, shelters thousands of animal species, and was purchased acre by acre using the piggy bank savings of children from all over the world?

This is not a fairy tale. This place actually exists, it is located in Costa Rica, and it is known as the Children’s Eternal Rainforest (or Bosque Eterno de los Niños — BEN). Spanning nearly 57,000 acres (23,000 hectares), it is the largest private reserve in the country and stands as one of the most inspiring conservation stories on the planet.

If you are planning a trip to Costa Rica or looking for a hiking destination that combines dreamlike landscapes with a profound purpose, this hidden gem of the cloud forest must be on your itinerary. You can discover more details about their current projects and history by visiting the official website of the Monteverde Conservation League (ACM).

A Story Born in a Primary School Classroom

In the late 1980s, severe deforestation heavily threatened the pristine forests surrounding the Monteverde region. Upon hearing about this impending crisis, a group of primary school children in Sweden asked a simple yet powerful question: What can we do to save it?

They began baking cakes, recycling, and donating their own allowances to buy and protect the land. This initiative quickly went viral—long before the era of the internet—and schools from the United States, Germany, Japan, and Costa Rica itself rapidly joined the cause. Thanks to this global youth mobilization, the Monteverde Conservation League (ACM) was able to acquire and unify the territories that now make up this massive biological corridor.

What Makes the Children’s Eternal Rainforest So Special?

The BEN is not just another forest; it is a critical global biodiversity hotspot. Due to its unique geographic position and wide altitudinal range, it shelters an astonishing variety of wildlife:

• A Sanctuary for Big Cats: It is one of the few safe havens left in Central America for all six of Costa Rica’s wild feline species: the jaguar, puma, ocelot, margay, jaguarundi, and oncilla.
• A Birdwatcher’s Paradise: It is home to iconic species such as the majestic Resplendent Quetzal, the Three-wattled Bellbird (known for its unmistakable metallic call), and dozens of hummingbird species.
• A Natural Water Factory: This cloud forest acts like a massive sponge, feeding the rivers that supply water to surrounding local communities and national hydroelectric projects.

How to Visit: Stations Open to the Public

While the vast majority of the reserve is strictly protected for scientific research, the Children’s Eternal Rainforest features several trails and stations perfectly set up for sustainable tourism:

1. Bajo del Tigre (Monteverde Area): Perfect for families, day hikes, and night tours. It offers breathtaking views of the Gulf of Nicoya. Its vegetation is slightly drier than the upper cloud forest, making it incredibly easy to spot birds and small mammals.
2. San Gerardo Station: Nestled deep in the heart of the cloud forest, this station features stunning views of the Arenal Volcano. It offers rustic lodge accommodations for those who want to spend the night surrounded by the pure sounds of the mountain. If you love remote, misty mountain environments and hidden gems, we also highly recommend checking out our adventure guide on the Cataratas de la Nube in San Gerardo.
3. Pocosol Station: Located right next to a beautiful volcanic lake. This spot is perfect for adventurous hikers looking for challenging trails, hidden waterfalls, and boiling mud fumaroles.