Founded by Quakers and owned by a non-profit organisation, the 10,500-hectare reserve consists of primary cloud forest with stunted trees festooned with an abundance of epiphytes (ferns, mosses, lichens, bromeliads and orchids). The reserve is home to the rare and beautiful golden toad (now possibly extinct) and over a hundred species of mammals including black howler monkey, sloth and six species of jungle cat (including the elusive jaguar and puma).
The main attractions are 400-plus species of birds which can be seen in the reserve including 30 species of hummingbird, rarities such as the three-wattled bellbird, bare-necked umbrella bird and the resplendent quetzal, the fabled Maya God-bird which is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful birds in the world.
One may also visit the town, traverse the SkyWalk canopy walkway, ride the long zip-lines of the SkyTrek, and visit the nearby reserve of Santa Elena.
