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Karen Mogensen Nature Reserve

The trail follows the stream through a shallow valley for about a kilometer before starting up the side of a rocky ravine to the wall where the bridal veil waterfall tumbles into a deep green pool.  Two smaller falls drop into larger pools and the bottom one has a couple of great jumping rocks and a rope swing.

The reserve is private property owned and operated by the Ecological Association of Paquera, Lepanto, Cóbano (ASEPALECO) a non-profit conservation and education organization.

The name of the reserve is often misrepresented as Morgensen or Morgenson.

Getting There

Please Note: ASEPALECO requests all visitors make reservations for stays at the Cerro Escondido ecolodge and day hikes.  All visitors must be accompanied by a guide.  Please call  506-2650-0607 or e-mail asepalec@racsa.co.cr

Bridal veil falls
Bridal veil falls
Acadian flycatcher (Empidonax virescens)
Acadian flycatcher (Empidonax virescens) bird watching in Karen Mogensen nature reserve
rope swing
rope swing into the swimming hole
Pale-billed woodpecker (Campephilus guatemalensis)
Pale-billed woodpecker (Campephilus guatemalensis) pulling a grub out of a tree trunk
Trail branches
The trail splits with one branch to the waterfall and the other continuing to the Cerro Escondido EcoLodge.
scary spider
king vulture (Sarcoramphus papa)
This king vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) was circling the thermals over the ravine
smaller waterfall
A smaller waterfall drops into a cool pool. It’s so perfect it’s almost a cliche of tropical swimming hole
Wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina)
Wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) is rare in Costa Rica where is spends the winter months
Bridal veil falls is a rewading destination in the Karen Mogensen nature reserve
when a 10″ freswater shrimp pinches your toe
Sue got an amazing shot of a king vulture (Sarcoramphus papa) in flight above the waterfall in the Karen Morgenson Reserve, Nicoya Peninsula, Guanacaste Costa Rica

Ray & Sue

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Wildlife Refuges & Reserves

Wildlife Refuges & Reserves
  • Karen Mogensen Nature Reserve
  • Portalón Estero Rey National Wildlife Refuge
  • Hacienda Barú National Wildlife Refuge Photos
  • Rainmaker Biological Reserve Photos
  • Hills of Portalón Wildlife Refuge
  • Bahía Junquillal National Wildlife Refuge Photos
  • Playa Hermosa-Punta Mala National Wildlife Refuge Photos
  • Transition Dry to Rain Forest
  • Caño Negro Photos
  • Gandoca Manzanillo Photos



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