Indigenous Reserve General Information

The Indigenous Reserve is located in the coastal range that goes from Cahuita to Puerto Viejo. Topography is hilly with the maximum altitude at Turúa Hill. Hills are steeply sloped (e.g. 30% to 45% slope) but interrupted by more gently sloping hills towards the Cocles River Watershed. There are several rivers that originate in the forested area: Aköldi (Hotel Creek) and Kéköldi (Cocles). These rivers are an important water source for the nearby towns of Puerto Viejo, Hone Creek, Patiño, Olivia and Margarita.

The average daily temperature in the region is 75 ºF with a minimum temperature around 65 ºF. The average annual precipitation is ~93 inches. The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica has one year-long rainy season, but there are moderately dry seasons from February to April, and September to November. In general, this area is high in humidity and rainfall. Humidity can reach up to 90% and in a regular week it can be three to four days of sun and up to three days of rain (some of them consecutive). This is why it is called the rain forest! So expect and prepare for strenuous walking and working along steep and muddy trails!

The Kéköldi Indigenous Reserve is located within the Tropical Humid Forest Life Zone (THF). Approximately 20 – 30% of the Reserve has characteristics of primary forest. Other areas look heavily forested with some canopy trees. Most of these areas have cocoa trees (Theobroma cacao) in the understory. Within the reserve there are also some open agricultural areas for growing basic grains. These areas regenerate to “tacotales” and secondary forest of different stages.