Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica

Monteverde's Distinctive Cloud Forests

Monteverde's three cloud forest reserves give visitors a wealth of opportunities to explore, enjoy adventures, and learn about these ecosystems while on vacation in Costa Rica.

1. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve was established in 1972 and initially covered some 810 acres (328 ha) of forested land. Nowadays, its protective reach extends over 35,089 acres (14,200 ha) and encompasses eight life zones atop the Continental Divide. There are over 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, and 1,200 species of amphibians and reptiles living within its bounds. It's one of the few remaining habitats that support all six species of the cat family — jaguars, ocelots, pumas, oncillas, margays, and jaguarundis — as well as the endangered three-wattled bellbird and resplendent quetzal. Over 8 miles (13 km) of trails are available for visitors to explore on their own or with a guide; a self-guided trail booklet in English and Spanish is sold at the entrance. Guided group tours run about 2.5 hours and include the entrance fee. Monteverde is located about 3 hours from San Jose Costa Rica.

2. Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve

The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve was established in 1989 and is managed and operated by the community of Santa Elena, one of the first reserves in the country to be directly controlled by the local community rather than a government agency. It shares much of the same plant and animal life as the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, but it also acts as a habitat for spider monkeys, which the Monteverde Reserve does not. Its 765 acres (310 ha) hold trails ranging from 1–3 miles (1–5 km), as well as an observation tower with views of the Arenal Volcano on clear days. Trails are open 7 AM to 4 PM daily, and guided tours run about 3 hours.

3. Bosque Eterno de los Niños

Translated from Spanish as the "Children's Eternal Rainforest," this cloud forest holds extra special meaning to the Monteverde community. Maintained by the Monteverde Conservation League (MCL), this protected area started with Swedish schoolchildren raising money to purchase and protect parcels of threatened wilderness. Today, after partnering with organizations in more than 40 countries, the Children's Eternal Rainforest spans 55,600 acres (22,500 ha) — Costa Rica's largest private reserve. The publicly visitable section, Bajo del Tigre, offers a 2-mile (3.5 km) trail system near town, open daily 8 AM to 4 PM ($8 adults, $5 students), plus a guided Twilight Walk at 5:30 PM to see nocturnal birds, insects and mammals. For a longer stay, the MCL also operates two backcountry biological stations, San Gerardo and Poco Sol, open to independent travelers and student groups by reservation.

There are an assortment of activities within the Monteverde area to help visitors engage with these forests. Hikes through the reserves allow tourists to see, smell, and even touch the interior of these jungles. Hikes taken with a naturalist guide give visitors a better chance of spotting — and learning about — the animals who live here. Hanging bridge and aerial tram tours allow participants to peer into the upper reaches of the forest canopy, while zip-line tours send them flying directly through it.