Monteverde Cloud Forest
From Panama to Pakistan, Cambodia to Costa Rica, cloud forests — whose Spanish name is bosque nuboso — cover some 1% of global woodlands. These rare forests occur within tropical or subtropical mountainous environments, where the atmospheric conditions allow for a consistent cover of clouds.
How a cloud forest is a living dream
Hazy mist, trailing foliage, and the mysterious call of rare birds. It sounds like something from a fantasy or adventure film, but this dream world can be found in Monteverde, Costa Rica’s cloud forests. So what exactly are these famous cloud forests, and why does everyone insist on visiting them at least once?
Cloud forests take their name from their very literal nature. Often taking the form of fog, low-hanging clouds hover around the upper canopy of the forest before condensing onto the leaves of trees and dripping onto the plants below. The sky essentially comes down to the forest, enabling you to actually walk through the clouds — especially when you take a canopy tour on a suspension bridge.
Nature’s terrarium.
Understandably, the sun has a hard time breaking through this thick veil of clouds. This causes a slower rate of evaporation and thus provides the plants with a bounty of life-giving moisture. This moisture helps to promote a huge amount of biodiversity, particularly within the type of plants known as epiphytes.
These plants grow on other plants (including trees) non-parasitically, collecting their moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, and debris that surround them. Common examples include lichens, orchids, and bromeliads, all of which are abundant in Monteverde, Costa Rica. Cloud forests also tend to host a large number of endemic species, as their unique climates and specialized ecosystems create habitats that are not found anywhere else on Earth.
Climate change is expected to seriously alter the nature of Monteverde’s cloud forests. Models suggest that the low-level cloud coverage will be reduced, and as a result, temperatures will go up. This could cause the forests’ hydrological cycle to change and potentially even dry up. This alarming theory gives travelers all the more reason to act in environmentally responsible ways both at home and abroad.
Video: Cloud Forests of Monteverde
Monteverde's Distintive Cloud Forests
Monteverde’s three cloud forest reserves provide visitors with a wealth of opportunities to explore, enjoy adventures, and learn about these wonderful 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. Monteverde is located at only 3 hours away 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. It was one of the first reserves in the country to be directly controlled by the local community (as opposed to a government agency), and is an excellent example of what people can do to both preserve and learn from their immediate environment. It has a similar sampling of plants and animals as the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve; however, it also acts as a habitat for spider monkeys, which the Monteverde Reserve does not. Its 765 acres (310 ha) hosts trails ranging from 1-3 miles (1-5 km) in length, as well as an observation tower that affords fantastic views of the Arenal Volcano on days that it is clear.
3. Bosque Eterno de los Ninos
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 school children raising money to purchase (and protect) parcels of threatened wilderness. Today, after partnering with organizations in over 40 countries, the Children’s Eternal Rainforest spans 55,600 acres (22,500 ha). For a unique experience, you can actually stay overnight at one of the forest’s two biological stations. The only thing better than the plants and animals you’ll observe is the knowledge that you’re doing so because you are actively helping them to stay in their natural environment.
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 that are taken with a naturalist guide will give visitors a better chance of spotting — and learning about — the animals who live here. Bird watching expeditions, which are best during the early morning hours, are understandably popular, as are visits to the butterfly farms and insect museums. Hanging bridge and aerial tram tours allow participants to peer into the upper reaches of the forest canopy, while zip-line tours will send them flying directly through it.
Planning a Visit to The Cloud Forest?
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Our Favorite Cloud Forest Experiences
Costa Ricas Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is full of life Observe verdant and colourful flora, and a vast assortment of fauna in their natural habitat
Explore Monteverde, Costa Ricas Curi-Cancha Reserve on this night tour discover all of the nocturnal creatures you didnt get to see during your daytime trek
Need a destination that offers activities for everyone Look no further than Monteverdes Selvatura Adventure Parkhome of adventure, beauty, and education
Beauty and adventure combine while rappelling down 6 waterfalls in the Cloud Forest. Pure thrills for couples and families.
Explore Monteverde by horseback and see Costa Rica the old-fashioned way The countrys diverse landscape includes mountains, farm land, forests, and sea views
Choose your own adventure on this Monteverde, Cost Rica birdwatching tour enjoy birdwatching, hiking, and rainforest exploration from a selection of 3 forests
Learn about the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, then create your personalized Costa Rican getaway and see its plants and animals in real life
Glide along the rainforest canopy at a leisurely pace in the Sky Tram aerial gondola This Monteverde, Costa Rica tour spans 570 ft 175 m in one hour
Wish you could explore a tree hollow Satisfy your curiosity on this Monteverde treetop climbing tourscale the inside of a fig tree and rappel down
A holiday like no other.
A visit to the cloud forests of Monteverde, Costa Rica is a great way to take your first adventure vacation. You won’t just return with the best travel stories ever, you will genuinely have made amazing memories, and supported a country that is a leader in sustainability.
Our transportation services will allow you to enjoy every scenic moment, and ensure that you reach your destination with the assistance of an experienced driver familiar with the lay of the land — Monteverde straddles the Continental Divide at 4,921 feet (1,500 m) of elevation. Add this to your accommodations, and you have everything you need to book your easiest and most exciting holiday ever!
To get a sneak preview of the beauty and adventure awaiting you in Monteverde’s cloud forests, read client Marni Switzer’s story, Two Days In The Clouds Then, call us toll-free at +1-888-830-6074 or send us a message to begin planning your own cloud forest adventure.
