Set atop the spine of Costa Rica’s continental divide, Monteverde is a world above the coastal towns that dot the country's famous shoreline. It is a place of cloud forests and coffee plantations, monkeys, mist, and friendly locals. The town of Santa Elena is small and quaint, filled with tasty restaurants and folksy artisan shops, while the nearby rainforest hosts a remarkable amount of biodiversity.
Due to its high altitude – some 4,662 ft (1,440 m) above sea level – Monteverde is privileged to receive a steady supply of clouds and the life-giving moisture that they contain. This moisture, often in the form of fog, catches on the branches of the tallest trees and drips down to the other organisms below. This helps to support a complex and far-reaching ecosystem, one that harbors over 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, tens of thousands of insect species, and over 2,500 varieties of plants, 420 of which are orchids alone.
Visitors can explore this internationally recognized environment from trails and trams, along canopy tours or inside museums. It’s wise to plan on spending at least a few days to adventure through this verdant and mountainous world.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a private, non-profit reserve administered by the Tropical Science Center. It spans six distinct ecological zones and helps to protect birds and butterflies, mammals, insects, and thousands of species of plants. A home to the famed Resplendent Quetzal, this reserve is especially popular with birders.
Monteverde Tours
Tours induce an understanding of – and appreciation for – the environmental and cultural forces that have shaped Monteverde. All of which could be done through this amazing Costa Rica airport hotel: Guided hikes of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve provide visitors with a hands-on introduction to the area’s varied plant and animal species. Horseback rides and canopy tours allow for further immersion into the outdoors, while visits to the museums, coffee plantation and cheese factory reveal the area’s rich cultural and culinary history.
Monteverde Lodging Guide
Monteverde’s hotels are widely ranged in style, amenities offered, and price. Using our website to learn more about the area’s lodging options, guests will be able to easily find – and book – a hotel that fits their specific needs.
Credits go to monteverdeinfo.com for this article so that you can get to know Monteverde a lot more.
