Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

 Location: Puntarenas Province, high on the Continental Divide between Volcan Arenal and Laguna de Arenal, about 180 km (110 miles) from San Jose

See Monteverde Tourism Region

Size: 10,500 Ha. (26,000 acres)
    
Date of Creation: 1972

Elevation: 1440m (4662 ft)

About:

Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is known to be one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the Americas.  It is located on the continental divide in the northeastern part of Costa Rica in the Tilaran mountain range.  Having both east and western exposures, unique weather affects the region year round.  Warm air masses from the Pacific block moisture from the Caribbean, creating cloudy, misty conditions year round.  More than inches ( mm) of rain fall on the cloud forest of the Monteverde Reserve. These cloudy, moist conditions make for beautiful forests literally dripping with greenery. Mosses, bromeliads, orchids, ferns and other epiphytes adorn branches of majestic trees. The number of epiphytes living upon a tree in the tropical forest can help determine the age of the tree. Mature trees can have more than 400 unique species living upon their grandiose branches.

The elevational changes within the reserve also make available a variety of habitats, including four distinct life zones. The reserve houses more than 130 mammal species, 500 bird species, 120 amphibian and reptile species and more than 3000 species of plants, including 500+ different types of orchids. 

Birding is extremely popular here considering that more than half of Costa Rica’s entire bird species are found here in Monteverde. The Cloud Forest is especially known for the resplendent quetzal, three-wattled bellbird, black guan, bare-necked umbrella bird, golden-browed chlorophonia and other tanangers (more than 30 species in the Monteverde area).  The best time for bird watching is during the dry season, December to April, although there is not really a bad time to visit.

Trees that are exposed to the persistent winds at higher elevations are often stunted and form what is known as an elfin forest.  With contorted branches bent over from the perpetual winds, and branches covered in mosses, algae and other epiphytes, the trees all appear to grow in one particular direction - the direction the wind blows.  You can get your bearings this way and find the north by looking for this growth pattern, realizing that the winds predominately blow from the north Atlantic slope.

History:

Established in 1972, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve was the second protected area in Monteverde. Its popularity has grown in recent years.  During its first two years, only 1700 visitors passed through its gates. By 1985, 6000 visitors were received and in 2005, more than 200,000 visitors came to see its grandeur.

The Tropical Scientific Center manages and owns the private, non-profit preserve.  The Center’s goals are to protect and support scientific research and education.

Weather:

Average Temperature: 15 to 22 C (59 to 77 F)
Annual Rainfall: 3,000 mm (117 inches)

The cloud forest is often cloudy, humid and rainy or misty.

Activities:

Hiking, bird and wildlife viewing are popular in the cloud forest. Camping is possible at any of the three small shelters within the reserve, all suitable for up to ten people.  Each one has cooking supplies and a stove, potable water and beds.  There is a larger shelter suitable for up to 43 people, usually utilized by researchers and students.

Flora & Fauna:

In addition to all of the birds mentions above, the jaguar, ocelot, Baird’s tapir, howler monkey, two and three-toed sloths and pizote all call the cloud forest their home - not to mention the tens of thousands of insect species.  Most of the forests mammals are active at night and can be viewed on night tours.

Back to Top

Facilities:

1. A ranger station has maps of the reserve.  

2. There is a coffee shop, restaurant and gift shop with great books, T-shirt selections and other crafts.

3. Guided natural history tours and night hikes in either English or Spanish are available. (Reservations required for both).

4. Three Shelters: Two suitable for 10 people (cooking facilities, potable water and beds) and a larger shelter (dormitory) suitable for up to 43 people used by researchers and students.

5. A visitor center has slide show presentation facilities and educational videos.

Trails:

There are nine assorted and well-maintained trails in the reserve, with a total extension of 13km.  These trails wind through a variety of habitats and elevations offering spectacular views and great bird watching.  The 100m suspension bridge that spans over a gorge and tree tops on the Wilford Guindon trail, offers a bird's eye view of the canopy below.  

A map is provided upon entry to the park.

Schedule & Fees:

Schedule:Reserve open everyday: 7 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Guided Natural History walks: 7:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. (each tour lasts approx. 2 ½ hours)

Guided Night Hikes: 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. (reservation required; call 2-645-5112)

Fees:
Admission: adults: $13, Student with ID: $6.50, children under 12: $6.50

Guides: additional $15 per person

Night tours: $13 (guide included), $15 with roundtrip transportation from hotels.  Flashlights provided.

Slide Show: $3.00 per person (5 people minimum)

Shelters:  Eladios Shelter: (six-hour hike) $5 per night plus admission to the reserve each day.

Aleman Shelter: (three-hour hike) $3.50 per night, per person plus admission to the reserve each day.

Guide: One guide per group @ $20 is required for visitation to the shelters. The guide walks in with the group to the shelter to make sure all is in order and returns to headquarters the same day— the group stays at the shelter and returns without a guide.

Getting There:

From Santa Elena, take the winding gravel road that heads eastward, up the mountain.  After passing the cheese factory, continue for another ten minutes or so and follow signs to the reserve.  The road ends at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve after the split for San Luis which goes off to the right.

Recommendations:

1. Recommended clothing: hiking boots, long pants, windbreaker and rain gear.

2. Take at least one guided tour.  Wildlife hides, and without a guide, you are likely to only hear the chirping of birds hiding amongst the vegetation and nothing more.

3. Use a tripod for scenery shots, low light and shadows make for blurry pictures where the flash can’t reach.  Also, truer, brighter colors can be achieved.

4. Binoculars are very helpful and enhance the experience.

Nearby:

• Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve

• Coffee Tours

• Canopy Tours

Contact info:

Back to Top