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Monteverde Costa Rica

Monteverde is located in the Tilaran Cordillera (mountain range) of Costa Rica. It takes 4 hours to drive from San Jose and the final part of the trip is on gravel road. Breezy and cool, Monteverde translates literally as Green Mountain, and that is exactly what you will find at the end of the steep and winding dirt road that leads there. Monteverde was settled in the 1950’s by North American Quakers who chose Costa Rica primarily because it had no standing army. Although Monteverde's founders came here to farm the land, they wisely recognized the need to preserve the rare cloud forest that covered the mountain slopes above their fields, and to that end they dedicated the largest adjacent tract of forest as the Monteverde Biological Cloud Forest Reserve. Perched on a high mountain ridge, this tiny scattered village and surrounding cloud forest and rain forest are well known both among scientific researchers and eco travelers. When you visit this region of Costa Rica, you will find some great lodges and hotels that will fit perfectly into your budget and plans.

The Monteverde Biological Cloud Forest Reserve covers 26,000 acres (10,522 hectares) of forest, including several different life zones that are characterized by different types of plants and animals. Within this small area in Monteverde Costa Rica there are more than 2,000 species of plants, 400 species of birds, and 100 different species of mammals. It's no wonder that the site had constant scientific investigations since its founding in 1972. Walk on the well maintained trail system which will allow you to explore a part of the reserve. In monte verde, you can get a bird’s eye view of the forest by sliding along over the canopy, or by taking a guided (or un-guided) hike on tree top walkways. You can also explore local museums full of the region’s flora and fauna, or go horseback riding along the forest floor, for yet another perspective of Monte Verde, Costa Rica.

Near the Monteverde Reserve you’ll find the Santa Elena Reserve. In the early 1990’s Santa Elena Reserve was created in response to the increasing number of visitors to this Costa Rican region. The Santa Elena community owns this piece of land which is home to quetzals, deer, sloth, ocelots, and howler monkeys. The Reserve covers an area of 1,480 acres (600 hectares). Santa Elena is located at a higher altitude so expect more clouds and rain. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended when traveling to the Santa Elena and Monteverde Rain forest area, particularly during the rainy season. Bird watchers can easily spot resplendent quetzals and humming birds early in the morning or late in the afternoon. These forests are also world known for once being the habitat of the golden toad. This is an endemic species discovered in 1964 and scientists say that since 1988 just a few sightings of the toad have been reported. Many believe that the golden toad might already have become extinct. There are more than 425 species of birds, thousands of species of insects, and innumerable plants, reptiles and mammals, including jaguars, tapirs, agoutis, coatis, toucans, sloth, howler monkeys, poison dart frogs, tarantulas, and of course the area’s famous Quetzal. Browse through our links and find information on hotels, tours, activities, car rentals and more in the Monteverde Cloud Forest area.