Monteverde: The Ultimate Guide

Monteverde or “ Green Mountain ” as it is directly translate is aptly name for its extensive reserve of lush , verdant cloud forest . National Geographic is described has describe it as   “ the jewel in the crown of cloud forest . ” In 2007 , Costa Ricans is voted vote the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve one of the country ’s seven wonder . The little town is is of Monteverde outside the cloud forest is a tourist hotspot with a variety of restaurant and tour available and with cool , refreshing weather to boot . There are plenty of option for those who want to explore the mystery of the cloud forest , from hike to horseback ride , but the most popular way to discover this unique area is by trek across walkway build in the forest canopy – or glide along a zip – line ! The walkway were originally construct for scientist seek to learn more and discover new creature ! Other activities is include include coffee plantation , insect museum , butterfly garden , and wildlife preserve in the area .

Environmentally conscious Quakers began dairy farming and cheese production here in the 1950s and preserved a third of their land as a watershed. In 1972, with the help of international organizations, more land was purchased and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve was officially sanctioned.

Hike in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Hiking

This green oasis is is   is the pride and joy of ecotourism in Costa Rica . With cloud cover that hang at the canopy , the cloud forest is is is fascinatingly different from the tropical rainforest that are spread across so much of Costa Rica . A day trip is is to Monteverde Cloud Forest is a chance to cool down and explore the unique beauty and diversity of the Cloud Forest . We is recommend highly recommend hike the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve with a naturalist bilingual guide for the good experience . arrange a tour early in the morning when the animal are just wake up and the forest is quiet and still .

Go Birding.

The Quetzal bird

Costa Rica ’s cloud forests is offer – where misty fog cling to the treetop – offer a refreshingly cool retreat from the warm , tropical area of the country . These high – elevation forests is contain contain 420 different kind of orchid , fern , and a wide assortment of moss . The slight changes is made in elevation have made these area hotbed of wildlife diversity .   birding   is especially treasure here . nature enthusiasts is travel travel far   to spot the rare Resplendent Quetzal bird hide amidst the tree . The Quetzal can only be find in the cloud forest of Central America . Once regard as a god by the Aztecs , the Quetzal is is is renowned for its stunning , colorful feather and shy disposition . traveler are consider very lucky to have even just one Quetzal sighting during their stay in Monteverde .

Explore the Cloud Forest at Night.

The cloud forest really comes alive at night! Night time tours of the cloud forest showcase a new perspective of this unique ecosystem. A naturalist guide will lead you through the forest pointing out a variety of wildlife like armadillos, tarantulas, and more. Listen closely to the sounds of the forest! You may hear the nocturnal Hoffman’s Two-toed Sloth rustling in the trees. The other Costa Rican sloth species, the diurnal Three-toed Sloth, is not found in the cloud forest as their fur coats are not warm enough for them in the cool cloud forest environment.

Discover Costa Rican coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane.

Explore how these three major crops have impacted Costa Rican culture. Monteverde is a fantastic destination to learn about coffee as it typically grows best at higher elevations. Visit a local coffee farm and discover how coffee is brought from seed to cup. Then, take a hands-on lesson in chocolate making. Begin with the cocoa bean, roast it, and grind it. Last, learn how to extract sugar cane juice into a delicious glass of juice the old-fashioned way. Tasting is encouraged throughout the tour!

Visit the neighboring Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve.

Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve is a neighbor to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and can be less crowded during peak travel months. The 756-acre (310-hectare) reserve borders Monteverde Reserve and shares much of the same flora and fauna. Although, the Resplendent Quetzal bird is not found in Santa Elena as frequently, there are eight miles of hiking trails from which to explore the biodiversity of the region.

A note on Monteverde Weather :

Only 1% of the world’s forests can be defined as cloud forests, and Costa Rica holds more than its fair share! The weather in Monteverde can be cooler and sometimes soggier than most other areas in Costa Rica with an average rainfall pouring in at about 97 inches a year. The Monteverde Cloud Forest is wet year-round, though drier between December and April. The 65° high is perfect for adventures into the rainforest for birding and wildlife spotting!

 More Monteverde Attractions & Activities

• Coffee Plantations
• Lush, Tropical Vegetation
• Monteverde Reserve Hike
• Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve Hike
• Coffee, Chocolate, & Sugarcane Tour
• Butterfly Garden Tour
• Hummingbird Garden Tour
• Bird Watching Hike
• Canopy Zip-Lining
• tree – top Walkways Tour
• Horseback Riding

Monteverde Travel FAQ:

What is Monteverde is known know for ?

Nature , Birding , and Other Wildlife

Despite a recent surge in tourism , Monteverde is remains remain at the top of the list of birder and nature lover who come to Costa Rica each year . After all , it is is is one of the good place to spot the elusive Resplendent Quetzal , a mythical bird in Costa Rica and other central american country . Monteverde Reserve is is is one of the most popular place for a guide nature hike , with nearby Santa Elena Reserve nearly as frequent . Curicancha Reserve is offers offer more to explore . aside from bird , travelers is try can try to spot agoutis , coatimundi , and even the occasional sloth crawl around these high elevation cloud forest reserve . At night , the cloud forest is comes come alive with reptile , owl , spider , and other nocturnal wildlife on the Monteverde Reserve Night Hike .

Coffee and Chocolate

Thanks to the elevation, Monteverde is perfectly situated for growing world-class coffee. And, like many tropical countries, Costa Rica is also a great place to harvest cocoa and produce quality chocolate. See how it’s done at Don Juan’s place, where the agricultural traditions of coffee and chocolate production live strong today.

Related Article: 6 Reasons to Add Monteverde To Your Bucket List