Monteverde Cloud Forest

Monteverde Biological Reserve

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is a 2,595-acre private reserve, located on the misty slopes of the Tilaran mountains, around 100 miles northwest of San Jose. This reserve is one of Costa Rica’s most diverse; species lists are encyclopedic and field guides are heavy.

This area is thought to contain over 500 orchid species—more than any other area worldwide. Monkeys, tapirs, jaguars, ocelots can all be glimpsed in the reserve’s dense interior. More readily observed are iridescent butterflies, nine species of hummingbirds, and a rainbow of brightly colored frogs. Resplendent quetzals can be viewed in the morning hours of the April to May mating season.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve offers short, intermediate, and long hikes along the Cloud Forest. The reserve features recovered secondary forest as well as primary, untouched forest. From January through July, the reserve is the best place to observe the Resplendent Quetzal.

Bosque Eterno & Santa Elena Reserve

If you’re on a tight schedule, consider visiting the area’s two smaller protected zones: Bajo del Tigre / Bosque Eterno de los Niños—excellent for birdwatching and night hikes—and the quiet Reserva Santa Elena. Close to the town of Santa Elena these reserves feature an exuberant diversity of plants that give life to an evergreen Magic Forest.

Curicancha Nature Reserve

Curi-Cancha is a birdwatcher’s paradise, over 200 species have been spotted in the Reserve. The Resplendent Quetzal, Three-Wattled Bellbird, Blue-Crowned Motmot, Orange-bellied Trogon, and many others are frequently seen. Frequently sighted mammals include armadillo, coati, agouti, kinkajou, ocelot, two-toed sloth, and three species of monkey: mantled howler, white-faced capuchin, and spider monkey.

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What to do in Monteverde

Monteverde is one of Costa Rica’s top adventure spots. Apart from birdwatching and wildlife-watching tours, activity options include:

• Canopy Tours
• Ziplining Tours
• Bungee Jumping
• Suspension Bridge Trail Systems
• Hiking
• Night Tours
• Horseback Riding

The area outside the reserves is well-known for the San Luis waterfall, butterfly gardens, and orchid gardens. Local cooperatives produce coffee, cheese, and fresh ice cream. Coffee plantation and chocolate tours can be arranged.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, the Santa Elena Reserve, the CuriCancha Nature Reserve, and the Children’s Eternal Rainforest all offer a wide selection of trails for all levels of activity.

What is the Weather Like?

Costa Rica is located in the tropics and close to the equator and is considered a rainforest country with warm temperatures being characteristic throughout the year. There are two well-defined seasons:

Dry Season: December – April
Green Season: May – November

Monteverde is Costa Rica’s most famous cloud forest. A cloud forest is a high-elevation tropical rainforest with abundant rainfall and cool temperatures, characterized by nearly constant fog because it’s at cloud level.

Monteverde is situated 4,662 ft above sea level and its weather can be somewhat unpredictable. From December through April, the dry season, the average temperature sits around 75°F, with generally clear skies. During the rainy season, the average temperature drops to around 70°F, and humidity is higher than usual. Thunderstorms can also be common.

These averages are changing, please check extended weather forecasts using your favorite weather app prior to departure.

Getting There

Monteverde can be reached by land from either international airport or by boat and jeep transfer from Arenal. The Cloud Forest is approximately three and a half hours from San Jose or approximately two and a half hours from Liberia. Monteverde can also be easily connected with Manuel Antonio and Nicoya. LANDED can cut that travel time with private charter flights.

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