Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Who hasn’t ever wanted to explore the rich, pristine diversity of a tropical rainforest? It’s one of Earth’s most fascinating and vibrant ecosystems, but unfortunately, a variety of threats over the past few centuries have imperiled the existence of rainforests around the globe. Fortunately, national parks and nature reserves have sprung up in recent decades in an attempt to protect these invaluable landscapes and keep them around for future generations to enjoy. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is one such example, protecting a sprawling expanse of forest in northwestern Costa Rica and providing a wonderful opportunity to explore the natural beauty of this Central American country.

A Slice of Paradise

In the 1950s, a group of enterprising Quakers from the U.S. state of Alabama purchased a large plot of land in the Costa Rican jungle. They were fleeing the Korean War draft and planned to carve out new lives for themselves as peaceful farmers. Thanks largely to the fertile volcanic soil, the Quakers succeeded in their venture and soon established for themselves a small community. Though they cleared a significant stretch of land for use, they also took parcels of forest and vowed to protect them from any development. Over the next two decades, a variety of biologists, conservationists and others further encouraged the Quakers to expand their protected zones in order to preserve the stunning natural biodiversity of the region.

These efforts culminated in the 1970s with the establishment of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, better known as the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. The forest reserve began as a humble 810-acre project, but it has expanded massively over the years through both public and private donations. It encompasses very nearly 26,000 acres today, covering portions of the Cordillera de Tilaran mountain range and straddling both sides of the Continental Divide. The park is approximately 90 percent virgin forest, representing an extraordinary diversity of ecological zones and containing a tremendous range of wildlife. Tapirs, ocelots, jaguars, monkeys, sloths, deer and more can be found throughout the park. The bird life within the reserve is even more impressive, including the three-wattled bellbird, the bare-necked umbrellabird, the rare and beautiful resplendent quetzal and over 400 other species. Resplendent Quetzals are known internationally for their great beauty. Once considered a sacred symbol for the Maya and Aztecs, these birds have an iridescent emerald sheen (that appears to go from green-gold to blue-violet), a red breast and a green tail. The tales on male quetzals are longer than their bodies, making for a spectacular sight! The best time to see quetzals in Monteverde is from March to May during nesting season. The reserve is also home to more orchid species than anywhere else on the planet.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is open from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM every day of the year. There are  3-hour guided tours a day (available in English and Spanish) and an additional nightly tour that begins at 5:45 PM, as well as a bird watching tour.

Exploring the Region

The Monteverde Reserve is a large and sprawling area, and there’s a great deal to see and experience throughout the entire region. It’s located within the Puntarenas and Alajuela provinces in northwestern Costa Rica. It isn’t quite the tourist destination that Arenal and some of the country’s other towering volcanoes have become, but Monteverde still attracts tens of thousands of visitors to the area each year. The area is also a popular destination for scientists and researchers hoping to explore the region’s biodiversity and unique confluence of ecosystems. With more than 100 mammal species, over 2,500 plant species and an extraordinary number of distinct insect species, it’s one of Central America’s great ecological hot spots.

It’s been estimated that only about one percent of the Earth’s land surface is covered in cloud forest, so taking a hike around Monteverde is an experience you’re unlikely to find almost anywhere else in the world. Fortunately, there are a great many hiking trails spread all through the park area, allowing you to access most of the reserve as long as you’re up for the challenge. You can also visit the tourist area of Monteverde, which is the quaint, scenic town from which the reserve draws its name. The town is one of the settlements originally established by the Quakers, so it’s a great place to get a sense of the area’s unique history.

The climate in the Monteverde region is cooler than in other parts of Costa Rica, with highs typically hovering in the lower 70s and lows generally in the upper 50s to lower 60s. The dry season runs from December to March, while the peak of the rainy season usually occurs during September, October and November. The weather may be cool, misty and wet regardless of the time of year, so it’s best to dress in thin layers and be prepared to adjust your clothing as necessary. Rain gear is essential during the rainy season. It’s best to wear quality hiking boots if you intend to venture through the park. You should also bring and use sunblock during the dry season. Mosquito repellent is not strictly necessary, but it’s a good addition to your packing list nonetheless.

Reaching Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Unlike some of Costa Rica’s parks and reserves, the Monteverde Reserve is fairly easy to reach from most areas of the country. It’s a straightforward drive from most of the region’s larger towns and cities, and the destination is fairly well-marked all along the route. It’s not necessary to rent an off-road vehicle for the drive there, but you may opt to do so anyway if you also intend to visit some of the other destinations in the region.

Public transit is an even easier option. There are bus routes from most of the major settlements in the area, including San Jose, Puntarenas, Nicoya, Santa Cruz, Tamarindo and others. In fact, some areas offer multiple direct bus routes to and from Monteverde. Fares are typically very affordable, so price should not be a concern when it comes to using public transportation. Taxis and private drivers will also take you to Monteverde from many towns, though you may need to pay more for this service. For a more scenic option, you may even consider joining a group tour. Many adventure tours feature half-day and full-day itineraries that also include transportation directly to and from your hotel or lodge. These tours are a great way to simplify your experience and enjoy an exciting day packed with high-adrenaline activities and memorable sights.

Things to Do

Considering its vast and beautiful nature, it should come as no surprise that the most popular activity in Monteverde is hiking. The hiking trails that wind for more than eight miles through the park’s unspoiled forests offer an incredible opportunity to relax and enjoy nature at its most impressive and serene. Of course, it’s also a great chance to take in the local wildlife. The Monteverde area alone hosts an extraordinary 2.5 percent of the entire world’s biodiversity, so there’s never any shortage of things to see in the park. Birding is a popular hobby as well, and many people travel great distances to the reserve just to catch a glimpse of the rare resplendent quetzal. The park also offers the unique chance to view the Continental Divide, which marks the line dividing the Atlantic and Pacific basins.

If hiking isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy as well. You can explore the local coffee, chocolate and sugarcane plantations and learn more about the fascinating history of this vibrant area. You can also take part in high-flying adventures like zip lining, treetop walkway tours, tours of local hanging bridges and so much more. Some adventure groups in the area even offer nighttime tours of the forest, allowing you to see the stunning environment in a whole new way. You can also find horseback riding tours that provide plenty of fun and exciting photo opportunities for the whole family.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Hiking Trails

  • El Camino: The 1.2 mile (2 km) long trail generally takes around 1.25 hours to complete. “The Path” is wider than other trails, allowing for more sunlight to come in. El Camino is a great hiking trail for those who want to see the colorful butterflies or go bird watching.
  • Sendero Bosque Nuboso: The “Cloud Forest Trail” is one of the most popular hiking trails in Monteverde Cloud Forest, known for its stunning beauty and lush vegetation. It takes about an hour and a half to complete. You can purchase a self-guide tour booklet (available in Spanish and English) of the trail in the entrance.
  • Sendero El Rio:  The 1.2 mile (2 km) “River Trail” takes about an hour and a half to complete. It is covered by massive trees and thick cloud cover. While hiking this beautiful trail, make sure to visit the small waterfall and keep your eye out on the thick underbrush which is home to all kinds of creatures.
  • Sendero Patanoso: This fascinating mile-long trail weaves through a swamp forest, hence its name, the “Swamp Trail.” It takes about 1.25 hours to complete and goes along the Continental Divide. During the hike, you can observe a variety of plants and endangered trees.
  • Sendero Roble: The narrow 0.4 mile (0.6 km) long “Oak Trail” is excellent for a relaxing stroll and has one part surrounded by stunning heliconia trees.
  • Sendero Brillante:  If you want go a quick hike, we recommend the “Shining Trail”. This 0.2 mile (0.3 km) trail follows the Continental Divide to La Ventana, a stunning lookout point with views of the forest. You admire bamboo trees during the hike.
  • Sendero George Powell: “George Powell Trail” is another excellent option for a short hike. This 0.1 mile (0.2 km) trail is named after one of the preserve’s founders. It winds through a secondary forest.
  • Sendero Chomogo: “Chomogo Trail” is the highest trail in the reserve, rising 5,510 feet (1,680 m) above sea level. This 1.1 mile (1.8 km) trail is home to oak, bamboo and heliconia trees, and takes about 1.25 hours to complete.
  • Suspended Bridge: You cannot miss out on this amazing attraction. It rises 300 feet above the ground and offers beautiful views of the canopy. You can admire plant species like bromeliads, orchids and much more.
  • Wilford Guindon: This .8 mile (1.3 km) trail is named after one of the reserve´s founders. It winds up and down through the forest, giving you a feeling of solitude and relaxation. The Wilford Guindon trail happens to be the only trail connected to the suspension bridge in the reserve, which makes it a great option for wildlife viewing.

Where to Stay

Though it’s a fair distance away from Costa Rica’s major tourist spots, you’ll find a variety of places to stay in and around the Monteverde area. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Lodge, located just on the outskirts of Santa Elena, offers easy access to the area and a stunning setting that you won’t soon forget. The ecolodges are especially nice for anyone who wants to explore the nature and wildlife that Monteverde has to offer. It’s not a high-end luxury resort, but the accommodations are nice and the lodge is great for solo travelers, couples and families alike.

The beautiful Hotel Belmar is an excellent choice as well. Located in Monteverde, Hotel Belmar is an attractive and refined hotel that features a range of couples-oriented accommodations. You’ll find hot tubs, a wellness center, a spa and much more. There’s even a small brewery on-site! For retirees, honeymooners and anyone else looking for a truly five-star experience, it’s hard to beat the exclusive villas at Nayara Springs. It’s a bit further from Monteverde, but Nayara Springs is an exceptionally luxurious boutique hotel that offers fantastic accommodations, a variety of romantic and adventurous activities, very large guestrooms and private plunge pools in each room that are fed by natural, mineral-rich springs.

Call us at at 1-844-4LOCOS4. or con visit Monteverde Hotels page for more information on lodging options.

Even in a country filled with natural wonders, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve stands out for its beauty and rich biodiversity. It’s an unforgettable opportunity to explore one of the rarest and most fascinating ecological zones on Earth, and there’s also plenty to see and do along the way. If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, it’s well worth spending a day or two at Monteverde.