The cloud forests of Monteverde in the highlands of Costa Rica are the number one ecotourism destination in Central America. The Monteverde area hosts lush and diverse rain forests with an immense array of flora and fauna, several nature reserves, scenic misty mountains as well as other nature-related sights and activities from hiking to birdwatching and from horseback riding to zipline tours. No wonder Monteverde is one of the major sights in Costa Rica, and a definite must of any visitors interested in zoology.
A green mountain area and small town in Puntarenas province in northwestern Costa Rica, Monteverde is famous for its misty cloud forests with high biodiversity. The town itself is very small. The nearest proper town is called Santa Elena. Settled by the Amerindian people already 5.000 years ago, Monteverde area was left uninhabited around 1300 AD. In the early 1900s, small numbers of Costa Rican settlers moved to the area. The town of Monteverde was founded by American Quakers who immigrated from the USA during the Korean War in the 1950s and established dairy farms. Today, Monteverde area economy is dominated by tourism, with about 250,000 visitors a year. In 2007, Monteverde was chosen as one of the Seven Wonders of Costa Rica.
Nearby sights. There are also other nature reserves in Monteverde area, such as the Santa Elena Reserve in the north, offering beautiful mountain views, and Bosque Eterno de los Niños in the west, that includes Bajo del Tigre area that is known for birdwatching and night walks. Other activities in the area include zip-line canopy tours in Monteverde forests, horseback riding and mountain biking. There are also interesting nature-related sights such as a great insect museum, two butterfly gardens and other zoological attractions, as well as waterfalls and mountain viewpoints.
A green mountain area and small town in Puntarenas province in northwestern Costa Rica, Monteverde is famous for its misty cloud forests with high biodiversity. The town itself is very small. The nearest proper town is called Santa Elena. Settled by the Amerindian people already 5.000 years ago, Monteverde area was left uninhabited around 1300 AD. In the early 1900s, small numbers of Costa Rican settlers moved to the area. The town of Monteverde was founded by American Quakers who immigrated from the USA during the Korean War in the 1950s and established dairy farms. Today, Monteverde area economy is dominated by tourism, with about 250,000 visitors a year. In 2007, Monteverde was chosen as one of the Seven Wonders of Costa Rica.
Sights and activities in Monteverde: cloud forests, wildlife, hiking, birdwatching & canopy tours
The main attraction of Monteverde, the “Green Mountain”, are the rainforests and cloud forests in the area that offer a range of sights from wildlife to scenery. The numerous reserves in the area include the world-famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, as well as reserves of Santa Elena and Bosque Eterno de los Niños. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, a private nature reserve founded in 1972 is the main sight in the area, hosting a great variety of flora and fauna, nine trails, research stations and campsites. The 10.500 hectare reserve is extremely diverse with over 2.500 plant and 400 bird species, including the largest number of orchids in the world. It is a great place for hiking and wildlife viewing in Monteverde.Nearby sights. There are also other nature reserves in Monteverde area, such as the Santa Elena Reserve in the north, offering beautiful mountain views, and Bosque Eterno de los Niños in the west, that includes Bajo del Tigre area that is known for birdwatching and night walks. Other activities in the area include zip-line canopy tours in Monteverde forests, horseback riding and mountain biking. There are also interesting nature-related sights such as a great insect museum, two butterfly gardens and other zoological attractions, as well as waterfalls and mountain viewpoints.
Monteverde travel information and practical tips
Monteverde has a humid tropical climate that is cooler than in the coastal areas of Costa Rica.
Photo: celebdu, used under Creative Commons License (By 2.0)
The temperatures are relatively constant around the year, with plenty of mist and clouds as well as rainfall throughout the year. There is a rainy season from May to November, but you can expect some rainfall at any time of the year.
How to get there. Traveling to Monteverde is done by road, as there is no airport in the area. There are regular buses to Monteverde from many cities and towns in Costa Rica, as well as private transportation companies offering shuttle minibuses to Monteverde. You can also rent a 4WD car in some of the larger cities or airports in Costa Rica and drive there yourself. There are no car rental companies in Monteverde itself. Local transportation is offered by taxis and local buses. Walking is a good way to get around in Monteverde as well.
Lodging & services. There are many lodges and hotels in Monteverde that offer a variety of activities. The Monteverde town has the largest number of hotels, while the nature reserves and the nearby town of Santa Elena also have accommodation options. Restaurants in Monteverde serve both Costa Rican and international cuisine, and can be found at hotels and lodges as well as in the town. There are few bars available as well, but nightlife is not the reason you would want to come here.
Language & safety. Due to the presence of Quakers that have moved into the area from the USA, there are many people in the area who can speak English. Monteverde is a small place with very little crime problems. However, it is still advised to take good care of your belongings.
hint See also these nearby destinations: Guanacaste, San Jose, Jaco, Manuel Antonio
