The spectacular Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Feels like walking in a grandiose green Cathedral. Wind-sculptured elfin woodlands on the exposed ridges are spectacularly dwarfed, whereas protected cove Monteverde rainforests have majestically tall trees festooned with orchids, bromeliads, ferns, vines, and mosses.

Poorly drained areas support swamp forests while parts of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, dissected by deep gorges, have numerous crystal clear streams tumbling over rapids and waterfalls. The variable climate and large altitudinal gradient has helped produce an extremely high biodiversity. Spectacular wildlife includes the Jaguar, Ocelot, Baird´s Tapir, Three-wattled Bellbird, Bare necked Umbrella bird and the famous elusive Resplendent Quetzal.

History: In 1972 under the threat of homesteading in

the surrounding rain forest, visiting scientists George Powell and his wife joined forces with long-time resident Wilford Guindon to promote the establishment of a nature preserve. The Tropical Science Center was receptive to these efforts and accepted institutional responsibility for ownership and management of the protected areas. An initial land purchase of 328 hectares formed the core of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve, Costa Rica.

In 1975 the 554-hectare community watershed reserve, founded in the mid-60s by members of the Quaker community and named Bosque Eterno S.A., was annexed under an administrative contract to the Preserve.

After the Preserve's creation, the Tropical Science Center continued to secure the financial and human resources necessary to expand, consolidate, and properly protect and manage the non-profit Rainforest Preserve's current 10,500 hectares.

Cloud Forest Reserve Tour Schedules, Rates, and Online Booking Forms

LOCATION: 6 Km (3.6 Mi) SE of Santa Elena, Monteverde.

GETTING THERE: Bus leaves from the Banco Nacional in Santa Elena, Monteverde every hour starting @ 6h AM daily the last one being @ 1h15 pm and cost $1 per person. Returns from the reserve every hour starting @ 9h45 am, last one being @ 4h pm. You can board the bus anywhere along the road between the Village of Santa Elena & the entrance of the Monteverde Reserve, just wave the driver. Or take a local taxi for $7 (up to 5 passengers) all hotels, restaurants or businesses will gladly call one for you.

HOURS: 7 AM to 4 PM daily. COST: US $13 adults, $6.50 for students with ID & children 11 and over, free for kids 10 and under . Restaurant, souvenir shop, art gallery are also open from 7 AM to 4 PM. No restrooms on the trails but big & clean ones @ the entrance. Note that it gets dark @ 6h pm in Costa Rica.

GUIDED TOURS: Group Tours (max of 8) are available for $15 pp and last about 2 1/2 hours in English or Spanish does not include the entrance fee to the reserve. Write to Private Guided tours are $25 per person not including the entrance fee.  Bird Lovers Tour, this tour is $50 per person and starts at Stellas Bakery at 6AM, the goal of this tour is to spot as many birds as possible as you make your way through different elevations on the way to the Monteverde Reserve, entrance to the reserve is included in the price.  

Monteverde trail map. They are very well maintained, regular comfortable shoes are fine, no need for rubber boots or special hiking boots except if you plan on staying overnight in the huts