Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Costa Rica
An Organic Paradise with Splendid Birdlife in a Natural Setting
Aug 5, 2008
The cool air at cloud forest elevation is a sharp contrast to the stiffling humidity of the Pacific and Carribean coasts. At this altitude the climate is perfect for coffee, cheese and fruit production not to mention much more comfortable hiking.
Cloud forest activities include canopy tours, visits to butterfly farms,coffee plantations, the Ranarium to see Costa Rica´s colorful poison dart frogs and the Serpentarium to learn about Costa Rica's snakes, which are disturbingly well camoflagued. The area also has high quality crafts for sale like jewellery, clothing, woodwork, pottery and paintings made by local artisans .
However the stars of the show are the two cloud forest reserves of Santa Elena and Monteverde. Only about 6 kilometres apart they are serviced by two small villages, the Costa Rican Santa Elena and Monteverde village originally established by immigrant Quakers.
The National Parks
Ancient trees dripping with tendrils of lichen and laden with epiphytes and mosses are characteristic of the cloud forest. These thousands of plants and the forest canopy is rich with birds, insects and butterflies, it's most famous inhabitant being the resplendant Quetzal. Guided early morning and night tours are available at both parks. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is larger and receives many more visitors than Santa Elena, however both have restaurant facilities and marked trails for independent walking.
Before the entrance to both parks is a humming bird gallery where feeders have been set up to to attract these splendid little birds. There´s nothing quite as pleasant as sipping a cup of coffee while watching them flit from feeder to flower to feeder. They move so fast It´s tricky photographing them, however you should be able to spot 7 or 8 of Costa Rica's 65 humming bird species, the most magnificant and largest being the violet sabre wing.
Monteverde National Park
Covers an area of 10,500 hectares with several trails for walking, some paved and some very muddy and slippery in the rainy season. Due to the Reserves's popularity park numbers are limited to 120 people at a time and this number can be reached by late morning during the dry season (December to May), which means you have to wait until someone leaves the Reserve.
Animals tend to avoid the main trails walked by the majority of visitors. It is better to hire a guide to increase your chances of spotting wildlife. Both day and night tours as well as birding tours are available. Entrance fee is US$15. For tours, reservations and other park information see here
Santa Elena Reserve
This much smaller 310 hectare reserve is less developed and at a slightly higher elevation than Monteverde. Guides are available or you can walk the muddy trails independantly. There are rubber boots available for rent for US1 and are well worth it. Entrance fee is US$10. For tours, reservations and other park information see here.
Accommodation
The area caters to all budgets with cheaper accommodation centred around Santa Elena village. To view some options see either of the above web links
Climate
A cloud forest is a highland forest characterized by nearly 100% humidity throughout the year bathing the forest in a constant soft mist. Rainfall is an incredible four meters (almost twelve feet) per year. Wet weather gear and good boots for muddy trails are essential.
Getting There
There are no flights into the area. The cheapest option is to take a public bus from San Jose' San Carlos Terminal for the 4 1/2 hour journey, otherwise a private shuttle can be arranged for US$30.
When to Go
The high season in Costa Rica is December to May when visitor numbers are highest. At this time your experience can be more like a theme park than a journey into nature's wonderland. Try to visit May through June or September through November
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