World famous Monteverde is, the ultimate cloudforest
destination for many people looking to walk in the clouds.
Perhaps this is because so much attention from the
international scientific and conservation communities has
been focused on the islolated and beautiful area, atop Costa
Rica's Tilaran Mountains, Monteverde forests are protected
in nearly 30,000 hectares of private reserves, including the
Monteverde Cloud Forest, Santa Elena and the Children’s
Eternal Rainforest. Excellent trail systems allow you to
leisurely discover the many facets of this complex life
zone. Often shrouded in clouds blown in from the Atlantic
Ocean, the forests of Monteverde are laden with epiphytic
growth such as mosses, lichens, ferns, bromeliads,
orchids-even small trees. Famous for its populations of
Resplendent Quetzal, Monteverde has almost become synonymous
with this legendary bird. Other cloud forest denizens
include the Black-faced Solitaire, Golden-browed
Chlorophonia and Black Guan. The area was originally a small
forest reserve set aside by the 50's and decided to protect
the watershed for their dairy industry. Visitors to the area
will also find other environmentally sensitive tourism
activities including a Butterfly Garden, a Sky Walk, a
Serpentarium and more. Monteverde is four hours from San
Jose, including 35 km of gravel mountain road.
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