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.
Copyright 2007 Costa Rica Tours. All
Rights Reserved
Email: costaricatours@att.net
