visiting monteverde costa rica
At Costa Rica’s misty ‘green mountain’ oasis, you’ll feel as though you’re on cloud nine.
While Costa Rica may be known for its rich coffee, beautiful beaches and incredible wildlife, you haven’t experienced the country’s ‘pura vida’(pure life and enjoyment) until you’ve visited Monteverde. The word Monteverde translates as ‘green mountain’, a fitting name considering the lush-green cloud forests the town is known for. Located in the northwest of Costa Rica in the Cordillera de Tilaran mountain range, the area has three cloud forests, which offer an experience unlike any other.
The most famous of these is The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Established in 1972, the reserve became popular with tourists after a 1983 National Geographic article dubbed it a mecca for bird lovers. It's now not only one of the most visited areas in Costa Rica, but one of the rarest habitats on Earth.
This tropical jungle paradise is a natural wonder. At 1.440 metres (4.662 feet) above sea level, there's a constant mist in the forest, which looks like clouds enveloping the towering treetops, it's simply spectacular. This unique microclimate and the humidity it creates is what makes this verdant forest flourish. One of the best things about Monteverde’s cooling mist is that unlike in most tropical forests you won’t suffer from the heat.
The area, which covers 14,200 hectares (35,089 acres), is made up of eight different biological zones and is home to five per cent of the world’s biodiversity. This includes more than 2,500 plants (with 425 different orchids), 400 bird species, and more than 100 mammals. It’s a wildlife paradise abundant with sloths, toucans, jaguars and monkeys. But the hidden gems to search for are the resplendent quetzal. one of the world's most beautiful birds, and the endemic rare golden toad.
The Cloud Forest Reserve is a three-hour drive from San José, and is a must for anyone visiting Costa Rica. Only three per cent of the forest is open to visitors, making it truly special. There are 13 kilometres (eight miles) of trails to explore with hanging bridges and hidden waterfalls leading you through the evergreen forest. It's worth going early in the morning if you're looking to spot some of its wild inhabitants or try a night Walk for something completely different. A guide is also recommended if you want to maximise what you see and learn on your trip.
If you’re an adventurer, you can view the scenery from a different perspective with an adrenaline boost. The forest is renowned for its canopy tours and ziplining. Fly through the air Superman-style on the 1,590-metre (5,216-foot) long zipline, the longest in Latin America, or fall for 45 metres (148 feet) on the Tarzan swing. If you can bear to open your eyes, it’s breathtaking in more ways than one. For the less daring, the Sky Tram also offers stunning vistas.
If you’re not a fan of crowds, the smaller Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve is less busy, although you won’t see the quetzal here. And if you have time, the Children’s Eternal Rainforest, which is six times as big, is also worth hiking.
A few kilometres away, the peaceful town of Santa Elena is the best place to visit to shop and try local Tico food. Foodies can take the Don Juan coffee plantation tour to discover how chocolate, sugar cane juice and coffee are made. If you haven’t had enough adventure, there’s horseback riding or canyoning and plenty more to keep you entertained.
Whether you’re an adventurer, a birdwatcher, a hiker or a foodie, a trip to Monteverde is sure to be true bliss.