Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde
A high-altitude forest perpetually wrapped in cloud, with mosses and epiphytic orchids covering ancient trees. It is a sanctuary for spotting resplendent quetzals, with zip-lines and suspension bridges.
Monteverde lies on the Tilarán Mountains at 1,400 to 1,800 metres, where moisture carried by the trade winds condenses into cloud on the ridges. This nurtures one of the world's most famous cloud forest reserves, rich in epiphytes. The core Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve (entry about USD 26, 07:00 to 16:00) has more than 10 km of trails. It is recommended to enter at 7 a.m. with a guided group (about USD 20 to 25), when you have the best chance to see the 'most beautiful bird in the world', the resplendent quetzal, along with howler monkeys, hummingbirds and various orchids. Private reserves nearby offer thrilling activities: zip-lines from Selvatura and Sky Adventures (the longest over 1 km), and canopy suspension bridges (about USD 40 to 80). Night rainforest walks (about USD 30) reveal tree frogs, tarantulas, sloths and other nocturnal animals, and coffee and cocoa farms can also be visited. The gateway town of Santa Elena is about 3 to 4 hours' drive from Arenal (or a 'jeep-boat-jeep' transfer across the lake), and about 3.5 hours from San José. The final stretch is a bumpy mountain road. Note: bring a windproof and waterproof jacket, as it is much cooler than the lowlands.
Opening hours
07:00–16:00; admission approx. USD 26
Nearby sights
- Curi-Cancha Reserve
- Monteverde Hollow Ficus Tree
- Children's Eternal Rainforest – Bajo del Tigre
- Monteverde Butterfly Gardens
- Monteverde Ecological Sanctuary
- Monteverde Orchid Garden
- Monteverde Frog Pond
- Santa Elena (Monteverde)