Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena
A quieter community cloud forest higher than Monteverde Reserve, at about 1,650 m, with views of Arenal Volcano on clear days.
Santa Elena Reserve is run by the local high school community, and its revenue goes toward education. Covering about 310 hectares, it sits higher than the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, so its moss and epiphytes are denser and it sees far fewer visitors. The reserve has about 12 km of trails in four loops, taking anywhere from 1 to 4 hours. On clear days, the viewpoints offer views of Arenal Volcano. Admission is about USD 18, and the reserve is open from 07:00 to 16:00. It is worth hiring a guide to help you spot the resplendent quetzal. The reserve is about 6 km from the town of Santa Elena, which has scheduled shuttle buses.
Opening hours
07:00–16:00
Nearby sights
- Selvatura Park
- Sky Adventures Monteverde Park
- Curi-Cancha Reserve
- Monteverde Hollow Ficus Tree
- Monteverde Orchid Garden
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
- Santa Elena (Monteverde)
- Monteverde Frog Pond