Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve’s roots can be traced back to 1951 with the arrival of Quaker immigrants from Alabama. Monteverde’s 22,000 hectares is located in the Tilaràn Mountains and is one of Costa Rica’s premier ecotravel destinations. The prominent habitats are middle to high elevation rainforest and most of the reserve is cloud forest. The reserve supports a wide variety of species including approximately 500 tree species, 400 species of bird, 100 species of mammal and 120 species of reptiles and amphibians. Resplendent Quetzals are relatively common in the area. These shy retiring creatures can be hard to see through the dense rainforest, but are more frequently seen during their mating season from March to June.

Monteverde literally means ‘green mountain’. Its forests are particularly well known for epiphytes which can grow so densely that it is difficult to make out the crown of some trees. An advantage in visiting cloud forest in Monteverde is its extensive system of canopy walkways. These provide an ideal vantage point from which to observe the forest, orchids, insects and birdlife from within and above the canopy. One system extends for almost 3 km and takes you between 12m and 60m above the forest floor. The views across the tree line are stunning.

Another way to experience the forests of Monteverde and one of its attractive waterfalls is on horseback.

Reaching Monteverde is not a quick process. The poor state of the road there is not, however, necessarily due to neglect. The locals believe that the road’s poor surface acts as a deterrent to mass tourism and day visits, which is effectively true as it is almost impassable without a 4x4.

History of Monteverde’s Conservation

The Quaker inhabitants that settled in Monteverde quickly realised the importance of keeping the local rainforest intact for the continued health of the local water supply. However, in 1972 an influx of new settlers threatened the existence of the remaining forest. Visiting scientists George and Harriet Powell teamed up with local resident Wilford Guindon to work towards purchasing a significant area of land to create a forest reserve. Through their perseverance they convinced the Tropical Science Center, a research and education organisation from San Jose, to take over management of the reserve. This was only a relatively small portion of today’s park at only 328 hectares. The Monteverde Conservation League has since expanded this to 22,000 hectares and it continues to grow.