Monteverde Cloud Forest

The Monteverde area in Costa Rica is world famous for its cloud forest. There are now two reserves, the original Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and the new Santa Elena Rain Forest. In these forests you can enjoy the cloud forest climate and hike the trails amongst the varieties of plants and magnificent epiphytic laden trees, there have been over 450 bird species seen in the Monteverde area. The native birds are joined at certain time of the year by those which migrate through from North America. The resplendent quetzals with their long tails feed at various locations in the area and one can at times hear the "bong" of the bell birds. These areas sit astride the continental divide at an altitude a bit above 5000 feet. They protect and provide habitat for hundreds of species of plants and animals.

The road to Monteverde from the international highway can be somewhat bumpy, dusty and warm. But taken in stride, without hurry , you can see variety of birds along the way and can see the change in habitats as one ascends up into the mountains.

For those people who have sufficient time, the Monteverde Conservation League operates as wonderful nature trail in the forest just bellow the cloud forest. Here you can find a number of lower drier forest bird species . The trail is called the Bajo del Trigre Trail.

THING TO DO IN MONTEVERE

1- The Hummingbird Factory

You will find several species of hummingbirds which are attracted by feeders. This provides a great opportunity to take photographs.

There is also a small shop at the Gallery where you can buy souvenirs , and where the work of the will known British photographer , Michael Fogden can be viewed and is available for purchase. Behind the Hummingbird Gallery there are trails which you can walk without a guide.

2- The Quaker's cheese factory.

In this factory, founded by a dairy family of Quakers and Costa Ricans about 40 years ago, you can see cheese being made from behind a glass observation window. There is also a shop where the products produced in the factory are sold. The factory is very well known by producing the best dairy products in Costa Rica.

HOURS : Daily 7.30am - 4.30pm

Sunday 7.30am - 12.30pm

Note : the production of the dairy products does not begin until 9.00am

3-Serpentarium

Here you can see the variety of kinds of reptiles found in this region of Costa Rica.

HOURS Daily 9.00am - 4.00pm

4- The Butterfly Garden

The various types of butterflies in Costa Rica can be seen here. There is an entrance fee, but you may return as many times as you like within the same day.

HOURS Daily 9.30am - 4.00pm

5- Finca de Aves

This farm is 12 meters in elevations and is a steep journey by 4-wheel drive or motorcycle. There is also an eco-farm on the way where you can see animals such as monkeys, sloths, armadillos , and birds. There is an entrance fee

6-Bajo del Tigre Trail

100 meters right after CASEM at an elevation of 10 meters , this site attracts visitors because of the views of the countryside that it provides and the 2/3 km of hiking trails available. This trails are part of the Children International Rain Forest. There is a voluntary donation as entrance fee requested from the visitors.

7- Santa Elena Reserve

This reserve was opened one and a half years ago by a group of Canadian students (volunteers). The owners of the reserve is the Santa Elena High School . All profits from the reserve go to the help and support of the education of Santa Elena's youth. The trails in this reserve are more natural and more difficult to hike than those at THE RESERVE OF MONTEVERDE. There is an entrance fee and special fee for students There is also private guides. Price available upon request.

HOURS Daily 7.00am - 4.00pm

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