Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve Tour Information Page

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve has earned its fame as one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the New World tropics. Positioned atop the Continental Divide in western Costa Rica, the Reserve extends down both the Caribbean and Pacific slopes. The resultant combination of climatic and geographic factors creates temperature and humidity gradients which change dramatically over relatively short distances. The altitude varies from about 600 meters in the lower reaches of the Peñas Blancas River, to 1842 meters at the top of Cerro Tres Amigos. Wind-sculptured elfin woodlands on the exposed ridges are spectacularly dwarfed, whereas protected cove forests have majestically tall trees festooned with orchids, bromeliads, ferns, vines, and mosses. Poorly drained areas support swamp forests, while parts of the Reserve, dissected by deep gorges, have numerous crystal clear streams tumbling over rapids and waterfalls. The variable climate and large altitudinal gradient has helped producing an extremely high biodiversity. The Reserve supports six different vegetational communities (Life Zones). There are over 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, 120 species of amphibians and reptiles, and 2,500 species of plants (among them 420 different kinds of orchids), as well as thousands of insect species. Spectacular wildlife includes the Jaguar, Ocelot, Baird´s Tapir, Three-wattled Bellbird, Barenecked Umbrellabird and Resplendent Quetzal. The Reserve offers short courses on biodiversity. The visitors' center and field station at the entrance to the Reserve includes administrative offices, restaurant, store, classroom, and dormitory-style lodging for up to 40 people. A small research outpost has recently been constructed lower on the Atlantic slope to provide access to Monteverde's tropical rain forest. Three backpacking shelters are also available throughout the Reserve with basic facilities. The Reserve counts on facilities to receive up to 120 visitors at one time. These facilities comprise 7 trails that extend for 12.4 kilometers. Visitors may also be attended by naturalist guides. The Reserve, which is open every day from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the year, offers an excellent guided tour and slide show. There are also night walks and bird watching tours. The temperature ranges between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius, and average annual rainfall is 3,000 millimeters. The weather changes quickly, often making the air feel colder.



Monteverde Cloud Forest Preseve Tour Code: CRWT-110 The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve has earned its fame as one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the New World tropics. Positioned atop the Continental Divide in western Costa Rica, the Reserve extends down both the Caribbean and Pacific slopes. The resultant combination of climatic and geographic factors creates temperature and humidity gradients which change dramatically over relatively short distances. The altitude varies from about 600 meters in the lower reaches of the Peñas Blancas River, to 1842 meters at the top of Cerro Tres Amigos. Wind-sculptured elfin woodlands on the exposed ridges are spectacularly dwarfed, whereas protected cove forests have majestically tall trees festooned with orchids, bromeliads, ferns, vines, and mosses. Poorly drained areas support swamp forests, while parts of the Reserve, dissected by deep gorges, have numerous crystal clear streams tumbling over rapids and waterfalls. The variable climate and large altitudinal gradient has helped producing an extremely high biodiversity. The Reserve supports six different vegetational communities (Life Zones). There are over 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, 120 species of amphibians and reptiles, and 2,500 species of plants (among them 420 different kinds of orchids), as well as thousands of insect species. Spectacular wildlife includes the Jaguar, Ocelot, Baird´s Tapir, Three-wattled Bellbird, Barenecked Umbrellabird and Resplendent Quetzal. The Reserve offers short courses on biodiversity. The visitors' center and field station at the entrance to the Reserve includes administrative offices, restaurant, store, classroom, and dormitory-style lodging for up to 40 people. A small research outpost has recently been constructed lower on the Atlantic slope to provide access to Monteverde's tropical rain forest. Three backpacking shelters are also available throughout the Reserve with basic facilities. The Reserve counts on facilities to receive up to 120 visitors at one time. These facilities comprise 7 trails that extend for 12.4 kilometers. Visitors may also be attended by naturalist guides. The Reserve, which is open every day from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the year, offers an excellent guided tour and slide show. There are also night walks and bird watching tours. The temperature ranges between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius, and average annual rainfall is 3,000 millimeters. The weather changes quickly, often making the air feel colder.