Monteverde
The town of Monteverde, located at the south end of the cloud forest, was founded by American Quakers in the early 1950s. Its value of peace and policy of disarmament attracted the group to Costa Rica. Here they devoted themselves to producing milk and quality cheeses.
The Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is world-renowned for the golden toad, an endangered species. This wildlife area has been created to protect flora and fauna and to carry out scientific studies and educational environmental programs. Within its borders, 400 species of birds, including the Resplendent Quetzal, 490 species of butterflies, 100 of mammals, 2,500 of plants and 200 of ferns have been identified.
Monteverde is located 172 kilometers northeast of San Jose. The climate is template and humid, with and average of 17?C (60?F). The nights are cool and at times cold when the trade winds blow.
Monteverde and Santa Elena offer ample possibilities for lodging and dining. Besides the Monteverde and Santa Elena reserves, there is a wide selection of attractions and excursions.
Monteverde Reserve
Enter a world of wind sculpted woodlands, majestic trees adorned with exotic flowers and crystal clear waterfalls and rapids. Monteverde Reserve is a natural wonderland with a variable climate and extreme biodiversity. Encounter amazing wildlife like the jaguar, ocelot, resplendent quetzal and bare necked umbrella bird. The reserve encompasses 10,500 hectares and serves as an important link in the growing network of protected areas in the country.
Santa Elena Reserve
Explore a tranquil and less-frequented reserve that offers marvelous views of the Arenal Volcano. Santa Elena was inaugurated in February 1992 to educate the public about the ten hectares bordering the Monteverde Conservation area. The Santa Elena community and High School have permanently leased this zone.
Horseback riding
Explore the natural wonders, including majestic waterfalls, of the Gulf of Nicoya, Monterverde and Santa Elena on horseback. Tour includes guide.
Selvatura
Explore a cloud forest conservation area where a variety tours are offered. Zip through the jungle during a canopy tour or touch the clouds hiking the two-mile treetop trail connected by eight bridges woven through the forest. Other highlights include a butterfly garden housing more than 50 different species, a hummingbird garden, and an education center with a large insect collection and reptile-amphibian exhibit. Tour includes guide and transportation.
Sky Walk and Sky Trek
Sky Walk allows visitors to safely appreciate the rich diversity of the forest canopy’s flora and fauna. The three hour tour combines 2.5 kilometers of trails and six suspension bridges that, at some points, are even higher than the canopy of the forest. Sky Trek is a system of walking trails, zip lines and two observation towers. The construction utilizes protective and secure materials, including metal platforms with mesh-covered steel rails which prevent falling or sliding.
Trapiche Tour
Visit a sugar can mill owned and operated by a local family. Observe how sugar can is processed and walk through plantations and sample various products. The tour includes about coffee and banana production is
This two-hour guided tour consists of a visit to the “trapiche” (sugar cane mill), owned and operated by a Costa Rican family. Visitors will be able to observe how sugar cane is processed, walk through the plantations and taste its varied products. An explanation about coffee, bananas and other crops is included during this excursion.
