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Description
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve consists of over 10,500 hectares of cloud forest and 6 ecological zones, set at an elevation of 4724 ft (1440 m) above sea level. 90% of the area is virgin forest. A high biodiversity area, consisting of over 2,500 plant species, 100 species of mammals and 120 reptilian and amphibian species.
But the Monteverde Cloud Forest is also a birders paradise. More than 400 bird species can be observed. 30 of the 400 species that can be found here are hummingbirds. Most sought after birds are the Three-wattled Bellbird and the amazing Resplendent Quetzal, which moves seasonally from high elevation to lower elevations. Other special birds that can be spotted are Black-and-yellow Silky-flycatcher, Blue-throated Goldentail and Chiriqui Quail-Dove. But many, many more, see the birdlist below.
Details
Access
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is located along the Cordillera de Tilarán within the Puntarenas and Alajuela provinces. Named after the nearby town of Monteverde. The Reserve has bus service that runs five times per day from Monteverde and Santa Elena. It also has a lodge that hosts up to 47 visitors, a small restaurant, a gift shop, and the Monteverde Nature Center information center. If you arrive by car you can park in the official parking lot in front of Selina's hotel (located about 1 km from the reserve's entrance. You can leave the car parked there all day. Shuttle service is available. Click on the P in the map for directions or coordinates to the parking.
The reserve is open from 7:00am to 4:00pm all year round. Entrance fee is $ 25 (2024). There are well maintained trails (although sometimes a bit muddy) with suspension bridges that run through the reserve. The indicated circular walk on the map is about 4 km. But there are more trails to choose from and you can easily spend a full day exploring the forest.
Terrain and Habitat
ForestConditions
Mountainous , WetCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
NoGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
WinterRoute
Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
FootBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions. With its location on the continental divide, Monteverde can follow either Pacific or Caribbean weather patterns. A cool, rainy, misty morning can give way to brilliant blue skies and intense sunshine in just a few minutes, and then, visitors can suddenly find themselves blanketed in fog. Always bring a hat, rain jacket or poncho, and waterproof bags or ziplock bags to store your personal electronics and important documents. When it’s misty or rainy, early mornings and evenings can be very chilly. Be prepared with a sweater or fleece.