Some landscapes you look at from a distance; others surround you. In Monteverde, in the mountains of Puntarenas, mist drifts between the trees, branches are covered with moss, ferns and orchids, and everything drips even when it is not raining. This is the cloud forest.
What is a cloud forest?
It is a mountain forest that spends much of its time inside the clouds. The moisture carried by the wind gets trapped in the vegetation and creates the perfect environment for epiphytes: plants that grow on other plants, such as bromeliads, mosses and orchids. That is why the tree trunks look like vertical gardens.
A bit of history
In the 1950s a community of American Quakers arrived in the area and decided to protect part of the forest to care for the water sources. Years later, in 1972, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve was created. Today it is one of the best-known examples of private conservation in Latin America.
What you can see
- The resplendent quetzal, considered one of the most beautiful birds in the Americas.
- Hummingbirds of many different species.
- Hanging bridges that let you walk at the height of the treetops.
- Viewpoints where, on clear days, you can see the Gulf of Nicoya.
| Location | Monteverde, Puntarenas |
| Elevation | Roughly 1,400 to 1,800 m above sea level |
| Climate | Cool and humid; bring a jacket |
| Nearby reserves | Monteverde, Santa Elena and other private reserves |
Tips for your visit
- Bring warm, waterproof clothes: the weather changes quickly.
- A guided walk at dawn greatly increases your chances of seeing birds.
- Walk slowly and quietly; here the small details are the best part.
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