Monteverde
The Monteverde region is one of the most unique areas in Costa Rica and home to two of the most popular cloud forest reserves, the Santa Elena and Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserves. The area is located at an average of over 4,500 feet in elevation. Due to the mixture of tropical forest and cool, high elevation, the area is usually covered with low lying clouds. The result is an incredibly bio-diverse ecosystem which produces life on top of life in the forests. The trees here are covered with smaller plants, vines and epiphytes. All of this plant life creates a perfect environment for insects and birds, which is why many nature lovers come here from all over the world.
The Monteverde area was first settled in the 1950's by several families of Quakers that came down from the United States in search of a peaceful life. Costa Rica had just abolished their army and the cool highlands of the Monteverde region were ideal for cattle and farming. The group of Quakers made a collective decision to protect the watershed area of the highlands above their community and thus the seed was planted for the Monteverde and Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserves.
Monteverde is divided into the small villages of Santa Elena and Monteverde town. Santa Elena is the main hub of the area. There are many budget hotels, shops, restaurants and a couple small bars in the town center. Each of the 3 primary access roads to Monteverde ends up in the town center of Santa Elena. The Monteverde town center is located up the hill and on the way to the cloud forest reserve. There are several nicer hotels here along with a few restaurants.
Visitors to the Monteverde region should be aware that this is the land of rustic accommodations and eco-lodges. You will not find any luxury resorts with big swimming pools here! As a matter of fact, the highest star rating of all Monteverde hotels is 3 stars.
Aside from the cloud forest reserves and bird watching there are plenty of activities available from the Monteverde area. This is the canopy zipline capital of the world with several options to choose from. If zipping from platform to platform on a cable and harness is not for you, try out the hanging bridges. This is an amazing way to observe the life within the canopy of the cloud forest.
Located in the cloud forest, the weather in Monteverde is fairly predictable. Expect cool and damp conditions and dress for rain. Daytime temperatures average in the low 70s with night time lows averaging in the upper 50s. The most consistent rain is experienced between the months of May through November with the heaviest rains September through November.
Visitors should pack shorts, tee shirts, appropriate shoes, rain gear, sun block. It is also advised to bring at least one pair of pants, a long sleeve shirt, and even a sweat shirt or light jacket.
Fun Fact: In 1983 a writer from National Geographic Magazine stated that Monteverde was THE place to observe the Resplendent Quetzal. Subsequently, tourists from all over the world began arriving armed with cameras, tripods and binoculars.
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