Cloud Forest
Biological Reserve

The 10,500 hectare Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is acclaimed as one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries. It is owned and operated by the Tropical Science Center, a non-profit organization for scientific research and education, with headquaters in San José.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve protects more than 100 species of mammals, more then 400 species of birds, and more than 1200 species of amphibians and reptiles, including the golden toad, an endemic species that is deaf and dumb and lives on the continental divide -the males are a striking bright orange colour. It is one of the few remaining habitats of all five species of the cat family: jaguar, ocelot, puma, margay and jaguarundi. Insects include over 5,000 species of month, 2,500 species of plants, among which there more over 500 butterfly species are 300 species of orchids that mainly flower in March and 200 species of ferns. The preserve has kilometers of trails, sections of which are not for the weak-hearted. Parts ooze with mud; other sections have been magnificently covered with raised wooden walkways. Because of the fragile environment, the preserve allows a maximum of 120 people on the trails at any one time. The paths are strewn with exotic blossoms, such as "hot lips".

It extends down both the Caribbean and Pacific slopes and encompasses eight distinct ecological zones. Temperatures range 13-24ºC (55-75ºF), average annual rainfall is 242 cm (97 inches) falling mostly between June and November. Temperature and humidity change dramatically over relatively short distances, producing a great diversity of forest types with little change in elevation. Wind-battered elfin woods on exposed rides are particularly dwarfed, whereas more protected areas have majestically tall trees blanketed with orchids, bromeliads, ferns, and vines. Poorly drained areas support swamp forests, huge philodendrons, tall bamboo, and giant tree farms from the age of the dinosaurs. Humid trade winds blowing in off the sea shroud the forest ina veil of mist. .

Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see birds, including hummingbirds, which can be seen feeding outside the information hut. Just after dawn is a good time to spot quetzals, which are particularly active in the early morning, especially in the mating season (April and May). Midmorning peak hours are to be avoided.

Click here for Monteverde Cloud Forest clickable map

Much of the information on our site as it relates to Costa Rica is:

Courtesy of Christopher P. Baker and Avalon Travel Publishing.
© 2004 Christopher P. Baker. All Rights Reserved.

A2Z Languages highly recommends Christopher P. Baker's book: Moon Handbooks Costa Rica. Click on the image to visit his website where you can purchase this book or find out more about the author.

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