Mystical cloud forests with 500 species of orchid
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Cloud forests are those in mountainous tropical or subtropical environments where the cloud cover keeps the air permanently moist. Here, they’re protected within the vast Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and the community-run Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. Cloud forests are those in mountainous tropical or subtropical environments where the cloud cover keeps the air permanently moist. Here, they’re protected within the vast Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and the community-run Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve.
Why the Monteverde Cloud Forest?
The moisture in the air makes Monteverde an especially fertile region. Scientists estimate that 2,500 different species of plants grow here, including more types of orchid than anywhere else in the world. An estimated 500 types of orchid grow here, and more than 30 of them were unknown before their discovery in these special forests.
Birders will be just as delighted as botanists in Monteverde. You can spot quetzal, three-wattled bellbird, swallow-tailed kite and the piratic flycatcher, which migrate from North American to breed. The best way to experience Costa Rica’s cloud forests is on foot, with an expert naturalist as your guide. You might even see jaguar and ocelot tracks – or catch a glimpse of the cats themselves if you’re lucky. For a completely different perspective, climb above the treetops on Santa Elena’s observation tower, where you can see all the way to the Arenal Volcano on a clear day.
Birders will be just as delighted as botanists in Monteverde. You can spot quetzal, three-wattled bellbird, swallow-tailed kite and the piratic flycatcher, which migrate from North American to breed. The best way to experience Costa Rica’s cloud forests is on foot, with an expert naturalist as your guide. You might even see jaguar and ocelot tracks – or catch a glimpse of the cats themselves if you’re lucky. For a completely different perspective, climb above the treetops on Santa Elena’s observation tower, where you can see all the way to the Arenal Volcano on a clear day.
- Incredible biodiversity thanks to permanently moist air.
- Over 2,500 plant species including some 500 orchid.
- More than 400 species of birds.
- Guided nature walks.
- Possible to see jaguar and ocelot.
- Santa Elena observation tower.
Best Places to Stay in the Monteverde Cloud Forest
Hotel Belmar
The Belmar family opened Hotel Belmar in the 1980s and they are still active around the hotel today. They make a great effort to greet guests personally and are right at the heart of the warmth and tradition of the guest experience.
Hotel Senda Monteverde
Private cabins perched on hills with excellent views are a feature of this cozy and charming eco-lodge experience. It is a great base for exploring the Monteverde Cloud Forest and an excellent adjacent private reserve.
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We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been crafting the finest tailor-made holidays to the world’s wild places. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you every time.We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been crafting the finest tailor-made holidays to the world’s wild places. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you every time.
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