Experience the Enchantment of Monteverde
Explore the lush cloudforest and stunning biodiversity of Monteverde. Discover the magic that awaits!
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve
Established in 1972 by a coalition of Tropical Science Center (TSC) scientists and local community Quakers to protect one of the last tracts of pristine cloud forest in Central America, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is a pioneering and progressive conservation and Ecotourism model based on biodiversity research and education.
Reconnect with nature
Mother Nature is the ultimate source of life for all beings on Earth. Unfortunately, our modern society has exceeded its ecological boundaries and dangerous levels of ecological destruction are being reached. We can do better than this and the first step that we can take towards the restoration of our planet is to re-align ourselves with nature’s rhythms.
Our reserve offers a unique opportunity to nurture your connection with the natural world. For nearly 50 years we have been fiercely protecting one of the most endangered ecosystems on earth. As only 1% of all remaining forests on the planet are classified as cloud forests, we would like to invite you to be part of our conservation efforts by coming to our sacred forest or making a donation to support our work.
Hours and Rates
Open everyday: 7:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Adults: $25.00
Student: $12.00
Children: $12.00
National: $8.00
National student: $6.00
Our Tours
Natural History Walk
$22-$45
per person
Guided Tour
7:30 am, 11:30 am & 13:30
2 pax min, 12 pax max.
Birdwatching Tour
$85
per person
Guided Tour
Start: 6:00 am.
3 pax min - 6 pax max
Night Walk Tour
$23-$29
per person
Guided Tour
Start: 6:00 pm
2 pax min - 10 pax max.
Educational Tour
$45
per person
Guided Tour
Start: 13:30
2 pax min - 12 pax max.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity is an intrinsic characteristic of the Monteverde Cloud Forest. It is estimated that around 50% of Costa Rica's biodiversity can be found within this area, an impressive 2.5% of the world's total biodiversity.
Fauna
Monteverde is home to 425 species of birds, 120 species of mammals, 60 species of amphibians and 101 species of reptiles. A total of 658 species of butterflies and 100 species of dragonflies and damselflies have been recorded. The variety of other insects, fungi and microorganisms have not been studied.
Flora
Flora
To date, more than 3,200 species of plants have been found in Monteverde. There are almost as many plants as in the entire country of Canada. High humidity levels and dark understory have been the main drivers of the evolution of epiphytes as one of the most abundant plant habits in Monteverde. More than 700 species of trees and 500 species of orchids have been classified in Monteverde, making it one of the richest places in orchids on Earth. About 10% of Monteverde's plant species are endemic. Endemism is a phenomenon caused by the thermal insulation of lower elevations, among other reasons. It also occurs in other organisms.
Species extinctions
Species extinctions
Monteverde became famous in the scientific world for being the place where the first climate-related extinction of species was recorded. The Golden Toad (Incilius periglenes) was one of the endemic amphibian species that became extinct in the late 1980s due to the global pandemic caused by the chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis). Significant efforts have been made to study the health of local amphibian populations in the reserve. Some species have reappeared, but the vast majority have declined and some have become extinct. This shows the importance of preserving large areas of natural areas as a measure to preserve the existing biodiversity left on Earth.
Life Zones
Life zones are areas with similar climatic characteristics such as average annual temperature, rainfall and evapotranspiration. According to the life zones classification system created by Leslie Holdridge, one of the founding members of the Tropical Science Center, four main life zones are found in Monteverde:
- The Premontane Rain Forest covers an area of 948 hectares (1230 acres) and is found on the middle elevations of the Peñas Blancas river on the Caribbean slope of Monteverde.
- The Lower Montane Rain Forest encompasses the greater part of the preserve (2,180 hectares/5400 acres) and is found on both slopes on the high peaks and crests of the continental divide.
- The Lower Montane Wet Forest covers 341.5 hectares (842 acres) known as “the triangle” and is the life zone where the infrastructure and trails are located. This area is where the vast majority of research projects have been implemented in Monteverde.
- The Premontane Wet Forest is the least represented in the preserve with only 174.9 hectares (432 acres) and is found on the Pacific slope.
Conservation efforts
Our conservation efforts
We protect more than 4,125 hectares (10,193 acres) of pristine forest in Monteverde from 1,400 meters above sea level on the Pacific slope to the continental divide and to the Caribbean slope in the Peñas Blancas River valley. Our rangers not only fight for biodiversity conservation against illegal activities such as deforestation and looting, but also help safeguard the well-being of our visitors.
Our staff carefully maintains over 13 km of well-maintained trails with access to viewing platforms to minimize the impact on the forest and increase the enjoyment of our visitors.