The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, managed by the Tropical Science Center, is a non-profit reserve that amazes travelers with its diverse wildlife and natural beauty. It is made up of six different ecological zones and is home to many types of birds and butterflies, mammals, insects, and thousands of plant species. Home to the rare and beautiful Resplendent Quetzal, this reserve has attracted bird watchers and admirers from around the world. For those who come from the capital San José, there are buses that go to Monteverde at 6:30 AM and 2:30 PM. These buses leave from the San Carlos bus station in San José. This is a 5-hour direct bus trip with a stop in Sardinal to go to the bathroom and to eat. However, to truly appreciate the reservation at your own pace, ask Car Rental Costa Rica for a 4×4 for your exploration.
There are many different types of animals found in cloud forests. Known for having one of the most diverse wildlife species of all forests, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve has more than 100 species of mammals and 400 species of birds. Some of this majestic wildlife includes the elusive jaguar, ocelot, and the three-bearded bell tower. There are also toucans, jays, sloths, monkeys, and pumas. Cloud forests are also home to endangered species such as the mountain gorilla, the spectacular bear, and the mountain tapir. And due to the endangered status of the cloud forests, due to poaching and the recent invasion of their habitat, these animals are in serious danger of extinction.
Monteverde is also known to be a wonderful destination for families with children. Being a “cloud forest”, the bright green of the forest is often always covered in mist and soft blankets of rain, making the atmosphere peaceful and inspiring, only interrupted by the constant hum of birds and monkeys talking to each other. . The trails leading to Monteverde are windy and can be challenging to cross, but practically harmless and well worth the effort put into getting to your destination. These trails can be traveled without a guide as they are self-guided. However, if you really don’t want to miss out on any hard-to-spot wildlife, a guide can dramatically increase your chances of seeing animals that you might have otherwise missed.
A very popular attraction of the Monteverde Forest is the canopy tours. A very common one is known as the Sky Walk. Travelers can see the forest on a whole new level; about that. By walking along a suspension bridge at their own pace, visitors will be able to see virtually invisible wildlife from ground level and different animals passing through the treetops. For those more inclined to a faster, more action-packed ride, Sky Trek is perfect for them. Put on a helmet, put on your harness, and hold on tight as you lower a cable that flies through the Costa Rican forest. A fun and perfectly safe activity, young children up to 4 years old can even participate. Those who have used this way of traversing the forest have described it as nothing short of magical. Many come to Costa Rica simply to try it, as it is highly recommended.
Other Monteverde attractions include: Ranario (Rio Frog), Butterfly Garden, Night Tours and Horseback Riding.
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