On its own, the word Monteverde undeniably leads us on the magical path of the natural, of all that the hand of the Creator gave us and that, in many cases, humanity has not known how to appreciate, let alone take care of; where profound green makes us feel like we are in front of one of the most exotic and exuberant places we could visit.
That’s right; its name alone evokes respect for nature. A place that, despite the impact of civilization, remains green because in a singular alliance, residents and visitors alike have learned not only to observe nature, but to make notable efforts to preserve it.
Monteverde is a worldwide example for its inclination in favor of environmental conservation, and because within its territory, inhabitants and visitors alike, maintain a lifestyle that aims at respect for nature.
Location:
The region of Monteverde is found some 172 kilometers (106 miles) from the capital (San José). Its territory is located in parts of the Puntarenas, Abangares and Tilarán cantons.
It has a small town, called Santa Elena, which can be reached at a crossroads, on the highway to Guanacaste, on the North Interamerican Highway.
In terms of its climate, Monteverde has rainy and dry seasons. Nonetheless, at its highest sites constant mist and rain are common.
Priviledged Place:
Monteverde has a privileged place on the map of worldwide tourism, thanks to its natural reserves, Monteverde and Santa Elena. It's about protected areas characterized by their ample biodiversity of their ecosystems.
For that reason, the tropical cloud forest, very characteristic of the Monteverde region, is in reality one of the most important protected areas in private hands in Costa Rica and one of the most famous of its kind. Due to its position tucked in the Tilarán mountain range, Monteverde presents a
combination of geographical and climatological conditions, a combination that as it happens, has made it a true tropical wildlife sanctuary.
Protected Areas:
Even though the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is its principal attraction, the region possesses great diversity in natural sites, picturesque trails, places for the observation of flora and fauna, natural landscapes and more.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is administered by the Tropical Scientific Center, a non-profit association established in 1972 as a wildlife refuge. It is a property of 10,500 hectares of extension that has become a true attraction for all those who love nature.
Given its varied and enormous biodiversity, more than 400 species of birds, close to 500 species of butterflies, 120 species of amphibians and reptiles and 100 species of mammals have been identified in the area.
One of the birds that can be spotted in the region is the enigmatic Quetzal, the sacred animal of the Mayas. But also inhabiting this territory are the three-wattled bellbird and the hummingbird.
Some of the species found in this territory are in danger of extinction, which amplifies the value of this protected area even more: such is the case of the golden toad. Regarding its flora, the norm is finding tree ferns as well as trees covered in epiphytes and moss. It is estimated that on average, there are close to 3 thousand different species of plants on the reserve.
Santa Elena cloud forest reserve
The Santa Elena Reserve, as it is commonly known, is dedicated to the protection of the cloud forest and the education of the Santa Elena community. It is administered by the Professional Technical School of Santa Elena and the income received is used for the protection of the forest and development of environmental programs.
In order to enjoy it, several trails have been designed: on clear days it is even possible to see Arenal Volcano.
It has 310 hectares and it is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The children's eternal rainforest
It is the largest private reserve in Costa Rica; the area that can be visited in Monteverde is the San Gerardo Biological Station, located 7 Km. from Santa Elena. It offers 5 kilometers of paths within the rainforest and an impressive view of Arenal Volcano.
100 species of mammals and 400 species of birds have been identified. The whole area is 22 thousand hectares. It is open from 7 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Bajo del tigre trail
This area, which is separate from the Children’s Eternal Rainforest, measures approximately 29 hectares; there are some 3.3 Km (2 miles) of trails that make the enjoyment of the flora and fauna typical of Bajo del Tigre possible, as well as an excellent view of the Golf of Nicoya.
As part of the experience, white-faced monkeys, armadillos, a wide variety of butterflies, toads and many birds can be found.
Ecological Farm:
A wildlife refuge that offers a series of trails through a forest with excellent natural viewpoints, waterfalls, coffee plantations and the possibility of enjoying sightings of common mammals of the area, such as coatis, guatuzas, sloths and also around 150 species of birds. It has 30 hectares and is dedicated specifically to ecotourism.
History:
This region has quite a noteworthy past. Its first inhabitants formed part of an indigenous tribe called the Corobí. Later on, in 1918, a pair of Costa Rican families established themselves there as the first settlers.
Subsequently, some Quakers originating from Alabama, United States arrived to the region, attracted by the fact that Costa Rica had abolished its army in 1948.
In 1952, this peace-loving group arrived on horseback and in wagons and entered this region of incredible natural beauty and unforgettable landscapes.Right from the start they
dedicated themselves to dairy production and cheese in particular, starting in 1954. These cheeses are extremely sought after for their delicious flavor.
Sustainable tourism development centers:
In the town of Santa Elena, inhabitants and business owners alike have understood the need to combine their forces to preserve this natural treasure that surrounds them, to such a degree that they have provided tourism the services it requires without affecting its surroundings. Two other small rural communities called San Luis and San Gerardo join Santa Elena.
For example, San Luis is geographically a strategic region for the conservation of local biodiversity due to its large quantity of flora and fauna, and migratory species in particular. Its highest area is surrounded by the mountains of the private Children’s Eternal Rainforest reserve, property of the Conservation Association of Monteverde, and for the Monteverde Cloud Forest, property of the Tropical Scientific Center. In the lowest area, an important protected area exists, property of the Tropical Scientific Center.
The San Luis valley has ranges and mountains in its surrounding area; it possesses very distinct environmental characteristics and wonderful scenic views that facilitate the development of rural ecology, an activity with great potential.
One of the area’s principal attractions is the San Luis waterfall, which presents an impressing approximately 300 meter fall. To get there a short walk is necessary, during which the surrounding natural resources can be admired.
Activities:
Due to the ample biodiversity that characterizes this region with picturesque landscapes and rustic paths and trails, Monteverde has constant visitation throughout the entire year. In addition to admiring the natural environment in its most vivid expression, the tourist can also enjoy some other activities such as long walks, excursions by horse, on bike or on ATV.
Even though the most significant tourism-related activities in Monteverde have to do with
the natural surroundings and adventure, there is also a cultural component that stands out, given the influence of the Quaker community that is still found in Monteverde and with great effort achieved very important development of the area.
In summary, among the many attractions that stand out for tourists to visit are the San Luis waterfalls, Butterfly Garden, Orchid Garden, Hummingbird Gallery, Serpentarium, Cheese Factory, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve and that of Santa Elena as well as the Children’s Eternal Rainforest.
For enthusiasts of risky sports this is an apt place for doing canopy, rappel, as well as enjoying the experience of the hanging bridges: it is a different way of appreciating nature. A new and spectacular way to observe the forests from the above is Skywalk (walks in the sky), that take places on a series of paths connected by means of bridges suspended at great heights.
In short, Monteverde is the ideal spot for all those who enjoy tourism products such as nature, adventure and agrotourism.
But also due to its tranquility and harmony with nature, it has become an option for many couples that arrive here for their honeymoon or to reinforce a romantic relationship.
As an additional complement to all of these activities, courses and workshops related to art, painting, pottery and Spanish language learning are given.
Likewise, there are various farms that do the so-called Tour del Café, through which the visitor has the possibility of learning about the entire process of preparing coffee, from the crop, harvest, drying the coffee beans, roasting, the grinding process, until finally arriving at a cup of coffee served at their table.
Calendar:
Throughout the year different religious, civic, historic, sport and artistic activities are presented in communities.
In February, in the local amphitheater, the Monteverde Music Festival takes place in which different performers participate, whose musical lines are in tune with respect for nature.
March is the month of very special meaning since it represents the season of the arrival of the Quetzal in the mountainous areas. In June this bird starts its migration.
It is characteristic in the month of December to count birds in Monteverde Park
