Walk in the Clouds in Monteverde
Country: Costa Rica
City or Region:
Santa Elena, Monteverde
Cost: Under $50
Themes: Hotels and Lodging, Guides and Tours, Sightseeing - Popular Attractions and Beach, Outdoors and Nature
Suitable for: Everyone
Website: http://www.monteverdeinfo.com/
What is a cloud forest, you might ask? I wondered that myself when I first heard about the Santa Elena and Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, located along the Central American Continental Divide. It has all the lush jungle life of the rain forest, but the cloud forest is so-called because its soaring altitude and high humidity seep it in a cloudy mist. Threatened by climate change and deforestation, the cloud forest is an endangered marvel. Observe more than 100 mammal species, 30 varieties of hummingbirds, and 420 types of orchids. Learn the coffee-making process at a working coffee bean farm, take a mountain bike tour through Monteverde, stroll through the butterfly garden, or get a bird’s eye view of the canopy on a Sky Trek zip line tour. You’ll be praying for another cloudy day!
Transport information and advice
The Reserve is situated about 3.5 miles southeast of Santa Elena, Monteverde, where a bus leaves hourly from the Banco Nacional starting at 6am and ending at 1:25pm. The bus costs $1.00 per person. You can also take a taxi for $7.00. For the opportunity to lodge in the actual forest, stay at the El Establo hotel (http://www.elestablo.com), which guarantees an exceptional view, a heated pool, Internet access, and tennis courts. The Reserve’s restaurant, souvenir shop, and art gallery are open from 7am to 4pm. The only restrooms are at the entrance to the reserve, so be sure to make a stop before you explore. Also, note that it gets dark at 6 p.m. in Costa Rica.
By Charlotte Bigford
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