Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve (Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena Monteverde) Monteverde is one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the tropics. The reserve has an extension of 10,500 hectares of land where six different life zones are found. The climate and land of the reserve give rise to incredible bio diversity. There are at least 400 species of birds in the higher area of the rain forest, which includes the Resplendent Quetzal, ancient Mayan sacred bird, and more than 100 species of mammals, 120 species of amphibians and reptiles, and approximately 2,500 species of plants, which turn Monteverde into a paradise for bird lovers. The reserve has wet and dry seasons, though the higher areas are covered with mist and despite the fact that it rains a lot throughout the year. More than 400 species of delicate orchids make branches of the majestic trees grow more beautiful. Their captivating colors, in different shades of white, lilac and yellow incredibly contrast with the emerald green of the forest. There are other places near the reserve that are worth visiting such as the Children's Eternal Rain Forest (El Bosque Eterno de los Niños), the Garden of Butterflies (El Jardín de las mariposas), the Hummingbird Gallery (Galería de Colibríes) making the place a paradise for bird lovers. A spectacular way to view the forest is through the Skywalk (Caminata por el cielo), which consists in walking across a simple trail system connected by six suspension bridges at more than 130 feet height. This attraction offers an opportunity to admire truly wonderful views of the forest.
Monteverde is one of the most outstanding wildlife sactuaries in the tropics.
Flor de Vida - Cerro Plano - 200m south of El Establo Hotel- Monteverde Reserve. Costa Rica - Phone (506) 2645.6328 - Fax (506) 2645.6331 - flordevida@racsa.co.cr