If you like cool climates, views filled with green and hikes, this could be the destination you’ve been looking for.

The term “cloud forest” is no exaggeration, as you’ll be walking through trees in the midst of a dense fog, produced at 1,600 masl.

One thing that makes the area unique is that cloud forests are one of the most threatened ecosystems on earth. In fact, they represent only 1% of the forests remaining on the planet.

In the reserve, visitors can spend their time on the network of 13 km of paths. The trails are in excellent conditions and are ideal for spending a day in contact with nature.

You can also enjoy panoramic views from the La Ventana lookout. Here, at the mountain’s peak, you’ll be able to see the continental divide between Atlantic and Pacific. It is important to start early on this hike so that it will still be clear by the time you reach the lookout. Another option is to take a ziplining tour, or walk along the hanging bridges.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is the habitat of thousands of plant and animal species. Visitors to the reserve may come across birds like the resplendent quetzal and the three-wattled bellbird. The area is also home to animals like jaguars, pumas, monkeys, red-eyed tree frogs and more.

Over 420 species of orchids are found here, as well as 200 species of ferns, making the refuge a hotspot of biological richness.

Directions:

The reserve is in the northern part of Puntarenas, 6 km east of the city of Santa Elena. It’s 3 hours and 35 minutes from San José.

• Hours of operation:Every day from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Adult admission:$8
• Child admission:$6
• Parking:$5
• Pets:no
• Campingno

Contact:

• Email:reservaciones2@cct.or.cr
• Tel:(+506) 2645-5122