Clound Forest Reserves around Monteverde

Cloud Forest Reserves

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Located 8 km from the town of Santa Elena the cloud forest reserve offers 20km of trails, a Hummingbird Gallery where more than 20 types of hummingbird can be spotted, plus a gift shop and cafeteria. Collect a map from the rangers office where you purchase tickets to enter the reserve; on this map there are times and distances marked for the different trails. You will quickly learn what is meant by ‘Cloud Forest' as you are accompanied on the trails by mist and cloud. By taking the Bosque Nuboso trail you eventually end up at a lookout situated on the continental divide which would afford views to both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea; that is if you ever get a break in the clouds. As a result of the elevation and clouds, the reserve is often quite cool and wet so a water proof jacket is advisable.

The reserve is a 20 minute drive from Santa Elena on a dirt road. There is a bus that makes the trip there and back which leaves from outside the Banco Nacional in Santa Elena and can be flag down at any stage along the road to the reserve. It runs every hour from 6 am and costs about $1 each way. Taxis from Santa Elena will charge 7 - 8US$. There is binocular rental at the entrance for 10US$ (must leave passport or credit card for deposit) and naturalist guides can also do 2.5 hour tours for $15 per person with a maximum of 9 people per group.

Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve

Often overshadowed by the hype surrounding the Monteverde Cloud forest, the just as impressive Santa Elena cloud forest reserve is a community administered project. The land has been permanently leased by the local Santa Elena community high school and all profits help with the park's preservation as well as improving the educational infrastructure of the area. The Santa Elena reserve borders the Monteverde reserve though sits at a higher elevation and is less crowded. Both reserves have similar wildlife and plants though on a clear day the Arenal Volcano can be seen from the Santa Elena reserve. For 1US$ each way you can catch a shuttle to the reserve which leaves every two hours starting from 6.30 am departing from outside the Camino Verde across from the bus station and Sky Trek office. A naturalist guide can be acquired for 3 hours at a price of 15US$