Cloud Forest Reserves in Monteverde and Santa Elena
The Monteverde Cloud Forest is famous but yet few people know just what a Cloud Forest is!...........A cloud forest is a special type of rain forest. As the name suggests much of the year the forest is immersed in clouds with year-round relative humidity of almost 100%.
The source of water encourages the growth of epiphytes, climbers and parasites and almost every branch is home to diverse species of orchids, bromeliads, lichens and others. This special habitat is a result of high elevation, temperature (higher temperature than surrounding lowlands) and global conditions. Costa Rica has very diverse local weather and the Monteverde area is no expectation. There are in fact 5 life zones in the area; tropical premontian, tropical premontian wet, tropical lower mountain wet forest, tropical lower mountain rain forest and tropical premountain rain forest.
In the Monteverde area there are several private reserves, the best known are the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserveand the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. The two reserves are located on the continental divide of Costa Rica which separates the Atlantic and Pacific slopes. Both offer guided walks. Click Here for more information about guided hikes in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, prices and transport
Below are photos of the famous Queztal bird.
Photographs by Monteverde Naturalist Guide Roberto Wesson
The phenomenon of high air born moisture is in part a result of the trade winds which blow in from the Atlantic for 5 months of the year. These winds which form in the equatorial zone are created by thermal conditions in different parts of the globe and the spinning of the earth. These general wind patterns of the earth have been known to sailors for centuries.
There are other cloud forests in different parts of the world, such as Washington State, but Monteverde is special in its biodiversity. The area is home to more than 450 orchids, 100 species of mammals (that includes bats), 400 species of birds, 120 species of amphibians, and thousands of plants.
The reserves are home to Ocelots and Tapir and a small number of Jaguars. Some of the more spectacular birds include the Long Tailed Manikin, Resplendent Quetzal, Bell Birds and Bare-necked umbrella birds. There are also many amazing trees and plants. For example the strangler figs, that start as a parasite among the branches, lowers vines to the ground and over the years cut off the host trees sunlight. In some cases the host tree dies and decomposes leaving a hollow strangler fig tree.
This map was created by David King for use in the GRUAS proposal to the Costa Rica Ministry of Environment using the CAMRIS GIS software.
This fragile habitat has a number of endemic species that are endangered. Many of the dangers that face the reserves are global problems. Global warming, solar radiation and the ozone layer can have a devastating effect on the flora and fauna of these regions. The Golden Toad is an example of a now extinct species as a result of changes in the worlds climate. Many species of birds in Costa Rica are seen leaving what was thought of as to be their territory in search of foods in higher or lower elevations as the case may be. If temperatures continue to rise some day the cloud forest itself could die. The mountains are only so high and there is a point where the factor of elevation cannot keep the needed cooler climate of the cloud forest.
One of the concepts of land protection in the Tilaran / Monteverde area is to create a tract of protected forests traversing a number of elevations providing a corridor to animals and birds. The two private parks as well as many other protected areas such as the Children's Eternal Rain Forest are a part of this corridor.
There are many good books about Costa Rican biology and natural history. An excellent resource is the Costa Rican Natural History, edited by Daniel H. Janzen and published by The University of Chicago Press. There is also a new book specifically about the Natural History of Monteverde.
We would strongly recommend that all those who visit Monteverde take a hike at one of the two reserves mentioned below. A guide is a plus as you will learn a lot but this is an awesome experience with our without a naturalist guide. All the trails are in fair condition and well marked. Maps are provided.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve was founded in 1972 by George and Harriet Powell and is the best known cloud forest reserve in the Monteverde Zone. In 1975 the initial 328 hectares of the reserve were increased with the addition of the Quaker communities 554 hectare water shed preserve. The reserve now covers around 10,500 hectares. Elevation ranges from 600 meters above sea level to 1800 meters on isolated peaks. This reserve, under the administration of the Tropical Science Center, is known world wide for its biodiversity and is visited each year by many tourists and scientists.
- Hours: Open 7.00am - 4.00pm everyday. - Children under 6 are free
- Students have special rates BUT only if recognized student ID can be produced
- Restrooms only at entrance of park
- Hummingbird Gallery is free
- There is a coffee shop, cafeteria and gift store at the entrance
- Buses go between town and the Monteverde Reserve about every 2-3 hours starting at 6:15 am from Santa Elena
- Entrance to the park is limited if numbers are too large - best to get there when the park opens at 7.00am
Guided Hikes in the Monteverde Reserve
Monteverde tours offers a package that includes an English-speaking, qualified naturalist guide (only the best ones are chosen - tried and tested!), all transport to and from hotel, visit to the hummingbird gallery and entrance fees.
Tours include all transport, bilingual guide and entrance to the park.The tour pick-up time is at 7.00am and return journey is at 11.20am, everyday. The groups are usually small, 6-8 people and the guided walks are easy and takes about 3 hours with frequent stops to observe wildlife through the special scopes the guides bring. There is a restaurant at the park if you want to buy snacks and drinks. There are also guided walks that start at 12md and 1.30pm
Prices (min 2 people on guided walk):
$50 per adult on guided tour
$42 per student and for children 10 + (with student cards ONLY if obviously not a child, otherwise you will be charged extra at the gate) on guided tour
$10 for 1 child (6 - 9) with 2 paying adults or $22 if just one adult on guided tour
$19 EACH for 2 children (6 - 9) with 2 paying adults or $35 each if just one adult on guided walk
No charge for children 5 and under on guided walk
Private Monteverde Reserve Guided Walks
A completely private hike (min 2 adults) in the reserve is $81 per person including guide, transport and entrance fee.
Minimum 2 adults. Students $73. Children under 5 go free. Children 6 – 9 pay $20 and children over 10 pay $43.
Also there are early morning birding tours, tours are about 5-6 hours. These are $85 per adult including guide, transport from your hotel to Stella’s Bakery and return from the reserve, and entrance fee. Start at 6.00am from Stella’s Bakery. Minimum 2.
Desafio requires advance booking for guided walks especially during high season.
The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve is a lesser known reserve than the 'Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve' but it has essentially the same type of forest. The Santa Elena Reserve is situated a little more towards the Atlantic and has large areas at high elevations. Both reserves share some common borders. The Reserva Santa Elena is run by the Santa Elena High School.
So what is the difference between the two? Many argue that the guides are better at the Monteverde Reserve as they have tough exams to qualify as a guide. The admission is cheaper at the Santa Elena Reserve (but transport to get there is more expensive). The trails are a little more 'rustic' than in Monteverde but both parks are beautiful. The Santa Elena Reserve is arguably less crowded in high season. The Santa Elena Reserve is only a 20 minute walk from the Selvatura Canopy Zipline tour so if you want to do a guided walk in the park in the morning and a canopy tour in the afternoon - they are conveniently located near to each other.
Monteverde tours offers a guided package that includes an English-speaking, qualified naturalist guide (only the best ones are chosen - tried and tested!), all transport to and from hotel and entrance fees.
Price is $50 for adults, $43 for students and $32 for children 8-12 (if accompanied by 2 adults).
The guided walk: pick-up time is at 6.30 am and return journey is at 11.20am, everyday. The groups are usually small, 4 -8 people and the hiking is easy and takes about 3 hours with frequent stops to observe wildlife through the special scopes the guides bring. There is a restaurant at the park if you want to buy snacks and drinks.
Testimonials
Dear
Janet
We enjoined our trip
very much and we are fully satisfied with Desafios arrangements for us (March 2008). In fact
we are so pleased so we will return and work as volunteers in the Monteverde
reserve.
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This map was created by David King for use in the GRUAS proposal to the Costa Rica Ministry of Environment using the CAMRIS GIS software.
