In Spanish, Monteverde means "green mountain" and it is one of the most interesting and most popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica. Best know for the world famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, there are a number of other reserves and activities in this area. For nature-lovers and birders Monteverde is a natural destination.
     The Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve has earned its fame as one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the New World tropics. Positioned atop the Continental Divide in western Costa Rica, the Preserve extends down both the Caribbean and Pacific slopes. The resultant combination of climatic and geographic factors creates temperature and humidity gradients, which change dramatically over relatively short distances. The Preserve supports six different vegetation communities (Life Zones). There are over 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, 120 species of amphibians and reptiles, and 2,500 species of plants (among them 420 different kinds of orchids), as well as tens of thousands of insect species.







     

     Spectacular wildlife includes the Jaguar, Ocelot, Baird's Tapir, Howler Monkey, Three-wattled Bellbird, Barenecked Umbrella-bird and Resplendent Quetzal, just to name some. Here you will find that the resplendent Quetzal, the unique Golden Toad and a tremendous array of many rarely recognized endangered species such as Baird's tapir and jaguars, call the forest home. The forest stretches from the lush ferns and mosses that cover from the ground up to the darkest canopy formed by the tallest trees. Arriving in Monteverde about midday; and on time for a very delicious lunch, you will have time to settle in your hotel. In the afternoon there will be a visit the cheese factory, operated by Quakers. In the early evening we will present a very entertaining slide show which we hope will describe better the rich history that forms the basis for this lovely area and it's many wonders.