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Costa Rica Travel
Guide Directory |
| Monteverde Cloud Forest Costa Rica |
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a biological reserve owned and managed  by the Tropical Science Center, a Costa Rican nonprofit, scientific research organization. This reserve is regarded by many as one of the top tropical plant and wildlife sanctuaries in the world. It is perhaps the most beautiful of the many cloud forests located in Costa Rica and has become one of the most popular ecotourism destinations in Central America.
Note that a "cloud forest" differs from a "rain forest". In particular, a cloud forest will generally receive less rain on an annual basis than will a rain forest. However, a cloud forest generally has more humidity and (because of its higher altitudes) more cloudiness than a rain forest. The 25,000-acre Monteverde cloud forest area is located on a low mountain in central Costa Rica near the small town of Santa Elena ( see map ) and can be reached by car or bus from the capital city of San Jose in about 4 hours. In the Monteverde Reserve, you can experience the unique cloud forest climate and hike (with a guide) the many nature trails and observe the outstanding bio diversity of the forest. In this regard, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve has eight different ecological life zones and approximately 400 species of birds, 110 species of amphibians and reptiles, 100 species of mammals, 2,500 species of plants as well as thousands of species of insect . Exotic wildlife seldom seen elsewhere can be found here, including the Jaguar and Ocelot. There are also many varieties of very tall trees as well as beautiful streams, rapids and waterfalls in the forest area. The Monteverde area is considerably cooler and wetter than most areas of Costa Rica . The area has an average temperature of 65F. to 70 F. with an average annual rainfall of 120 inches a year. Visitors to this area should therefore pack rain gear (boots and a poncho) as well as a jacket and long pants. In addition to hiking the various nature trails, there are a number of other worthwhile attractions in the Monteverde area. |
The following briefly describes some of these:
Butterfly Project: Visitors to this attraction can view some 50 live species of butterfly and learn about butterfly ecology, from caterpillar to pupa to butterfly.
Casem: At this local craft cooperative you can buy a wide range of handmade arts and craft items made by local artisans. The products include ceramics, embroidered fabrics and carvings.
Hummingbird Gallery: At this attraction, visitors can observe several species of very pretty and colorful hummingbirds that are native to the area.
Orchid Garden: This garden has more than 400 species of orchids, including the national flower of Costa Rica and the smallest known orchid species in the world, Platystele jungermannioids.
SkyTrek: The more adventuresome may wish to try this canopy ride that takes you from tree top platform to tree top platform in the cloud forest by means a series of cable lines.
Serpentarium: Here one may observe many species of snakes, frogs, lizards and other reptiles native to the Monteverde cloud forest area.
Horseback Riding: A number of guided horseback tours of the Monteverde area are available - from short rides to full-day excursions.
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| Monteverde Hotels |
| Recommended Hotels in Monteverde Cloud Forest |
- Heliconia Hotel - If you are looking for a hotel in Monteverde, Costa Rica with full amenities at an affordable price, choose Hotel Heliconia
- Sapo Dorado Hotel - Our 30 mountain suites nestled in a pastoral setting provide you with spacious, comfortable accommodations just minutes from the Monteverde Cloud Forest and other natural attractions.
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| Costa Rica Hotels in Monteverde |
- Eco-Lodge San Louis El Establo Lodge - is situated in the heart of the tourist zone of Monteverde, 7 kms from the Santa Elena Rain Forest and 4 kms from the Monteverde Cloud Forest.
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| Telephone number and e-mail is to Sagitar Travel We are a Travel Agency authorized to represent all described services and properties and we are available to facilitate your reservation process. Please note direct access to hotels or services in this country will not be made available. We can arrange and customize your travel vacation. we are not an online-travel agent. but we do give personal service. Just give us a call. |
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