The Monteverde tourism zone is generously blessed with bucolic beauty. Its immense popularity has spawned contiguous forest reserves and a gamut of nature attractions that make Monteverde world-renown. Tens of thousands of visitors are drawn to this area annually, due to its conservation efforts and lifestyle centered on respect for nature.
Santa Elena is the area’s main service center with various shops and tourism companies; other important towns are San Luis and San Gerardo. Though its main attraction is the Monteverde Biological Preserve, the region also features a variety of natural places, picturesque paths, flora- and fauna-viewing opportunities, natural landscapes, and more.
Owing to the area’s attractions and environment, activities are centered on natural history and adventure. Possible tourist activities include bird watching (especially the resplendent quetzal), wildlife- and nature-watching, hiking, and canopy tours, plus trips to suspension bridges, and visits to butterfly and frog gardens.
Attractions:
SANTA ELENA CLOUD FOREST PRESERVE This cloud forest is owned and administered by the Santa Elena Community. The Santa Elena Preserve, as it is commonly known, is dedicated to protecting the cloud forest and contributing to the education of the Santa Elena community. This reserve protects 1,440 acres (580 hectares) adjoining The Biological Reserve of Monteverde Cloud Forest to the northwest. Revenue from the preserve is used to protect the forest and to develop environmental programs.
Several trails are available to enjoy the 310-hectare preserve. On clear days, Arenal Volcano may be seen. CHILDREN’S ETERNAL FOREST This is the largest private preserve in Costa Rica. The area to visit in Monteverde is the San Gerardo Biological Station, located seven kilometers from Santa Elena, which offers five kilometers of trails through the wet forest and an impressive view of Arenal Volcano.
One hundred animal species and 400 bird species have been identified in this 22,000-hectare preserve.
SAN LUIS WATERFALL Located in San Luis, this is an impressive 300-meter waterfall. Getting to it requires a short hike on which visitors can enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.
MONTEVERDE CHEESE FACTORY The main attraction here is observing how cheese is made and buying dairy products such as ice cream and other sweets. The factory’s hours are Monday to Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
CASEM HANDICRAFTS The Artisans Committee of Santa Elena and Monteverde (CASEM) make various handicrafts and souvenirs out of wood and other materials, as well as clothing, for tourists to purchase.
THE QUAKERS The Quakers came to the Monteverde area in the fifties in the hopes of following their traditional way of life. They undertook agricultural and livestock activities after clearing the forest for pasture, they also established a cheese-making industry that has benefited the area’s Costa Rican residents.
MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST BIOLOGICAL PRESERVE This preserve boasts a wealth of diversity in flora and fauna, much of which is unique in the world, which has made it a visitor attraction not to be missed: where nature-loving tourists and scientists can share one place that satisfies their diverse interests.
A number of trails allow visitors to observe the cloud forest. Approximately 400 bird species, 490 butterfly species, more than 100 species of mammal, 2,500 plant species (500 of which are orchids) and tens of thousands of insects have been identified here. Noteworthy wildlife includes the jaguar, tapir, lark, umbrella bird, and the resplendent quetzal. The preserve comprises 11,500 hectares.
MONTEVERDE COFFEE TOUR This is a visit to the Cooperative’s coffee plantations in the community of San Luis, where visitors are shown the process and taken to the roasting company to sample the final product.
MONTEVERDE MUSIC FESTIVAL This event takes place during the first months of the year to take advantage of the dry season and high season for tourists. Different musical groups advocating music in harmony with nature are invited from around the country.
Activities:
BIRD WATCHING The resplendent quetzal is the area’s most striking bird; with the wet forest being its habitat. Alongside the quetzal, the bellbird and the umbrella bird also stand out. Hummingbirds, goldfinches and other birds may also be admired.
HORSEBACK RIDING Several hotels and mountain lodges, as well as family operations, offer horseback-riding tours through typical villages, picturesque trails, and wet forest, with the final destination usually being a waterfall or other scenic natural spot.
MOUNTAIN BIKING Picturesque trails lead between mountain and forest areas to typical towns such as San Luis and San Gerardo, as well as to the Santa Elena and Monteverde preserves.
TREETOP ADVENTURES Several options are available for observing life and activity in the treetops. While in the treetops, you will find several species of monkeys, birds, snakes, and the forest canopy itself, as well as different varieties of orchids, bromeliads, penguins, climbing plants, parasites and communities of insects and pollinators. HONEYMOONS Nature, climate, and peacefulness make this region a popular destination for national and international visitors enjoying their honeymoons.
ZOOFARMS (INSECTS, REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS) In these places, visitors can observe diverse species of butterflies, approximately 40 snake species, and the natural beauty of the region’s frogs in terrariums that simulate their habitat.
