South & Central America
Highlights - Essential Info - Itineraries - History - Hotels
- Arenal Volcano
- Beach Hotels of Costa Rica
- Corcovado National Park & Osa Peninsula
- Manuel Antonio National Park
- Monteverde Cloud Forest
- San Jose & the Central Valley
- Tortuguero & the Caribbean Coast
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Extending to over 10,000 hectares, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is located high in the hills behind the Arenal volcano and enjoys a traditionally moist tropical climate making it a paradise for a huge variety of flora including many mosses, lichens and other epiphytes. This high elevation forest also offers miles of trails and excellent opportunities for bird watching and is one of the best places to spot Costa Rica’s national bird, the Resplendent Quetzal.
The nearby Santa Elena Rain Forest Reserve was only inaugurated in 1992 and so is much smaller than Monteverde, but it is less busy and still offers wonderful walking along its misty trails and great birdwatching opportunities as well as the chance to see monkeys, three-toed sloths and other animals as well as wonderful views of the Arenal Volcano.
The Hummingbird garden, butterfly garden and sepentarium all offer a fascinating insight into the local wildlife and there are many trails, canopy tours and ‘hanging bridges’ in the surrounding forests to ensure you see the very best of the flora and fauna in the area.
Our preferred hotels include:
El Sapo Dorado Lodge
Fonda Vela
Trapp Family Lodge
El Establo
