Guided Tour Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

About the Monteverde Reserve:

In 1972, under the threat of homesteading in the surrounding rain forest, visiting scientists George Powell and his wife joined forces with long-time resident Wilford Guindon to promote the establishment of a nature reserve. The Tropical Science Center was receptive to these efforts and accepted institutional responsibility for ownership and management of the protected areas. An initial land purchase of 328 hectares formed the initial core of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

In 1975, the 554-hectare community watershed reserve, founded in the mid-60s by members of the Quaker community, was annexed under an administrative contract to the reserve. After the reserve's creation, the Tropical Science Center continued to secure the financial and human resources necessary to expand, consolidate and properly protect and manage the non-profit rainforest reserve's current 10,500 hectares.

The tour is essentially a natural history walk in which you will learn about the incredible diversity of flora and fauna and many of the unique relationships many cloud forest species have with each other. This walk normally takes about 3 hours.

Guides are equipped with a spotting telescope as well as binoculars and several informational guidebooks. Be sure to bring your cameras, as you can take pictures through the guide's scope.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve (Reserva Biologica del Bosque Nuboso de Monteverde) is where some of the best-kept cloud forest in all of Costa Rica can be found. It is a cloud forest, not a rain forest, due to its elevation of 4,724 ft (1,440 m) above sea level. Some of the best bird-watching can be done inside and outside the reserve.