On tours of the Monteverde Orchid Garden, you can see around 120 species of orchid in bloom, out of a total of 460 species. Experts can point out what makes each of these species unique.

Local horticulturalists jokingly refer to the species of orchids you see most often in the U.S. as “Wal-Mart flowers.” The species you’ll see on this tour are a good deal more intricate. 80 percent of orchids are miniature species. Their tiny size makes their intricate petals all the more entrancing.

Your guide will be able to show you the most unusual facets of each orchid. Orchids play an interesting role in ecology and have evolved to trick insects into pollinating them. Some are difficult to spot, while others give off peculiar scents. There are lots of micro-species, some larger blooms, and exhibits on hybrid orchids that are bred simply for their impressive looks.