Monteverde has many achievements under its belt. This little mountaintop sanctuary and its cultural melting-pot of peace and nature-loving people, have shown the world that conservation and sustainability…
Monteverde has many achievements under its belt. This little mountaintop sanctuary and its cultural melting-pot of peace and nature-loving people, have shown the world that conservation and sustainability…
Monteverde has many achievements under its belt. This little mountaintop sanctuary and its cultural melting-pot of peace and nature-loving people, have shown the world that conservation and sustainability can be lived from the heart. One of its many triumphs is the creation of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, which is a beautiful reminder of the success of a series of decisions that were made to protect this little crown of the misty, mountainous world.
Monteverde, which appropriately translates to “Green Mountain” sits on the top of the continental divide. Altitude and the moisture-laden winds that roll over the Costa Rican northern lowlands and then up into the Monteverde mountains set the perfect scene to form the magical and mystical cloud forest.
Yes, this is a magical forest that is beautiful, precious, and delicate.
The Cloud forests are few and far between making up just 1% of the total of forests of the world. The Monteverde cloud forest gives you the opportunity to experience this dynamic and cherished forest through immersion and up close. This is in large degree thanks to the incredible work and effort by the local and scientific community to guarantee its preservation.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is one of a number of privately-owned and run protected areas that safeguard the cloud forest on this special mountaintop where you can touch the clouds.
Some history!
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve was created in the early ‘70s by a concerned group of local Quakers and scientists from the Tropical Science Center. These visionaries set the tone for Monteverde’s conservation efforts, its sustainable tourism model, and a place of research and continued education.
We can’t talk about Monteverde’s history without mentioning the Quaker community that settled here back in the ‘50s. These peacemakers and searchers arrived in Monteverde and started dairy farming. Very quickly, they identified the need to protect the dense cloud forest on their farmland and established a private reserve to guarantee its safety from logging and furthering farming as well as to protect the watershed.
Fast forward a couple of decades and the biologists and researchers began arriving in Costa Rica and specifically to Monteverde thanks to the cloud forest. Costa Rica is home to around 4% of the world’s biodiversity and Monteverde is one of its hubs. They joined forces with the Quakers to expand the reserve and the conservation efforts through fundraising campaigns and lots of love for the cloud forest.
And where are we today?
All the fundraising by this coalition of scientists and peace lovers that were able to push the reserve’s boundaries further and further through purchasing the land that the cloud forest sat upon became the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. A very happy ending to what could have been a biological tragedy.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is now an impressive 17,000 hectares of natural forest that is run by the Tropical Science Center and welcomes nature lovers from all over the world. They come in many forms, as tourists, for educational purposes, for scientific research, as volunteers and even some to permanently reside close to the beautiful cloud forest.
Walk through the Clouds
A visit to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is your opportunity to immerse yourself in the magic of the cloud forest and experience it up close. It is where your senses are activated and where you inhale the sights, sounds, aromas, and textures of this endangered forest, that is filled with natural treasures.
The reserve has a number of trails you can wander through that are one of the main attractions for eco-tourists. The network of 8 well-maintained trails includes a hanging bridge, a waterfall, viewpoints, and observation decks including one that sits at the top of the continental divide with views to the Caribbean lowlands.
Bring your hiking boots, a raincoat, binoculars, and your love for nature to truly enjoy these trails that snake through the cloud forest. You have over 13km of trails to conquer!
Bird Watchers Paradise
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a bird watcher’s paradise. Resident and migratory species grace us with their permanent and temporary presence and they never disappoint.
And we can’t talk about the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve without mentioning the elusive resplendent Quetzal that can be spotted during the mating and nesting season from January to May.
Friendly bird watching tip: Look for mini-avocado trees as they love to feed on this delicious fruit.
While we love to showcase this colorfully exotic bird that once dressed Aztec priests and royalty, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is also home to many other bird species so keep those binoculars handy. Do the birdwatching tour with an expert naturalist guide to really take advantage of your time in the reserve.
The Soul of the Reserve
The Tropical Science Center has 50 years of experience in the world of biodiversity conservation. While its heart is the cloud forest and its conservation, environmental education in the local communities and for visitors is its soul.
With a well-tuned educational platform, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve welcomes groups from high schools, universities, colleges, government and non-government organizations, businesses, institutions, and the general public to join the cloud forest educational movement. What better classroom than the actual cloud forest to learn about this bio-rich forest that is full of opportunities for knowledge!
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is one of Monteverde’s true natural treasures. Ficus Sunset Suites is a member of the Monteverde and Santa Elena community, and conservation programs recognize the positive impact the reserve has had on the preservation of the cloud forest and its biodiversity. The ongoing educational programs create a ripple effect around the world as the word is spread; Ficus invites you to visit the reserve.
Visit the Tour Desk during your stay in this modern, mountain top hotel, with the best views and sunsets in town, to organize your tour to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. It is a must when walking through the clouds.
