Walks in the cloud forest
One of the main attractions of Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is its 13-kilometer network of trails. While walking the trails, visitors are presented with a number of options. One alternative is the walk up to the "La Ventana" scenic overlook, where they may witness the contrasting panoramas exhibited naturally by the continental divide, a geographical feature that traces the principal mountain ranges of Costa Rica. At this location, visitors can experience the force of the moisture-laden trade winds blowing in from the Atlantic coast, and witness how they descend at high velocity toward the Central Pacific and Northern coastal plains of Costa Rica.
Visitors are also encouraged to see the "Wilford Guindon" suspension bridge, where they will have the opportunity to examine a great number of epiphytes (bromeliads, orchids, ferns, mosses) and other life forms that inhabit the canopy of trees typical of the area.
The following map shows the network of trails at Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve.
Price List and Reservations
Other options for the enjoyment of the trails:
Natural History Walks
After a 10-minute DVD presentation providing an introductory view of the cloud forest flora and fauna, an experienced nature guide will lead you on a 2 1/2-hour walk on MCFBR trails, where you can make your own in situ observations.
Schedule: 7:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:00 pm
For reservations, call: (506) 2645 5122 / fax 2645-5034 (07:00 a.m. a 9:00 p.m.) or the email reservaciones2@cct.or.cr / montever@cct.or.cr
Bird-watching tours
The tour starts at 6:00 am at Stella's Bakery and proceeds towards the Reserve. The tour is on foot and observations are made on the way up to the Reserve and in the park. The minimum group size is two, maximum is six.
Night Walks
For those who wish to experience the nocturnal biodiversity of the tropical forest, there are night walks in the Reserve led by experienced local guides.
These start daily at 6:15 pm.
