Monteverde — Costa Rica’s Epic Cloud Forest

Terranova Costa Rica offers several different ways to discover Central America’s legendary cloud forest.

Due to its high altitude — 4,662 feet (1,440 meters) above sea level — Monteverde receives a steady stream of clouds and the life-giving moisture they contain. Often in the form of fog, this moisture clings to the branches of the tallest trees and drips down to the other organisms below.

This helps to support a complex and far-reaching ecosystem, one that harbors more than 100 species of mammals, 400 kinds of birds, tens of thousands of insect species, and over 2,500 varieties of plants, 420 of which are orchids.

Monte Verde’s amazing slice of heaven within the confines of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, which function like national parks.

There’s also Selvatura Park, a privately run “adventure ecological park” that sprawls across 850 acres of cloud forest. Among the park’s many features are ziplines, canopy walks and suspension bridges as well as butterfly and hummingbird gardens, sloth sanctuary, reptile and amphibian exhibit, natural history walks, and Ecological Awareness Center.

Terranova can also arrange a visit to Monteverde Cheese Factory, founded by Quaker pioneers who source their milk from many local farmers.