Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
The Monteverde Cloud Forest is the ultimate gem of Costa Rica’s Cloud Forests. It’s home to 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity. There are more than 425 species of birds, thousands of insect species, over 2500 species of plants, and an abundance of reptiles and mammals.
Monteverde is acclaimed as one of the most outstanding wildlife refuges in the world. The Monteverde Region is situated in the Cordillera of Tilaran at an altitude of about 4920 ft. (1500 m.) above sea level.
Monteverde is known as one of the most famous ecotourism destinations in Central America.
Getting There
Monteverde Forest is essentially in the middle of Costa Rica, so it is easily accessible from any part of the country. From San Jose, it is a 2 hour 45 min drive along Route 27. We rented a 4×4 vehicle in San Jose and cruised our way up to the reserve.
Once we got there, we spoke to a local friend and found a guide that would take us on his horses up to the reserve entrance and then on a zip-line excursion. We paid about $70 per person for the entire day.
Riding our way up to the Monteverde Cloud Forest
What an incredible view!
The Zip-Lining Begins!
After about an hour on horseback, we made it to the entrance and began our hike to the first zip-line platform. The zip-line system is structured so that you start at the highest elevation point in the canopy of the rainforest and make your way back down to the lowest elevation point, where we first arrived at.
The entire excursion took about 2 hours.
There are 9 zip-line cables, the longest one being 2,525 feet long (770 m) and 456 feet (130 m) high!
Here comes Tarzan!
Just cruising through the rainforest!
Exploring the Reserve
In between zip-line platforms, we were hiking through the reserve, so we captured some great shots of wildlife, plants, and animals!
A Day Well Spent
Eventually, after dodging trees and vines, we ended up back at the last platform near the southern entrance of the reserve. We finished the day spending time with local rainforest guides, eating local food, and visiting the ecotourism center. This is one adventure you do not want to miss!
