MONTEVERDE BIOLOGICAL RESERVE
The spectacular Monteverde Cloud Forest biological Reserve is a very important and popular ecotourism destination in Costa Rica. Is located in Puntarenas province is 6 km east of the town of Santa Elena . Around four hours drive from the capital city of San Jose. , the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is one of the most stunning and breathtaking nature reserves in the entire world.
Unike rainforest, cloud forests usually received much less rain in comparison. However, because a cloud forest is situated at a higher altitude, it has more humidity and is therefore cloudier than rainforest. This biological reserve sits at an elevation of between 1.200 m to 1.600 m, and is sorrounded by a misty cover that supports a fantastic diversity of flora and fauna. Often creaing a surreal enveroiment, this reserve is considered to be among the most exceptional wildlife sanstuaries in the New World Tropics.
Encompassing eiight distinct biological zones, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve covers an area of 26.000 acres ( 10.522 hectares) , and is home to more than 2.000 species of plants and trees, 100 species of mammals, over 400 species of birds, and rouhgly 1.200 species of amphbians and reptiles. When exploring the forest you will come across a variety of birds and animmals including, bellbirds, guans, toucanets, jaguars, pumas and monkeys, as well as the golden toad, a toad species that is only known to exist here the in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
This unique landscape is also the habitat of more than 300 species of orchids and 200 species of fern. With views of both the Pacific and Caribbean Oceans, this reserve is filled with a huge array of lofty and soaring tress laden with stunning epipyte plants.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest has excellent trails for hiking and exploration. However, this reserve is not meant for weak at heart. A great way to explore the forest is to take a skywalk or a rappelling tour, canopy tour. Where visitors can view the forest from a series of bridges and cables that offer a bird s eye view of the reserve below.
