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Monteverde Cloud Forest spreads over 10,500 hectares of land that hold six different life zones. More than 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, including 30 kinds of hummingbirds, tens of thousands of insect species and 2,500 species of plants (420 kinds of orchids), and 120 species of amphibians and reptiles live within the boundaries of Monteverde. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve of Costa Rica is acclaimed as one of the most outstanding wildlife refuges in the New World Tropics.
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| ESSENCE OF THE AREA |
| Monteverde Reserve now protects an area of 25,000 acres, comprising six different life zones. With many trails allowing visitors to enjoy a rich diversity of flora and fauna, Monteverde is a peaceful community made up of dairy farmers, naturalists and tourism service providers who have joined together to create a model for sustainable development and protection of the environment that is becoming known through the world. Monteverde is a great area to hike, with many hotels near the reserve. An easy walk to the town of Santa Elena which offers some local restaurants and coffee shops.
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| RECOMMENDED STAY |
| You need two nights here at least; the Monteverde Reserve is only open during the day. If you drive from San Jose in a 4X4 vehicle most likely you will arrive around noon. So you need to plan your stay. Monteverde is 4 hours from San Jose.
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| RECOMMENDED SIGHTSEEING & ACTIVITIES |
Santa ElenaCloud Forest Reserve.
3 miles north from the village Santa Elena. Ample bird-watching and hiking opportunities are found here. There are 5 miles of hiking trails.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve.
Is one of the most developed and well-maintained natural attractions in Costa Rica. You will find trails, birds, plants and exotic places.
Butterfly Garden.
Near the pension Monteverde. Displays many of Costa Rica's most beautiful species.
Canopy Tour
Is a growing complex of aerial adventures. Consists of a series of plataforms connected by cables strung through the canopy; provides visitors with a view previously reserved for birds, monkeys. Located outside of the town of Santa Elena. Open daily from 7am to 4pm.
Hipe Hike to Cerro Amigos.
Start behind Hotel Belmar. On a clear day you can see both of Costa Rica's coast.
Orchid Garden
On the Main road toward the preserve, this attraction boasts more than 400 species of orchids. Admission is $4.
Cheese Factory
These Factory has a shop where you can by fresh local cheese.There is a window behind the shop that allows you to see the making of the cheese.
Quakers arrived to Monteverde from Alabama in 1951. They bought land and started dairy farming. This cheese production facility now produces over 1000kg of cheese which is distributed throughout Costa Rica. The store is open from 7:30 to 4:00 daily except Sundays and holidays.
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| MUST SEE |
| Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Santa Elena Reserve, and Orchid Garden.
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| RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATIONS |
COUPLES:
Fonda Vela: The best rooms are the junior suites and the standards. This hotel is close to the reserve. But farthest from town.
El Establo: Close to town, with all the comforts of an American style hotel.
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| OUR FAVORITE AFFORDABLE HOTEL |
| The Trapp Family Hotel: Closer to the reserve but away from town. A small hotel, very cozy.
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