The rare phenomenon where climatic conditions cause cloud and mist to be in regular contact with the vegetation is called a cloud forest.  Few exist in the world, and Monteverde is one of the few destinations where cloud forests are easily accessible.  This magical environment has enchanted visitors from all over the world.  Monteverde is home to the Quetzal, one of the true prizes for avid birdwatchers.

Nature lovers visit this secluded part of the country in search of exciting trails in the cloud forest, adventurous canopy rides, and relaxing evenings in the cool, crisp climate.  Cozy mountain lodges also provide the perfect romantic setting.  The town of Monteverde was founded by Quakers, and aside from tourism and hotels, the main economic activity centers around agriculture and dairy production.  The region is home to the Monteverde Cheese factory and the organic Monteverde coffee tour.  Most of the restaurants and resorts are owned and managed by local families and offer down-to-earth Quaker hospitality.

Spending one or two nights in Monteverde is a memorable part of a Costa Rican vacation.  We recommend a minimum one-night stay with at least two full days to enjoy the region.  Due to the difficult access roads into the region, ideally, your stay in Monteverde should be scheduled in the middle of your Costa Rica vacation itinerary, allowing your starting and ending hotels to be more accessible to the airports.

Things to Do:

Butterfly Garden

Admission to the Butterfly Garden entitles you to a guided, naturalist-led tour (in Spanish, English or German) that begins with a discussion of butterfly life cycles and the butterfly's importance in nature. Visitors are taken into the greenhouses and to the screened garden, where hundreds of species flutter. It's best to visit in the morning when the butterflies are most active.

Cheese Factory

Until the recent upswing in ecotourism, Monteverde's number one employer was this cheese factory, also called La Fábrica (the Factory) or La Lechería (the Dairy). Reservations are required for the two-hour tour of operations, where you'll see old-school methods used to produce everything from a creamy gouda to a very nice sharp, white cheddar, as well as other dairy products such as yogurt and, most importantly, ice cream.

Frog Pond

With all this mist, it's no wonder that so many amphibians call Monteverde home, and the Frog Pond has about 30 species on display, including newts, salamanders and - of course - a wide assortment of frogs and toads. Guides lead tours through the well-maintained terrariums, and point out the often poisonous frogs with flashlights.
Many resident amphibians are more active at night, so it's best to visit during the evening. Indeed, your ticket allows you to return for free in the evening.

Serpentarium

Biologist Fernando Valverde has collected about 40 species of snakes, plus a fair number of frogs, lizards, turtles and other cold-blooded cuties at his serpentarium. Sometimes it's tough to find them in their foliage-filled cages, but guides are available in Spanish or English for free tours; signage is similarly bilingual. The venomous snake displays are awesome: you'll even get to see your first (and hopefully last) fer-de-lance.

Feel free to email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call us at US: (850)266-7789 to talk to one of our Costa Rica vacation specialists and to plan a customized Costa Rica travel package that includes a visit to the Monteverde and Santa Elena Cloud Forests.

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