Monteverde

Monteverde is located in the the Province of Puntarenas and straddles the Continental Divide at 4462 feet in elevation. The area is best known for the town of Santa Elena and of course the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Many visitors come to view the more than 100 species of mammals including 5 species of cats, over 400 species of birds including 30 types of hummingbirds, tens of thousands of insect species and 2,500 species of plants (420 kinds of orchids) For this reason, this area is considered one of the most interesting places to visit in Costa Rica. Plan sufficient time to visit this area as it contains 6 distinct ecological zones.

Monteverde is home to plenty of wildlife including 2 species of sloths, white-faced monkey, agouti, coatimundi, kinkajou, margays, porcupine, hog-nosed skunk, fox, coyote, and armadillo. If wildlife observation is not for you, don’t worry there is plenty to do. Try soaring above the cloud forest on a canopy tour, walk down suspended bridges and tree top walkways, go on a coffee tour, and then top it off, with a trip to Arenal Volcano using a combination of 4x4, horseback and boat!

Monteverde is located in the north central portion of the country. The GPS Coordinates are: 10°18′51.32″N 84°49′30.08″W.

Resting roughly at 1400 meters above sea level, Monteverde is misty and windy, with an average annual temperature 64.4 Fahrenheit. Annual rainfall averages around 118 in. Humidity is between 74% to 97%. The dry season runs from December through May and the rainy season from May through November.

As you can see, it can get quite cool in Monteverde, so be sure to pack accordingly. Rain gear is a must! Also, long pants and shirt, as well as short, hiking boots, sneakers, and maybe some sandals. Don’t forget the camera, binoculars, and batteries.

Again, this is an area worth spending some time in. With six distinct ecological zones, it is not a one day trip. People from all over the world come here to visit, so make the most of it while you are hear. The best way to insure this is to get a guide, you will see many opportunities along the way and it will be worth every penny you spend.  

 

For more Monteverde information call Toll Free 1-800-630-9126 or 1-866-853-9426