Costa Rica’s Monteverde Natural Paradise

Peaceful, tranquil, natural and beautiful are just some of the adjectives you could use to describe the small Central American nation of Costa Rica. These descriptions have not been awarded lightly either, as the nation permanently abolished its army in the 1940’s and is home to 5% of the world’s biodiversity. One of the places where you are most likely to be able to appreciate this unique and diverse range of flora and fauna is in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve.

Labelled as one of Costa Rica’s Seven Wonders, the mesmerising cloud forest is renowned for its incredible biodiversity. The moisture of the cloud forest provides support for plants, with nearly every tree trunk covered in ferns and moss. It also provides support for hundreds of mammals including birds, butterflies, reptiles and amphibians. TravelQuest takes a closer look at what you might expect to see during a visit to the Monteverde forested area of Costa Rica.

Plants

Directly translated, Monteverde is known as the ‘Green Mountain’ and this soon becomes apparent upon arrival. It is influenced by a number of factors including the mountainous landscape, strong winds and the fog and rain that comes from the Caribbean during the dry season. There are over 3,000 species of plant life within the cloud forest, including over 750 species of tree. Additionally, the cloud forest is home to the world’s largest collection of orchids, with over 500 known species – 34 of which were discovered in the reserve and are new to science.

Wildlife

Many people visiting the cloud forest come in search of tropical and colourful birds, which have made their home in this natural haven. There are 400 species in total, with the most noteworthy being the Resplendent Quetzal, a beautiful bird of paradise. As well as birdlife, though, it is possible to find many exotic species within the forest including more than 60 species of amphibians, 100 species of reptile, 50 species of bats, three different primates, 15 species of rats and mice, six species of cat and much, much more.

Hanging Bridges

During your visit to the Monteverde Cloud Forest, you may want to explore deep into the canopy of trees. One of the most popular ways to do this is to walk along one of the many suspension bridges situated within the treetops. These hanging bridges provide one of the most popular ways in which to see everything the forest has to offer, whilst also providing a path to…

Zip Wires

One of the most exhilarating ways to experience the buzzing life of the rainforest is swing through it on a zip-line. Some of the zip lines within the forest can extend for as long as 2,500 feet and will leave you with many unforgettable memories. Many of our tours provide the opportunity to fly through this natural hive of activity, so what are you waiting for?

The Monteverde rainforest of Costa Rica will provide a unique and exciting insight into some of the world’s most exotic flora and fauna. If you love exploring the forested areas of Central and South America, the Amazon Rainforest is another must-visit landmark. We can offer a range of tours that can take you to Costa Rica and the neighbouring nations of Nicaragua and Panama.

For more information, contact us via the freephone number above or via the Online Form.