Monteverde

History & Nature

 History & Nature 

The small city of Monteverde is a 53 square km region located between the provinces of Puntarenas, Guanacaste and Alajuela in the Central Northwestern part of the country. It straddles the Continental Divide of Costa Rica, and its first modern inhabitants appeared in the early 1920s. In addition, United States Quakers settled in Monteverde in the early 1950s.

To get to know Monteverde, it is important to understand that Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries on earth. According to the book “Monteverde: Ecology and Conservation of a Tropical Cloud Forest” by Nalini M. Nadkarni and Nathaniel T. Wheelwrightwith, Costa Rica have 4% of the known terrestrial plant and animal species in only 0.04% of the world’s land surface. The country’s mammal fauna is equally diverse, with more than 207 species (4.8% of the world’s 4629 species) in an area of 51 022 km².

Nadkarni & Wheelwright also describe that, since 1975, 167 species new to science have been collected in Monteverde, equaling 5.5% of the local flora. Of these, 88 species (53%) are thought to be endemic to the Monteverde region. Of the entire Monteverde flora, about 10% of the species are endemic to the Cordillera de Tilarán.

The Monteverde area has a number of for-profit and non-for-profit trails and organizations that do a wonderful job protecting our environment. Some of these trails are: the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, the Santa Elena Reserve, Curi Cancha Reserve, Bajo del Tigre (Children’s Eternal Rainforst), and the beautiful SkyWalk hanging bridges. NOTE: There is no national park in Monteverde!

Monteverde has been described as a virgin tropical cloud forest and named by National Geographic as the crown jewel of cloud forest reserves.

The Cloud Forest

A forest where the clouds seem to embrace the trees. A forest struggling with climate change. A forest that offers discovery for all.

Notable info and facts!

Monteverde straddles the Continental Divide, providing it with flora and fauna on two slopes (Atlantic and Pacific).

Monteverde's rich history includes Costa Rican traditions and US Quaker traditions.

Monteverde is located between the Arenal, Guanacaste province, and Manuel Antonio areas. Great for visiting if you are also visiting one of these other places!

Monteverde's temperate climate allows for taking part in many activities without having to deal with too much heat.

Something for everyone! Adventure, research, relax, and more!

The Cloud Forest

Monteverde has been described as a virgin tropical cloud forest and named by National Geographic as the crown jewel of cloud forest reserves.

A forest where the clouds seem to embrace the trees. A forest struggling with climate change. A forest that offers discovery for all.

Notable info and facts!

Monteverde straddles the Continental Divide, providing it with flora and fauna on two slopes (Atlantic and Pacific).

Monteverde's rich history includes Costa Rican traditions and US Quaker traditions.

Monteverde is located between the Arenal, Guanacaste province, and Manuel Antonio areas. Great for visiting if you are also visiting one of these other places!

Monteverde's temperate climate allows for taking part in many activities without having to deal with too much heat.

Something for everyone! Adventure, research, relax, and more!

What is the Weather like in Monteverde?

Many cling to the idea that mornings are clearer and afternoons are cloudy and rainy.  However, this is a HUGE generalization. Please be prepared for any weather pattern at any time of day and for unpredictable weather patterns.

Also, keep in mind that because Monteverde straddles the Continental Divide, the weather varies greatly even in areas that are quite close. For example, it is typical that when it’s raining on the Pacific slope, the Caribbean/Atlantic is drier, or vice versa.  This can mean that just getting to or from your hotel to a tour can mean a weather change!

January - February

  • Generally windy, sometimes rainy or misty in mornings and evenings.

  • Cool temperatures.

May - Mid July

  • Generally the rainy season begins.

  • Sunny and warm mornings and showers in the afternoon.

September - October

  • The most rain.

February - April

  • Generally the wind dies down, and April is the peak of the dry season.

  • Quite warm, even hot.

July - August

  • Small decrease in rain.

  • Sometimes breezy.

November - December

  • Rain begins to slow down.

  • Wind and mist increase.

What is the Weather like in Monteverde?

Many cling to the idea that mornings are clearer and afternoons are cloudy and rainy.  However, this is a HUGE generalization. Please be prepared for any weather pattern at any time of day and for unpredictable weather patterns.

Also, keep in mind that because Monteverde straddles the Continental Divide, the weather varies greatly even in areas that are quite close. For example, it is typical that when it’s raining on the Pacific slope, the Caribbean/Atlantic is drier, or vice versa.  This can mean that just getting to or from your hotel to a tour can mean a weather change!

January - February

  • Generally windy, sometimes rainy or misty in mornings and evenings.

  • Cool temperatures.

May - Mid July

  • Generally the rainy season begins.

  • Sunny and warm mornings and showers in the afternoon.

September - October

  • The most rain.

February - April

  • Generally the wind dies down, and April is the peak of the dry season.

  • Quite warm, even hot.

July - August

  • Small decrease in rain.

  • Sometimes breezy.

November - December

  • Rain begins to slow down.

  • Wind and mist increase.

Hanging Bridges

Hanging bridges, also called suspension bridges, are found at SkyWalk, Selvatura and Aventura.  There is also one bridge in the Monteverde Reserve, called the Wilford Guindon Bridge.

They are safe for all ages, excellent for photography, and give you a different perspective from the treetops.

Hanging Bridges

Hanging bridges, also called suspension bridges, are found at SkyWalk, Selvatura and Aventura.  There is also one bridge in the Monteverde Reserve, called the Wilford Guindon Bridge.

They are safe for all ages, excellent for photography, and give you a different perspective from the treetops.

Discover Monteverde with those who know it best!

Choose the tour you are most passionate about and pack your bags.

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