Costa Rica’s Natural Wonders: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Rounding out our 7 Natural Wonders of Costa Rica, is the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve (Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde), a biologically diverse treasure of land, high in the mountains and out of this world.
As anyone who has ever fallen in love with Costa Rica knows, this country is one beautiful and sweet surprise after another, and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a perfect example of this sentiment. Located in the Puntarenas and Alajuela provinces, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is 10,500 hectares (26,000 acres) of cloud forest, an immensely diverse and beautiful forest where clouds are often found lazing quietly atop and in between trees, creating a dreamy atmosphere in which to be with nature.
I was surprised to learn that Monteverde (Green Mountain) was only just given its name back in 1951, by a group of Quakers (from Alabama of all places!) looking to escape the Korean War draft, a military action which did not mesh with their ideological beliefs. They chose Costa Rica because it had recently given up its armies entirely, and having chosen a path of peace themselves, life in Monteverde was a match made in heaven!
In 1972 a grad student named George Powell came to San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica. He would soon begin his important work with the Tropical Science Center (TSC), who would ultimately be instrumental in acquiring the first 328 hectares (810 acres) of what would ultimately become the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Thanks to his pioneering spirit, we all have this amazing land to study, commune with, and learn from.
Another biologist that was attracted to the Monteverde cloud forest region was Richard LaVal. After his lifelong fascination with bats and multiple degrees in wildlife sciences, he was offered to do a yearlong research trip to study bats in Monteverde. That is where he met his wife, Meg and decided to stay on in Monteverde for life. Aside from the help founding some of Monteverde’s important cloud forest preservation institutions, they founded one of the most unusual museums I have ever encountered, The Bat Jungle. The quirky yet interesting interactive museum is rated in the top things to do in Monteverde.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is home to over 2,500 plant species, and holds the honor of the most orchid species in a single locale. They even have a whole museum dedicated to orchids, which is definitely worth a visit! My favorite part of the museum is the tiny magnifying glass they give you, so that you’re sure to see the even tinier, tiniest orchid known to man. Such a fun way to spend an hour or two, and with a café right there overlooking the lush valley below, it can be easily made into a peaceful and lovely afternoon.
A whole host of interesting and fun activities await you in the Monteverde Cloud Forest. If you’re looking for something adventurous, perhaps a canopy tour is in order. For rugged exploration, maybe a horseback ride through the ethereal jungle landscape is just the ticket. Or something a little more off the beaten path, like a night walk through the cloud forest? They’ve got these and plenty more… all in harmony with, and complimentary to, the delicate environment which we are so lucky to enjoy.
When I think back on my time in Monteverde, what I remember most are two things: its astonishing beauty, and its welcoming nature. The ease with which I was able to “drop in” and just be with all of this perfect, exuberant, lush land. I’ll never forget one particular morning, sitting on my balcony drinking coffee, feeling content and taking it all in. My travel companion crept quietly onto the balcony and whispered “Turn your head really slowly. There’s an Emerald Toucanet directly to your right”. And sure enough, here was a sight that would make any bird nerd’s heart skip a beat, not a foot away from me. In that moment I felt so lucky, and grateful to be exactly where I was. Just more of that Monteverde Magic. See what I mean? One beautiful and sweet surprise after another.