The lush forest, fog and rain showers add a mystical and exciting flare to Costa Rica’s biodiversity, a large part of which lies within the mountains of Monteverde.
This unique community was created under the guiding principles of 12 Quaker families who emigrated from Alabama, United States directly to this little piece of heaven in 1952. Their conservation and peace values have shaped the town and its recent settlers who share their love and respect for nature.
Fresh water springs, waterfalls, extensive trails through primary forest and sightings of exotic species unique to Monteverde (like the Quetzal), are just some of the elements that attract all varieties of nature lovers to this region.
The town of Santa Elena is the center of tourist activities in the area. It is also the hometown of many European and American expats who fled their countries in search of a more relaxed and peaceful life. Therefore, the town now displays several small art galleries, German and French bakeries, Italian restaurants and occasional Monteverde-made music concerts.
Lodging is not a problem in Monteverde, there are several types of cabins and lodges, some of which are family run by direct descendants of those first settlers. Spending the night in a soothing warm wood cabin and taking a nice hot water shower after a day-long hike in the woods is the way to go while visiting the cloud forest.
Tree top adventures
Monteverde Zip Line
Monteverde is the one and only place in Costa Rica where you can soar in the midst of the tree tops of the tropical cloud forest. With zip lines suspended more than 300feet above the ground, the canopy tour and it’s speed will give you the most incredible adrenaline rush, as well as the opportunity to see the forest from a bird’s or monkey’s perspective.
For those who prefer a more calm animal observation trip, the Selvatura hanging bridges are a fantastic and very safe way for spotting butterflies, snakes, birds, mammals and exotic plants above the ground and between the tall trees of this unique forest.
Geographical Division 
