Monteverde has never stopped being that green and misty paradise first colonists found four decades ago. Unpaved roads lead the way from the village of Santa Elena, through Monteverde and up to the reserve entrance. Dust during summer and mud slides during winter make access difficult but not impossible. As a cloud forest region, humidity can be quite high; annual rainfall may even reach an average of 5,000 mm. Less rain falls from March through December, and this is also the best time for bird watching, and road conditions.
Temperatures won't drop any lower than 18º, and this will only occur during December and January, although moist and humidity might force you to wear a thick, water-proof poncho. The area provides visitors with a large variety of options: from art and butterfly galleries, to orchid gardens, a serpentarium, slide shows, horseback riding, boot rentals, camping, comfortable lodges, cozy and family style restaurants, pubs, bakeries, vegetarian diners, handicraft and book stores, scientific displays, guided tours into nature and a deep look into rural life.
Local awareness on environmental value is a significant stepping stone before entrance into the reserve. Most hotel owners have set aside land to encourage reforestation programs as well as flora and fauna conservation. The Monteverde Conservation League is a local organization developing programs in environmental education, reforestation, protection and sustainable development projects in nearby communities, and raising funds to buy more land for the reserve. Scientists and biologists from all over the world meet here, and improvised conversations can lead to a learning experience.
Help and information is provided at the visitor center, where you can also find maps of the trails and checklists on birds and mammals to be found in the forest.
Unpaved roads, lots of cloudy and rainy days, plenty fog, and muddy trails should not keep you away from experiencing such a rewarding journey. Definitely haunted by the area's amazing beauty and peaceful environment, visitors feel inspired and show a different attitude of mind once they get to Monteverde. The entire community has its own philosophy about nature and life, and they are not willing to sacrifice their silent treasure for the sake of mass tourism. They will certainly continue to support actions towards protecting the reserve and keeping their healthy and peaceful environment.
Geographical Division 
