Costa Rica - A Guide to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Voted one of Costa Rica's 7 Wonders in 2007,interesting alternative. This objective of this tour
Monteverde is a beautiful town with its ownis to spot as many birds as possible while making
culture and heritage. One of its most famousyour way through the different areas on the way
tourist attractions is the Monteverde Cloud Forestto the reserve.
Reserve, which is home to hundreds of speciesThe Sky Walk and the Sky Trek are also offered
of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and plants,for those who are not content with simply hiking
and is a favourite destination for nature loversthrough the trails. If you go on the Sky Walk, you
and those interested in hiking or backpacking.walk along bridges that are suspended above the
The reserve has a total of nine nature trails, eachforest, allowing you to get a spectacular birds-eye
with its own distinct highlights and characteristics.view of the reserve. Sky Trek, meanwhile, allows
The Sendero Bosque Nuboso (Cloud Forest Trail)more adventurous visitors to not only walk on
is one of the prettier trails and is generally verytrails and suspension bridges, but also to
popular. Bird-lovers may prefer El Camino (Theexperience being suspended on zip lines and flying
Road), which is receives more sunlight and isthrough the air above the forest canopy. This is
excellent for bird-watching as it attracts manynot only a thrilling experience, it will also allow you
birds and butterflies. Sendero Brilliante gives hikersto appreciate the reserve from a different
an excellent view of the elfin forest and bamboo,perspective.
while Sendero Rio (River Trail) leads to aBackpackers have a choice of accomodation as
breathtaking waterfall. Another interesting trailthere are three backcountry huts available for
option would be Sendero Pantanoso (Swamp Trail)use. However, these are subject to availability and
which goes through a swamp forest.have to be booked in advance. There is also a
Visitors can opt for a variety of tours to suitrestaurant, a souvenior shop and an art gallery.
their particular needs.Group tours are offered inTravelling to and from the reserve is easy and
English and Spanish. Visitors who want toaffordable as there are hourly buses from the
experience the beauty of the reserve on theirBanaco Nacional in Santa Elena, Monteverdo. Taxis
own can pay a little more and opt for the privatecan also be hailed to get to and from the reserve
guided tours. The Bird Lovers tour is anotherat affordable rates.