The Complete Guide to Monteverde: The Reserves and The Natural World

The existence of Monteverde is inextricably linked to the natural world that surrounds it, whether that’s ecologically, economically, or emotionally. Monteverde is a place of nature, and by understanding that natural world, protecting it, and inviting others to share in discovering it, Monteverde has grown from a tiny town in the mountains to one of Costa Rica’s most well-regarded tourist destinations, all while maintaining its vibrant natural habitats. In this ebook, we cover every aspect of the reserves and the wildlife that inhabit them, starting with a history of Monteverde’s preserves, exploring each reserve in turn, taking a moment to examine the relationships between a town and the nature it protects, and finally putting the spotlight on the breathtaking array of flora and fauna to be found in Monteverde.

The History of Monteverde’s Preserves

How The Quakers Created Costa Rica’s First Nature Preserve- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

The Birth of the Santa Elena Reserve/La Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena

A Group of Children Help Create the Largest Private Reserve in the Country

The History of El Tigre Waterfalls

The Preserves

A Visit to The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve

Children’s Eternal Rainforest

Curi-Cancha

El Tigre Waterfalls

Monteverde’s Part in the Health of the Planet

An Interconnected World | Exploring the Cloud Forests of Monteverde

Why Do We Protect Nature?

A Community’s Wholehearted Commitment to Sustainability

Conservation and Community in Monteverde

Greater Good Together | The Monteverde Community Fund

Behind the Scenes of a Monteverde Reserve

What Makes a Cloud Forest?

Types of Trees

Breathe Easier

The Orchids Place in the Ecosystem

Where to See Orchids

Orchid Types

Wild Orchids

The Orchid’s Importance to Costa Rican Culture

What Wildlife Thrives in Monteverde?

Are There Many Animals in Monteverde?

Bats

The Wildcats

Three Species of Monkeys

White Nosed Coatimundis

Agouti Pacas

Nine Banded Armadillos

And That’s Just the Mammals!

What is a Sloth?

Why Are Sloths So Slow?

What Do Sloths Eat?

How Slow Are They?

How Do They Avoid Predators?

Fun Sloth Facts

Where Can You See Sloths?

Bird Watching in Costa Rica

Best Birding Destinations in Costa Rica

Bird Species In Monteverde to Keep an Eye Out For

Best Season for Birdwatching in Costa Rica

Costa Rica Birding Tours

Monteverde is an amazing place, with incomparable beauty and a unique collection of ecosystems, thanks to its location near (and occasionally among) the clouds in the Cordillera de Tilaran mountain range. This creates a range of elevations and, subsequently, a range of ecosystems that draws scientists, students, and nature lovers from around the globe.

When you combine that with Costa Rica’s signature conservationism and drive to maintain the sustainability of its natural resources, it only makes sense for the government to create and protect these resources through nature reserves. A whopping 20% of the country’s landmass is now preserved, with tens of thousands of acres protected in Monteverde alone. These reserves are the heart and soul of the community and an essential ingredient to the well-being of our planet. 

In this guide, we will take a deep dive into these remarkable reserves, the creatures that call them home, and the devoted caretakers that keep them running smoothly so that visitors from around the world can explore its secrets and get a better understanding of the interconnected nature of… well… everything.

Let's start with a bit of history…

The History of Monteverde’s Preserves

How The Quakers Created Costa Rica’s First Nature Preserve- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

The Quaker Settlement at Monteverde

The introduction of the Quakers into Costa Rica is thanks to a decision made by the US Congress in 1950. As the Korean War neared, Congress opted to restore the draft, a measure that required young men to register for military duty.

Dissatisfied with the rising military industry in the United States, the Meeting of Friends (Quakers) in Fairhope, Alabama, determined that they could not stay in the country and contribute to the war effort. Four of the group's young men were sentenced to a year in prison in 1949 for refusing to register for the draft as conscientious objectors. 

They were released after four months, and in November 1950, these four men, along with forty-four Quakers, consisting of eleven families, departed their northern homes for Costa Rica. 

They chose Costa Rica mostly because it was close to the United States and had great weather, agricultural potential, and a beautiful environment. They had also read the remarks of Pepe Figueres, Costa Rica's president at the time. 

Figueres invited outsiders to come and help develop the country. Perhaps most appealing to the Friends was that Costa Rica had recently dissolved its army, and these pacifists believed they could thrive here.

Quakers find Monteverde

The Quakers resided in San Jose for six months while searching Costa Rica for a suitable location to create their colony. Eventually, they found a plot of land spanning the Continental Divide, where a few Costa Rican (tico) families were homesteading. 

The Quakers purchased the 1400 hectares (approximately 3500 acres) of land above the tiny settlements of Cerro Plano and Santa Elena, buying from the Guacimal Land Company and locals, many of whom just relocated to other holdings nearby. 

Immediately, the Quakers divided the property into separate family farms, reserving a considerable portion for communal needs such as their school and Meeting House and their first effort at a sustainable company, the Monteverde Cheese Plant. 

Many of these Quakers were not farmers in Fairhope, so this was an exciting experience to discover the territory, clear the land, learn about dairy, and find solutions for their new cheese business. 

Quaker Forest Protection

In a forward-thinking move, the Quakers opted to maintain the forest on the high slopes at the top of the mountain from whence the streams flowed, giving the water the community relied on for many parts of their lives. 

They put approximately a third of the area, 554 hectares (1300 acres), in a reserve named The Watershed Property and cared for it cooperatively, keeping the boundary lines clear and evicting illegal squatters before they deforested or made a claim. This would be one of Costa Rica's very first private reserves.

The Quakers gladly cut trees to create pastures on their farms. However, they promised not to cut the forest in the Watershed Property, realizing the importance of safeguarding the Guacimal River's headwaters. When driving through the lowlands below Monteverde during the dry season (February through April), the Guacimal River is often the only flowing river. And so Costa Rica’s first reserve was born, eventually becoming known as the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

The Birth of the Santa Elena Reserve/La Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena

Bordering the Monteverde Conservation Area is the small community of Santa Elena and the  310 hectares (765 acres) which have been permanently leased by the Santa Elena community high school. 

Originally the plan was to use this land for agricultural research and education within Monteverde. However, the area proved to be unfit for farming, and in 1989, the land was converted into a cloud forest reserve. 

The community, together with Youth Challenge International, a Canadian-based non-profit organization, established the ecotourism reserve, which officially opened on March 1, 1992. Since then the reserve has become a popular tourist attraction and an important habitat for the many ecosystems that call it home. It also supports the local community but funneling entrance fees into protecting and managing the reserve, and providing higher-quality education for the schools of Monteverde.

The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve of Monteverde was one of the first community-administered reserves in the country and is a shining example of what people can do to preserve — and learn from — their environment.

A Group of Children Help Create the Largest Private Reserve in the Country

The Children’s Eternal Rainforest Reserve and the forest itself has a rather fascinating history. It was started by a group of local conservationists, who were concerned by the government’s lack of action in terms of forest preservation, and banded together in 1986 to create the Monteverde Conservation League (MCL). 

The league’s main focus was to raise money to purchase forests throughout the Monteverde region so that the land could be protected from the agricultural development that had caused a large portion of the native forests to be clearcut.

Together with conservationists from Canada and the US, the MCL created a fundraising campaign and a slew of initiatives with the goal of buying as much of the existing rainforest property as possible. Obviously, raising awareness about the dire consequences of clear-cutting vast amounts of rainforest was key to successfully gathering donors and support worldwide, so in 1987 a US Biologist traveled to Sweden to meet with like-minded people, and during her visit, she was asked to speak to school children there about the issue. 

Many of the children she encountered voiced a desire to raise funds for the Rainforest, and were put in touch with the MCL, eventually raising enough money to purchase 6 hectares of forest next to the property already owned by the MCL. But their generosity didn’t stop there. Over the years school children from more than 40 countries have donated funds to the park, and now, with the strength of donations and support from youth around the world, the BEN now protects over 22,000 hectares of forest, making it the largest private reserve in Costa Rica. 

The reserve is home to 7 of Costa Rica’s 12 life zones with elevations that range from 450 to 1800 meters above sea level, and in honor of the children who helped create it- has become known as the Bosque Eterno de Los Ninos.

The History of El Tigre Waterfalls 

Tigre means tiger, but no, we don’t actually have tigers in Costa Rica. Costa Ricans for many years used the word tiger interchangeably with jaguar, though that’s been changing in the past decade or so. 

But no matter the name, big cats certainly play a big role in the history of El Tigre. As the story goes, a few decades ago in 1985, when Costa Rica’s environmental restoration movement was still in its early years, a displaced jaguar wandered into the farmlands of Don Aurelio Rodriguez and his family, where over the course of a year it ate dozens of cows, calves, and horses. 

It’s a sad day when displaced wild animals resort to hunting livestock because it can be incredibly difficult to relocate and reacclimate an apex predator. The titular jaguar was eventually put down by rangers from the community, but this sad story has an inspiring ending. 

Monteverde — and Costa Rica in general — have been developing tourism since the late ’80s. During that time, the Rodriguez family, as well as many other families in the area, switched from the beef cattle business to the conservation and sustainability efforts that have allowed the travel industry in Costa Rica, particularly Monteverde, to thrive.

But the story of that lone, displaced jaguar was not lost on the Rodriguez family, who have developed an environmental project called “The Cry of the Puma and the Farmer”, to protect these far-ranging felines and teach farmers how to prevent predator attacks and keep those beautiful big cats wild. 

Now, countless farmers around Costa Rica have learned to manage their farms with nonintrusive, big-cat discouragement measures established by specialists all over the world.

The Preserves

Within Monteverde’s 50,000 hectares of protected land, you will find a collection of reserves that must work together for the good of the whole. Flora and fauna don’t recognize boundaries and in order to thrive, they must have access to a wide range of resources. 

A good example of this can be seen in spider monkeys, a keystone species within Costa Rica’s ecosystem. These tiny primates survive only on fresh fruit and must range vast distances to ensure that everyone in the family group has enough food to survive. In the course of a season, they will travel all across the country itself-almost from coast to coast.

To make this happen, and to ensure the health of all of the natural resources in the area, the reserves cooperate and pool resources when necessary. Here is a little information about each of the reserves.

A Visit to The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, established in 1972, is regarded as one of Costa Rica's most prized natural areas. This 4,000-hectare (9884-acre) private reserve safeguards a fragile and endangered ecosystem: the tropical cloud forest.

As you will see in the section about the history of Monteverde, a group of Quakers knew that the cloud forests were the water source for many communities from here to the coast. It could easily be endangered, so they set up the reserve to protect the water surrounding forests. (We will talk more about the history a little later on).

A non-profit organization currently administers the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, and travelers from all over the globe visit this section of Costa Rica to learn about the unique cloud forest. You can always choose between going on a guided tour or by yourselves to enjoy the beauty of a cloud forest and its significance around the globe. 

Getting To the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is roughly 4.8 kilometers (3 miles) from the Ocotea Boutique Hotel and takes around 15 minutes to get there. There are a few different ways to make the trip.

Taking a Private Tour

In our opinion, this is the best way to see the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve! Contact us, and we will set you up with the best naturalist guides in the area who come equipped with fantastic optical gear, and an in-depth knowledge of all the reserve’s secrets.

If you are on a mission to spot magnificent birds such as the Resplendent Quetzal or the Three Wattled Bellbird, hiring one of these guides offers the best chance of doing so, as well as fascinating information about the magnificent ecology of these remarkable forests.

When you book a tour, they will pick you up at your hotel reception and drive you to the reserve and back, getting you out of parking and driving hassle.

If You Have Your Car

If you are in your car, you travel east from the Ocotea Boutique Hotel to get to the main road and then turn left. After passing the gas station in Cerro Plano, you will notice that the road turns to gravel.

You will continue on this road for a little less than three miles until you arrive at the parking lot.  Just follow the signs. 

The New Parking Lot

A large blue sign on your right says "Official Parking Lot Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve."

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve now has its own parking lot for all guests to park. You can’t miss it!

Find a space, leave your car locked, and take the keys. A shuttle with a friendly and bilingual driver will take you to the reserve's entrance, pick you up, and take you back to your car.

Parking and the shuttle from this official parking area to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve go for a small fee per vehicle. 

The reserve entry is closed to direct traffic, so if you drive up, the guard will likely direct you to return to the parking lot. You may see cars parked on the side, but we don’t recommend parking there...  

Go with more people on a tour

Sometimes when we are on vacation, we like to meet other fellow travelers, and going on shared tours is a fantastic way to do that. It is a good idea to book these in advance, especially in the high season, which can be done online or through the hotel reception.

Important Notes

The reserve is open daily from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. every day, and you will want to give yourself a decent amount of time to explore and savor every moment and trail.  

We advise you to take a picture of the trail map on the way in.

Trails in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

It's a good idea to start with Sendero Nuboso to the viewpoint at La Ventana, where you get to see the Intercontinental Divide, which is a beautiful viewpoint where you can see both the Caribbean and Pacific sides of Monteverde. 

Then, on the way back, take Camino to get to the Wilford Guindon. From there, you can go across the bridge and, depending on the time you have — and how you feel —  you can decide whether to extend the trip by taking the strenuous El Roble and then Chomogo or go straight to Tosi and Cuecha via Sendero Wilford Guidon to get back to reception.

Sendero Nuboso  (1125 m)

The Nuboso is a relatively easy and flat trail in its first part. It will come to an intersection where you will find the second part (yellow on the map) that comes with a severe sign: “Very steep.” And it is!

You take this path to go to the Continental Divide viewpoint. The paths are well-kept and marked, and the excellent signage makes it simple to walk around.

After 300 meters, Sendero Nuboso becomes Sendero La Ventana. You will notice a change in the vegetation as the trees turn into bushes due to the strong winds. 

This route leads to the Continental Divide viewpoint, where you can overlook the Pacific and Caribbean sides (Not the oceans but the different landscapes). 

To Go to The Hanging Bridge

Unless you wish to continue back through Sendero Nuboso, you must return to the beginning of Sendero La Ventana and turn left to Sendero Camino. You will be in Sendero Camino for another 300 meters before turning into Wilford Guindon to reach the bridge. 

The bridge is worth a visit! Even if you have been to all the hanging bridges in and out of Monteverde, this one is worth a visit! 

It goes without saying that jumping or running on the bridge is not allowed. The bridge is steady and strong, but this reduces the impact of the struts and supports on the surrounding trees and topography.

The bridge is relatively short compared to the ones in Selvatura. However, nature is magnificent on both sides, and the views are beautiful and quite mystical. 

This is where you must decide if you take El Roble and Chomogo, which are pretty tricky and filled with uphill stairs, or if you want to stick to a faster and easier (but still beautiful) route, you can continue on. 

If you want to venture up to El Roble, a set of stairways going up and then going down will take you to the most pristine and least visited of all trails in Monteverde. 

Sendero Tosi and the Waterfall Route

From El Roble, you will get into Chomogo to go down to the Tosi trail. In Tosi, you will find a giant ficus tree which is a popular photo opportunity as well as simply a majestic view and a good place to stop and take a break. 

Soon after the ficus, you’ll merge with Sendero Cuecha, the waterfall trail, and finally, after half a kilometer on Sendero Cuecha, you arrive at the waterfall. The waterfalls are small but immersed in a vast and fascinating wall of the forest where you can spot many birds, but that mainly will take your breath away as it is such a beautiful spot! 

From there, you can return to the parking lot by walking back down Sendero Cuecha, which has lots of clear signage to guide you back home.

Wildlife in the Monteverde Reserve

While walking in the reserve it is possible to see coatimundis, agoutis, monkeys, and even peccaries, and an abundance of birds. 

The forest is dense, and the reserve is huge and within it, you will be surrounded by one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet! This is the reason why we will always recommend going with a guide at least once!

When you go by yourself, if you don’t know about tropical nature, you can miss a lot of the fascinating flora and fauna, simply because you don’t know where to look. The beauty of Costa Rica’s vast microclimates means that there’s something interesting to discover in every trail, even if there are no charismatic animal sightings. 

Another great possibility is to go with a guide the first time, and then on a second trip, take the pathways slowly and without any rush to take the cloud forest in. 

Winding Down Your Trip

On the way out of the reserve, you can have a delicious typical lunch at the restaurant. The food is delicious, and you will eat right before this magnificent forest landscape.

If you are driving your car, that is where you arrange the shuttle to the parking lot. 

What Should I Take to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve? 

It is best to wear light clothes, breathable shirts, and hiking boots. For carrying, a good backpack, is a must. Find one that is comfortable and light. And in it, take a good rain poncho and a hat, a good-sized water bottle (Refillable), some nut or granola bars, and a few candies (in case your sugar levels go down).

Walking in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is almost compulsory for you to come to the region of Monteverde. There are many more places to hike, but this is the first and most important of the area. And never mind how many times you visit Monteverde, hiking in “the reserve” is always outstanding! 

The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve 

About Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve: 

With a higher elevation of 1600 meters (5250 feet), the Santa Elena Cloud Forest has 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) of well-maintained trails with picturesque viewpoints. Over 300 hectares (741 acres) of land are safeguarded there, primarily by the efforts of the Santa Elena Professional Technical High School, which runs it privately with the support of the Costa Rican Ministries of Environment and Education. 

Where Is The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve? 

The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve can be found on the Caribbean side of the Continental Divide, 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) away from the town of Santa Elena. 

It is referred to in Spanish as La Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena on Google Maps and Waze.

Going on a Tour to Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve

Whether you take a private guide or go with an open group, a tour will always allow you to learn more and enjoy more. There are so many fantastic facts about this type of forest that visiting without an interpreter can be a mistake. 

Tour Guides know the area intimately, they can easily find the animals and birds that, for us, are harder to find, and they carry professional optical gear so you can see everything in detail. 

Visiting Santa Elena By Car

The drive from the town to the cloud forest reserve is simple, although it is essential to know that the road to Santa Elena is not paved, and depending on how complex the rainy season is, it might be in poor condition. Our recommendation is to ask the Ocotea Boutique Hotel staff about the condition of the road before you embark on it. 

If the road conditions are not the best, our advice is to ask the staff for private transportation that can take you and pick you up later; or go on a tour (Information below). However, if you are used to your 4X4 rental or are staying with us in the middle of the sunny season, we recommend downloading your map from Waze or Google Maps, as there are areas on the road where the signal is not available. 

Once you’ve arrived at the reserve, and found a spot in their free parking area, they will give you a map at the office where you can buy your tickets and go inside. There, you will find a small restaurant, bathrooms, and the trails' beginning. At this point, everything is paved. There is an accessible trail created for people with different capacities, children, and seniors. 

It’s a good idea to take a picture of the trail map and have it on your phone. You can also download it here. 

The Santa Elena Cloud Forest is open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and costs 16 USD for adults and 7 USD for children.

The Trails

As you can see, the Reserve has five well-defined trails, and it includes four different ecosystems.  

Youth Challenge Trail: 

The kilometer-long "Youth Challenge Trail" takes about an hour. It is the easiest and quickest trail on the reserve, and also stands out as one of the trails in Monteverde designed specifically to be universally accessible for individuals of all ages, as well as those in wheelchairs or with other mobility limitations. 

The Youth Challenge Trail is great for bird and volcano spotting on a clear day. At the trail's end is a lookout tower with stunning views of Arenal Volcano and other natural landmarks on a clear day. If you want to see the volcano, get to the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve very early clouds set in. This is a favorite for tour guides and groups. 

Caño Negro Trail:

This 4.8 km long trail takes about three and a half hours. It runs through the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, making it the longest trail on the reserve, and it’s quite a challenging ride with steep climbs and descents. You can also spot a lot of wildlife along this trail.

This is a strenuous but fantastic walk. For those traveling during the green season, there is a pretty steep part of the trail that is frequently quite muddy. 

Encantado Trail:

This 1.4 km long takes about two and a half hours. It's an excellent trail for bird and wildlife viewing. You might even see a Resplendent Quetzal or a Howler Monkey if you're lucky!

El Bajo Trail:

The 1.6 mile (2.6 km) Bajo Trail takes about an hour and a half. It crosses a secondary forest with a multitude of birds and is a part of the greater Caño Negro trail system. 

Sendero Mundo Joven:

The 0.3 Km (0.48 mi) Young World Trail is a great option for families as it only takes ten minutes, 

From our perspective, due to their excellent views of Arenal Volcano, the Encantado and Cano Negro trails are highly recommended.

Conditions of the Trails 

The trails are well maintained in general, and most of them are covered with a thin layer of gravel. However, as it drizzles very frequently in the cloud forest (even in the sunny season), the trails can be muddy at times.

All pathways are surrounded by a stunning moss-covered collection of tall trees. As layers of plants, moss, and epiphytes are strewn across the ground floor, the dense vegetation doesn’t allow you to see the ground.

Taking Care of Santa Elena

The community that maintains the reserve (The High School of Santa Elena students) does a great job keeping this network of trails. Because of the pandemic, some of the trails deteriorated a bit, but right now, they are back on track and with great signage. However, just in case it’s nice to keep your map with you at all times.  

The paths are easy to walk.  Additionally, they have benches, making them welcoming to visitors of all ages.

Santa Elena benches in the cloud forest even have moss covering them, a friendly reminder that even in this preserve, you’re in the cloud forest. 

Animals of the Santa Elena Cloud Forest can be elusive, but keep your eyes and ears open. They are there. It is just that sometimes it is impossible to pinpoint their location due to the dense and thick forest canopy (another reason a guide can be helpful). 

Coatis, agoutis, and monkeys are a few of the animals you might see frequently. If you’re lucky, you can see the colorful Quetzals in Monteverde between February and July if you're lucky.

However, the best of the Santa Elena Reserve is the wilderness sensation that you experience, especially if you go on the Caño Negro Trail. 

Supporting Nature and Community

Money from the tours, self-guided hikes, and other services provided by the reserve is used for the protection and management of the reserve itself, but also to support educational centers in the area and in neighboring communities.

Santa Elena is one of the first communities in Costa Rica to own and direct an ecotourism project. It is, therefore, an excellent example of what an organized community can do to conserve and learn from its environment.

A Worthwhile Adventure

The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve is a fantastic option for all visitors to the area of Monteverde. The experience of pure nature is breathtaking here, and its beauty may touch you deeply, especially when you are deep into the mists and mystery of the cloud forest.

Reference

AllTrails.com. "Best Trails in Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve." AllTrails.com. n.d. Web. 7 Oct. 2022.

Children’s Eternal Rainforest

This is the biggest private reserve in Central America. When you walk in the trails of the  Children’s Eternal Rainforest, you find that amazingly; it is a very different ecosystem. 

This is one of the very few unique rain shadow forests in Costa Rica.  

Despite being within a mile from the Monteverde cloud forest, the drier environment of this region means that many of the plant and animal species here are unique. 

Only roughly 40 km2 of Costa Rica’s unusual “rain shadow forest” are protected!

The trails in this preserve have been made especially to suit families and children. As it is drier and the trails in certain areas are sandy and rocky, we highly recommend taking shoes with good traction.

In the depths of the forest, you’ll find the Bajo del Tigre Station, which has a sizeable community of soldier ants, and you will spot them on the trails often.

Pay attention to what happens around these ants! These great ant columns attract a whole range of wildlife which come to eat the ants or whatever jumps out of their way. So, usually, wherever the ants are, look up, there may be toucans, several types of antbirds, motmots, and more. 

We aren’t going to get very detailed about the Children’s Eternal Rainforest (also known as the Bosque Eterno de los Ninos or BEN in Spanish) here because we had a chance to talk to some of the wonderful people who keep the park running, so you will be able to take a peek Behind the Scenes a little later on in the post.

Curi-Cancha

Curi-Cancha is the smallest of these preserves. The Lowther family bought this property in 1970 and named it Curi-Cancha, which means “Golden Enclosure” in Inca. The land was roughly half meadow and half pristine rainforest. Over the next 45 years, the Lowthers cleared no land and allowed most of the pastured land to revert to woodland.

The site was legally designated a Refugio de Vida Silvestre under MINAE in 1997 and opened to visitors in 2011. 

Curi-Cancha Reserve is located very close to the Cheese Factory (you will notice the signs). It protects 83 hectares (205 acres) of land which is 50% virgin forest, 45% secondary growth, and 5% open grassland. 

Visitors can explore the flora and wildlife of the tropical cloud forest over seven kilometers of natural trails. 

A Note on Curi-Cancha

The amazing fact about having such different environments as open pasture areas in recovery and small ponds is the variety of birds grows exponentially. So, this is the perfect place for birdwatching. 

As well, it has benches to sit on while you rest or just to take in the place's beauty. One of the favorite spots in Curi-Cancha is the Continental Divide outlook. Although it is not as impressive of a landscape as the one in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, it is also breathtaking. This outlook is at the intersection of the Puma (longest loop) trail and the Leo trail. 

Another great stop is at the River Outlook. A quaint little place to hear the sounds of water and marvel at the dark forest in this part of Curi-Cancha. 

And finally, if you take the Alondra Trail, you will see some giant strangler fig trees. You can actually walk in one of them!

El Tigre Waterfalls

As a bonus addition, El Tigre Waterfalls is actually a bit away from Monteverde, on the way to Tilaran. It takes about a half-hour from downtown Santa Elena to get there, however, it deserves a mention because it is one of the most beautiful and pristine rainforests of Costa Rica and a wonderful day trip.

About El Tigre Waterfalls

El Tigre Waterfalls is a project on the outskirts of the Monteverde region. With 148 acres (60 hectares) of primary and secondary rainforest, it encompasses four waterfalls, a couple of hanging bridges (not the wide, metal ones, but the ones made of rope and wood), tree trunk bridges over the river, and great trails. 

Located around 6  miles (10 Km approx.) from the Ocotea Boutique Hotel, it takes around a half-hour drive on a partly paved road. (At the end is a gravel road in good condition). If you go in September or October (the Caribbean Coast’s sunnier period) for the morning tour, the views of the Northern plains are magnificent. 

El Tigre Waterfalls is one trail, very well-marked and simple to follow. The hike can go from 5.4 km to 8 km long, and it is from moderate to difficult. From the trail ahead, it goes down to a canyon where you will see 4 breathtaking waterfalls amid a luscious primary rainforest.

There are 9 bridges (hanging bridges and natural tree bridges). Some of them have rails, although some just have a rope to hold on to. It is important to acknowledge this because it feels quite adventurous once you are there!

Another interesting part of this experience is that at the end of this trail, you will have the option of coming back to the restaurant by horse or walking back. The walk back (If you don’t take the horses or the truck back) is quite strenuous, with steep hills and in the open (it is mostly pasture lands). So we highly recommend you take the horse (though they can also provide a cart)!

Finally, a nice traditional lunch is provided, with a variety of alternatives (including veggie). All of them are made in their wood stove, and it’s a cap off of a wonderful experience!

When Should I Hike at  El Tigre Waterfalls? 

There are some differences between going in the sunny and rainy seasons, such as the time of day in which it’s best to go. In the sunny season, you can take the hike at different times throughout the day, while in the rainy season, hikes are taken mainly in the mornings. 

But you can’t lose, since this decades-old preserve is open and beautiful throughout the year. 

For an in-depth description of what to expect at each waterfall, click here.

Zipline on a Bike?

This is a feature unique to El Tigre and a fan favorite when it comes to adventure tourism.

You can also choose to add this fantastic and quite unique experience at the end of the tour. It involves riding a modified bike on three separate wires that are between 100 and 150 meters long and up to 70 meters above the earth.

The experience is truly breathtaking, completely safe, and has to be seen to be believed!

Monteverde’s Part in the Health of the Planet

In today’s world, the threat of global warming often takes center stage, forcing global leaders to rethink the way in which industries operate and look for innovations to help combat pollution, limited resources, and declining fresh-water supplies.

One of the most important (and easiest) things that we can do as a species to ensure our survival is to protect and sustain the planet’s natural defense against global warming- our forests. In this section, we will look at just how essential the rainforests are, and what we can all do to maintain and support them while they support us.

An Interconnected World | Exploring the Cloud Forests of Monteverde

A Personal Account from Correspondent Vicki-Jo Detlor

One of the things that surprised me the most the first time I visited Monteverde was the biodiversity. Since Monteverde is famous around the world for just that, my statement probably doesn’t make a lot of sense, but let me explain.

People who don’t grow up in a tropical landscape judge it based on what they see in advertisements or images and videos shared on the internet, and right or wrong, for the most part, these mediums tend to concentrate on the most popular creatures.

Log onto any Costa Rican tourism site and you will likely see images of toucans and scarlet macaws next to lizards, sloths, and monkeys. Of course, those animals are popular and many people visit the country expressly to see animals that they can’t see in their home countries, but in many ways putting the focus on these animals alone does the country a disservice.

Biodiversity encompasses so many more creatures and the ecosystems are so much more complex and interconnected than we perceive from the media. Don’t get me wrong, I still love to see monkeys swinging from tree to tree, and I still stop and stare every time a macaw flies overhead, but I have also learned to look deeper into the world around me, and appreciate the intricately woven tapestry of living things, big and small, that work together to survive.

Put aside the idea that the food chain is linear and that the creatures at the top eat the ones below them because that (while partially true) doesn’t provide a very good understanding of what’s really going on. And it doesn’t present how sometimes the smallest, unnoticed lifeforms provide support for the apex predators, and how sometimes the apex predator is helping prey to thrive by… well… eating it.

I can hear you saying “What???”

Here are some examples that may surprise you.

Fungus, Bacteria, and Microorganisms

While we seldom think about things like bacteria or microorganisms, they are absolutely essential to the health of the rainforest. In fact, whether you realize it or not, the smell that pervades the rainforest, the damp, rich, mossy smell that we stop and breathe in the moment we step under the canopy… that is fungi, bacteria, and the microorganisms you can’t see — all hard at work.

Think about it for a minute. Not only do they help break down organic matter that is no longer contributing to the health of the forest and then recycle it into compost which then provides nutrients for the towering trees that house thousands of lifeforms, but they also keep those dead trees and animals from littering the forest floor. It might not be exciting, but it is necessary. 

Here is a fun fact. Did you know that leaf-cutter ants (the ones you see marching along carrying bits of leaves or flowers above their heads) don’t actually eat those leaves? They don’t! They are actually farmers in a sense. 

This is because the ant’s digestive systems can’t break down the leaves… but lepiotaceae fungus can, so the ants cultivate the fungus and feed it leaves. Once the fungus has broken down the leaves, the ants eat the fungus and they are able to get the nutrients from the leaves even though they can’t eat them directly. How cool is that? Learn more here.

Keystone Species

As I mentioned in a previous post, every ecosystem has living organisms that are considered keystone species. Without them, the delicate balance that makes the ecosystem thrive would fall apart.

I was surprised to learn that the Costa Rican Jaguar is, in fact, a keystone species. We don’t normally think of apex predators in that way because they don’t normally feed other animals (or at least not while they are alive). However, without their impact on the population of subspecies lower down on the food chain, those species (that include everything from snakes and caimans to deer and tapirs) would flourish to the point that their food source would be decimated, eventually causing starvation and potential extinction. 

There are so many unexpected interactions and symbiotic relationships within the ecosystems of the world that sometimes it takes generations of study for us to understand the effect these extinctions could have on the planet and that's why we must work so hard to prevent it.

The Struggle for Light in the Forest

Let’s step away from the animal life in the forests for a moment and discuss the flora.

Wandering through the cool and damp of a Costa Rican forest is a truly awe-inspiring activity, and it's easy to get a kink in your neck gazing up into the canopy of dense intertwined branches, but we don’t always take the time to understand the delicate balance that also exists amongst the trees themselves.

Monteverde’s 50,000 hectares of protected forests are all relying on a very limited set of resources, so while we look around in wonder at the dense foliage and the massive tree trucks, we don’t always understand that life in a forest is a constant battle for water and sunlight. In order for the trees and other plants to thrive, they must have sufficient food and nutrients, and they must often work together to make that happen. 

The tall trees with their huge spreading branches covered in leaves obviously have the advantage when it comes to finding sunlight but they also depend on nutrients in the dirt that come from the microorganisms and fungi that we mentioned earlier. 

Within the forest, sunlight is limited and so plants that cannot grow tall enough to find it on their own have evolved to rely on other methods. Air plants and epiphytes such as orchids use the wind and the movement of animals to carry their seeds high up into the canopy where they land on the large trees to gather sunlight. They absorb water from the air and nutrients from the debris that collects on the supporting trees without having to draw nutrients from the trees themselves.

In contrast, plants like the fig, which also begin their lives in the branches of other trees, eventually send tendrils down, along the host tree, sucking nutrients from it as they make their way down to the soil. They can often be seen as a network of intertwined branches wrapped around other trees, and over time they will kill the host tree, which slowly decomposes leaving the overlapped fig branches with a hollowed-out center.

In some cases, when this happens, the host tree will fall over, leaving a gap in the canopy high above, and allowing smaller trees further down access to more sunlight in the process. When this occurs, juvenile trees will race to fill the space, vying for their place in the sun before their neighbors can. The winner gets a chance to grow tall and strong while the loser must take whatever sunlight can filter through the canopy above.

The Water Cycle

Since water is such an essential resource when it comes to the survival of a rainforest, it's important that we understand the water cycle and how it works.

The water cycle has 4 different stages, and each stage plays its part in the wellness of the ecosystems within the forest. 

1. Condensation- When hot air meets cold air condensation occurs. The condensation then turns into water vapor. The water vapor becomes droplets, and the droplets clump together to form clouds.

2. Precipitation- When enough droplets clump together, the cloud becomes saturated and releases droplets in the form of rain or snow depending on the surrounding temperature.

3. Runoff- Some of the rain will evaporate, and some will seep into the ground to be used by the plants and trees. The rest becomes runoff and will flow along the easiest path and eventually gather in rivers, ponds, and lakes.

4. Evaporation- As the sun heats the water in the rivers, lakes, and ponds, some of the water will evaporate into vapor which then rises up into the air and then condenses to form clouds, and then the cycle begins again.

Until the runoff water gathers into lakes and ponds, it is relatively free of organisms, but at that point, it can become home to many kinds of organisms that provide nutrients and/or food sources for other organisms within the ecosystem. The rivers and ponds also provide water for the many animals that call the forest home.

In the case of rainforests and cloud forests, much of the water is absorbed by the plants and trees either in the form of water droplets and mist or during precipitation.

It is also stored by the dense groundcover and various mosses that grow in the shady areas of the forest which provides for the growth of the fungi which, as we discovered, helps to create the compost that feeds the trees. It's all part of the interconnectivity of the forest.

And, in ecosystems such as ours, with extremely high rainfall amounts, this interconnectivity doesn’t end in the forest. Some of these rivers flow downhill for huge distances, eventually flowing into the all-important mangroves which support populations of aquatic species and waterfowl, and from there into the sea, where it reconnects with the source of all life on earth, the ocean! Nature really is amazingly efficient.

The Food Web

Let’s take a look at the food web, or the food chain as some of us know it, to see how each part plays its part.

Keep in mind though that the ecosystem is far from linear, as I mentioned before. While it is true that herbivores eat plants and other animals eat herbivores, there are so many other ways in which these organisms interact. Instances when a by-product of one interaction provides an essential food source or habitat for another lifeform within the same ecosystem.

Our Connected World

I could write pages about the intricate symbiosis that exists, and I highly recommend taking the time to explore the natural world and learn for yourself because it is fascinating. But it’s also worth doing because understanding how so many different creatures — each with their own individual needs and features — can work together to create the beauty and majesty of the forest… well it helps us rethink our own role in the world. 

If thousands of animals can coexist peacefully and efficiently, so too should man as a species, not only with each other but with the creatures that share our planet. Perhaps having such an amazing example in our own backyard is part of the reason that Monteverde is making such strides toward building a community that works together and supports each other in ways very similar to the forest ecosystem.

From the farmers that provide fresh organic produce and livestock for the town, to the support personnel who care for the infrastructure and keep everything running smoothly, to the service people who take care of our personal needs and healthcare, and on to the hospitality people who provide us gastronomical delights, culture, and adventure. Each part of the community is essential to the whole.

Our world is just as symbiotic and interconnected as the rainforest when you think about it, so when we take the time to do our part for the community along the way, we too can thrive- together.

If you would like to spend your vacation exploring the interconnected world of Monteverde’s forests, just click here, we would love to host you and your family here at the Ocotea Boutique Hotel and show you the beauty that exists all around us.

Why Do We Protect Nature?

A Personal Account from Monteverde Correspondent Olga Saenz-Carbonell

A few days ago, talking to a friend, he was saying how indispensable his smartwatch was becoming in his life. From my side, with a different lifestyle and living in Monteverde, I told him I didn't have a watch since a long time ago, nor a clock anywhere in my house. I guess the phone clock is enough for me. 

His answer was almost immediate: “I couldn’t live without my watch, it’d feel unnatural.”

I laughed because the actual  “unnatural” part of this — however familiar in modern life — is to be guided by phones, watches, and the ticking of clocks. In a world where schedules and agendas have become a priority, the unnatural seems to be the wilderness, the rhythm of life, and the drum of our hearts.

Over time, the luxury and comfort of technology and modernity can start to seem just as integral to us as moving, eating, and breathing, and for many people, this comes at the cost of inviting nature into our lives.  

But the actual fact is that we are natural beings. It is who we are. And as the research has continued to show over the years, we need nature to charge ourselves, to get real rest from all the buzz of our daily work lives. It is essential for humans to connect with open spaces and life's beauty. We dim ourselves when we don’t do this often enough.

Nature supports new ideas, creativity, and high levels of productivity. It is valuable to our economy, our medicines, and our very nutrition. 

But when we think about nature solely as a business opportunity, or a resource to be mined and used, we are doing nature a disservice. Because, in the complexity and fascinating diversity of our world, there is an inherent value.  

In this post, we’ll explore some of the many factual reasons that it’s just smart to protect nature. And in an upcoming companion post, I’ll share a glimpse into what nature truly holds for people willing to stop, take a look, and wonder. 

So, to begin with, why do we protect nature?

1. Because We Need Food

Nature encompasses all the plants and animals —  wild and domesticated — that provide food, feed, fuel, and fiber. The multitude of creatures also maintains food production due to ecosystem services – called “associated biodiversity”. This contains all the animals, plants, and micro-organisms (such as insects, bats, birds, mangroves, corals, seagrasses, earthworms, soil-dwelling fungi, and bacteria) that retain fertility in the soils, cross-pollinate plants, cleanse water and air, keep fish and trees healthful, and fight crop and livestock pests and diseases.

Without biodiversity, we would not have food. But we wouldn’t either have clothing, hygiene, or beauty products that we use every day.

In Monteverde, you will find that many restaurants are farm-to-table. Due to all the influence and responsibility of having such an important habitat (As the cloud forests are) nearby the community, you will find that in the region the biodiversity has thrived in the menus and tables of the region. 

2. Natural Biodiversity is Key to Producing Medicines

“80% of registered medicines come from plants or have been inspired by natural products. Right now, the cure for cancer, or COVID, could be going extinct” – Peter Bickerton, Earlham Institute.

For thousands of years and all around the globe, medicines came from nature. Forests, deserts, or the ocean.

It is estimated that we use up to 20,000 different species to create everything from penicillin, quinine, and morphine to products against certain types of cancer. And it is estimated that the global pharmaceutical sector depends between 25% and 50% on biodiversity.

The University of Alabama in Huntsville Natural Products Research Group has been studying the phytopharmaceutical possibilities of tropical rainforest higher plants from Monteverde for the past twenty years. They have concentrated primarily on anticancer agents, antimicrobial agents, and antiparasitic agents. 

3. Because a Robust Ecosystem Makes Us Healthy

Clean air, water, sanitation, green spaces, and safe workplaces improve people's quality of life: reduced mortality and morbidity, healthier lifestyles, increased productivity of workers and their families, and improved lives of women, children, and elderly. 

Time in natural environments also improves mental health, according to research. 

They also stimulate creativity for children with attention deficits and depression, and proximity to greenspace reduces stress and depression, as well as anxiety symptoms.

4. Because Natural Resources Are Valued in Trillions of Dollars

The services of ecological systems and the natural capital stocks that produce them are critical to the functioning of the Earth's life-support system.

In 2014, a group of investigators led by American economist Robert Constanza assessed the current economic value of 17 ecosystem services for 16 biomes.

For the entire biosphere, the value (most of which is outside the market) is estimated to be in the range of US$16-54 trillion (1012) per year, with an average of US$33 trillion per year. Because of the nature of the uncertainties, this must be considered a minimum estimate. The global gross national product total is around US$18 trillion per year.

5. Because Natural Ecosystems Help Combat Climate Change.

Well-preserved ecosystems help us to mitigate the negative effects of climate change and to better adapt to them. The same is true for biodiversity, with a greater variety of species.

We cannot discuss biodiversity loss without addressing climate change, and we cannot address climate change without acknowledging biodiversity loss. 

When humans emit greenhouse gases, roughly half of the emissions stay in the atmosphere, while the other half is swallowed up by land and the ocean. These ecosystems, as well as the biodiversity they support, act as natural carbon sinks, offering so-called nature-based climate change solutions.

For example, protecting, managing, and restoring forests provides roughly two-thirds of the total mitigation potential of all nature-based solutions. Despite massive and ongoing losses, forests continue to cover more than 30% of the planet's land surface. 

6. Because we are inspired by its designs and materials

Many technological designs and new materials have been based on nature.

This is "biomimicry", with many examples: solar panels inspired by leaves, cooling systems based on termites, high-speed trains that copy the shape of birds' beaks, resistant fibers that imitate spider webs, and so forth.

But there is also a component of mental health in natural patterns and raw material: they allow us to calm our minds and rest our bodies in a flowing easy way.

When you stay at the Ocotea Boutique Hotel you will also notice how nature is brought inside to give a more holistic resting sensation. Materials and colors are inspired, among many things, by bird nests, flowering branches, or the abundant bromeliads.

7. Because they are essential for tourism activities

Many tourist activities are based on the great variety and richness of our natural and cultural heritage.  Three million tourists visit Costa Rica each year for its high biodiversity, safety, and comfort on its zip lines, ecolodges, and a huge network of jungle trails.

However, it is important to realize that in natural protected areas like national parks, preserves, and wildlife refuges, the prime reason for their existence it’s the conservation of the habitat and not the visiting, which happens to be a consequence of the amazing environment.

And this reason alone makes it even more attractive for real nature lovers. Even though we may all see Costa Rica as a huge nature and adventure theme park, it is not. These are beautiful places to explore, but Costa Rica’s rainforests are quite real and unpredictable.  Wildlife sightings are fortunate coincidences, and these areas are heavily protected to place the wellbeing of the animals first, with environmental crimes such as hunting or poaching being paid with heavy prison sentences.

8. Because it is part of our culture and our identity

The Costa Rican protection of nature is a part of our identity now. In our homes as much as in our schools, and communities, sustainability and conservation are reinforced in many ways. 

Not only do we hold more than 30% of our country in protected areas, but you will find that the vast majority of people in Costa Rica completely identify with and follow the guidelines to protect nature. Our country has come together to protect our environmental richness, help our world combat climate change, and share this beauty with the world.

The Costa Rican motto “Pura Vida” is directly related to the breathtaking amount of life that you find in the country. Not because the expression comes from the natural abundance that we have but because it fits like a glove the country and our peaceful nature. 

What Can I Do? 

There are a number of everyday habits you can take to protect the environment (which we’ll go into below), but the most powerful comes when you focus on nature as something inherently valuable, rather than just valuable to your daily life. More on that in the next article!

Respect Regulations to Protect the Environment

Sometimes it can seem like an extra step or an extra dollar to comply with regulations to protect the environment and nature. But in the long run, these small steps pay enormous long-term dividends. When we go to the national parks, out to the mountains, to the river, to the beach, or in the cities themselves, we respect the rules for each space.

Less Car Use, Less Pollution

Less car use and more use of alternative means of transport whenever possible has great environmental and personal advantages. Reducing the percentage of pollution gives us a more sustainable nature and better health. Biking or walking when you can is a small 

Moderate Use of Water

Water is an element of great value to nature. Therefore, moderating its use and knowing how to save water is of utmost importance.

Responsible Use of Cleaning Products

When buying household cleaning products, make sure they are biodegradable and do as little damage to nature as possible. When we throw water through the pipes with these products we are damaging nature, even if we do not see it.

Environmental Education 

One of the most essential tips to take care of nature and the environment is to promote and make children aware of its importance. If from an early age they learn good practices in this regard and receive a good environmental education, they will not forget it and we will build a better future together.

Recycle

Recycling is one of the most used words, so much so that it can lose some meaning. But it’s important to keep our focus and be aware of what recycling truly means because it is very necessary when talking about how to protect the environment, as well as the fight against the climate crisis. Recycling is a fundamental action that is in everyone's hands and simply means to use and reuse wherever you can. If you have any doubts, here you can find tips on what and how to recycle.

Consume Seasonal Foods

Foods that are out of season are more expensive to produce and harmful to nature since they also involve a greater transfer. Therefore, consume seasonal products, which are healthier and more sustainable and you will help the environment.

Take Advantage of Natural Light 

During the day, try not to turn on the light and take advantage of natural light. And at night, use energy-saving light bulbs, because this energy saving, in addition to many others, is a great help to nature. 

Conscious Consumerism and Business Practices

One of the most striking fights against climate change is personalized and belongs to us, the individuals. When we buy things, we must ask ourselves if we really need what we are buying and if it breaks it’s important to fix it instead of throwing it out. 

If you own a business, you can also protect nature by using smart and sustainable business practices, maximizing the use of digital documents, recycling, treating your garbage responsibly, using biodegradable soaps and cleaning products, and trying to hire locals that don’t have to commute long distances. 

Staying Informed and Involved (Voting!)

Probably that is the hardest and the easiest. We must believe in the democratic system we have fought so much for! Voting, getting involved, and looking for objective and real news can make a difference to nature and our own future. Think about this in your next elections, wherever you may be. 

A Lot to Take In

Realizing the importance of nature and biodiversity to your life is just the beginning of a new way of living for our planet.  With these tips for caring for nature, which you can apply from now on, you can be part of the solution: preserving a planet that gives us so much.

References: 

Nations, U. (2015). Biodiversity - our strongest natural defense against climate change | United Nations. United Nations; United Nations. 

Pharmaceutical and Biodiversity.

 Costanza, Robert, D'Arge, Ralph, De Groot, Rudolf, ... Marjan.   Nature, 387(6630), 253-260.

Other references: 

Álex Fernández Muerza. (2021, March 3). En el Día de la Naturaleza, 10 razones para proteger nuestros ecosistemas. Hablando En Vidrio; Hablando en vidrio.

https://www.facebook.com/unep. (2017). Healthy Environment, Healthy People. UNEP. 

FAO - News Article: The Biodiversity That Is Crucial for Our Food and Agriculture Is Disappearing by the Day, 2019.

Cannamela, T. (2021, April 19). 7 Reasons Why You Need to Eat at a Farm to Table Restaurant  | Buckingham Farms. Buckinghamfarmsonline.com. 

Shah, R. (2020, May 5). Travel; National Geographic. 

Shah, R. (2021). Costa Rica’s answer to range anxiety. Bbc.com. 

Pharmaceuticals and Biodiversity: To protect ourselves we must safeguard our planet. (2021). Convention on Biological Diversity. 

‌Costanza, R., d’Arge, R., de Groot, R., Farber, S., Grasso, M., Hannon, B., Limburg, K., Naeem, S., O’Neill, R. V., Paruelo, J., Raskin, R. G., Sutton, P., & van den Belt, M. (1997). The value of the world’s ecosystem services and natural capital. Nature, 387(6630), 253–260. 

A Community’s Wholehearted Commitment to Sustainability

In many ways what makes Monteverde the amazing destination that it comes down to love and a sense of community. After all, so much more can be accomplished when we simply learn to work together. While this section may stray a little off the topic of the Reserves themselves, it demonstrates some of the key components that have helped the community thrive…

…and when the community thrives, it provides resources to support and promote the reserves as well.

Conservation and Community in Monteverde

“Sustainability in Monteverde is a state of mind, a way of relating with the environment embedded in the code of the people who have lived here since they were babies. It perfectly matches Costa Rica's aim to be a carbon-free country and the generalized national idea that all industries must be sustainable.”

Monteverde is a community that thrives in an environment that —  in other times and for other sorts of people — would have been called hostile. It is a wilderness that takes your breath away and is so powerful that the community has learned to respect it and flourish in it.

This community has been practicing sustainability much before the word was popular, and conservation was a worldwide issue. But before we dive into what conservation and sustainability mean for the community of Monteverde, let’s start with a common definition. 

What is Sustainability? 

The definition given below includes some critical aspects of its meaning.

Brundtland (1987): This is the most commonly quoted definition, and it aims to be more comprehensive than most:

Sustainable development is the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations.

Meeting the needs of the present, without compromising the needs of the future. That, in a nutshell, describes the story of Monteverde’s founding. The community of Monteverde has been born, fed, and raised with a strong and quite intense drive for conservation and sustainability. 

Sustainability in Monteverde is a state of mind, a way of relating with the environment embedded in the code of the people who have lived here since birth. And for a newcomer, this spirit is quite evident. 

The Four Pillars of Building Better

Monteverde’s founding principles and the instinctive protection of nature were highly influential, and eventually, Monteverde was one of the first places in Costa Rica to start a real conservation effort that was reflected throughout the community. 

With scientists doing research starting in the ’60s, and visitors following these scientists, Monteverde has turned into a Mecca for people who want to study biodiversity, endemic species, and many other tropical biology subjects. But also for nature lovers, adventure fans, and hiking devotees. 

In 1975, the main preserve counted 431 visitors, mostly scientists, and bird watchers. Two years later, Mrs. Wood, a local Quaker, opened a tiny bed-and-breakfast in her home, where tourists may stay overnight.

Things grew quickly. Visitors went from 2700 in 1980 to over 40,000 in 1991. By 2019 the region received a little less than 250,000 visitors.

However, this presented some new challenges — how do you grow a tourism business, and continue to protect nature? Well, for decades the community of Monteverde was dedicated to finding ways to cope with the ever-growing tourism industry and succeeded in more ways than we could count. 

So let’s start by reviewing the 4 aspects of sustainability in Monteverde. 

• Environmentally Conscious Organizations

• Circular Economy

• Community and individual efforts

• Education

Environmentally Conscious and Community Organizations 

Monteverde is home to a variety of non-profit, environmentally conscious, and community organizations. Visitors can interact with these non-governmental organizations on a variety of levels, such as studying local flora and fauna in their laboratories, or simply walking through their cloud forest trails and learning a lot about tropical ecosystems and the preservation practices that aim to keep them in place.

The following is a list of organizations that are the founders and keepers of the Monteverde private reserves, allowing research and educational programs in sustainable development. 

• The Monteverde Conservation League (MCL) 

• The Monteverde Institute (MVI) 

• The Cooperativa de Artesanas de Santa Elena y Monteverde, or CASEM, is a non-profit artisan cooperative dedicated to improving the economic and social well-being of local female artisans. 

• The Monteverde Friends School is a bilingual, multicultural school that serves children from preschool to high school. 

• Monteverde Community Fund Acts as a collector and distribution point for resources destined for community-led projects. 

• As part of the Monteverde Community Fund, you can find The Monteverde Travelers Philanthropy Program; Integrated Solid Waste Management (COMIRES-Monteverde)

• The Monteverde Commission on Integrated Solid Waste Management (COMIRES-Monteverde) 

• The Monteverde Commission for Resilience to Climate Change (CORCLIMA) 

• Cloud Forest Research Data Base 

• Made in Monteverde

• Econexiones is a new local company that sells products from this area and other parts of Costa Rica.  

Monteverde and Circular Economy

While most of the world operates as a linear economy that ignores social and environmental costs and benefits; a circular economy seeks to find a balance that respects basic social needs and the limits of the planet. A donut economy stays in a regenerative zone with fair use of resources. 

Community and Individual Efforts

I am going to enlist some of the particular individual and collective efforts the community and the neighbors of Monteverde are doing. 

Food Production and Consumption:

• Several farms are compromised not to use synthetic nitrogen fertilizers on their fields.

• Many neighbors have organic gardens that have inspired locals and visitors to create their own gardens.

• There are several organic artisanal dairy products, cheese, yogurt, cream cheese, and you can also find El Camino Gelato ice cream. 

• In the supermarkets of Monteverde, you can find several vegan and artisanal products made by local small companies or even individual people.  Usually, you can find these products available at Whole Foods.

• Veganism and vegetarianism are quite common among the neighbors of Monteverde. 

Transportation and energy use:

• Many people in the area have chosen not to own a vehicle and walk as their primary mode of transportation.

• Several neighbors assist in the construction of sidewalks adjacent to their properties so that people can safely walk or use wheelchairs.

• Several neighbors drive electric golf carts and many get around town on electric bikes or regular bikes. 

• You can find some 240 V charging points through Monteverde. 

• Many neighbors cook with induction cooktops instead of gas. 

• Dozens of neighbors have solar panels and/or solar water heaters in their houses. Some others have hydroelectrical systems to produce their own electricity.  

The Monteverde Electric Route: The Ruta Electrica Monteverde is a support network that allows electric vehicle travelers to reach Monteverde. You can travel without worrying about range anxiety, without polluting the environment, and while charging your vehicle.

Map of the Eléctric Route: Electric Route Monteverde-Google Maps

Waste management and water conservation:

• Current recycling efforts throughout the whole community. 

• Neighbors also dispose of organic waste. Many people make use of the expanding municipal composting system and Compost bins are available 

• There are people producing and selling dry toilet systems. 

• There are "artificial humedales" to treat gray water, as well as infiltration gardens and other water-capture systems.

Forest preservation:

• Many neighbors work tirelessly to preserve water and biodiversity resources on the land of Bosqueterno S.A.

• Several neighbor clusters work on planting trees and restoring habitat in the area. 

• Strong promotion of rural tourism and conservation.

Education of Our Community

“The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.”― Albert Einstein

There have been several factors that have influenced the Monteverde region’s education. From the families, the schools, and unavoidable nature immersion, the children of Monteverde learn to live with the forest as part of their homes and something to respect and love. 

Since the 1960s the community of Monteverde has received a scientific community that lived within the community and the value that they give to the forests of the area permeated into the people of Monteverde. 

Children of Costa Rica in general are taught environmental practices from a very early age. However, the Monteverde children are immersed in the nature they are taught to protect. 

It gets into their DNA, and you can witness this wherever you are in Monteverde. 

Libraries

The Library Committee has made reading possible without purchasing new books and has directed the cache, assisting in circulating resources to new owners rather than having things in disuse or sending them to the landfill.  The Santa Elena Public Library's governing board has also created a space to share books with the larger community - using solar energy.

How Monteverde thrived in the pandemic: 

Barter: Circular resources in the area that do not rely on traditional money.

• Los Verdes is the new Monteverde-only social currency that allows people to trade skills and produce with other locals. You can also earn Greens by performing environmentally friendly actions, volunteering, or bartering with farmers. 

• The Tilichera is a new exchange center located next to the Bank of Costa Rica. It's a great way to keep items circulating in the community rather than keeping them in someone's closet or drawer. You can place a bet, pay with Verdes, get Verdes, or simply make a donation if you are disposing of items. 

• Buy locally: You can help our local economy remain resilient by purchasing locally produced, environmentally friendly goods.

• The Community Farm in Cerro Plano is transforming the bull ring into a place for more than 30 families to grow food and a place for the community to gather. 

• Seeding Sustainable Development is a Monteverde Institute program that provides temporary work in sustainability projects to unemployed locals.

• The Food Bank accepts donations. Food can be brought at La Tilichera. Donations in cash can be made to the Community Fund.

• Two art projects are beautifying our spaces, raising awareness, fostering community, and inspiring action: 

• Since the beginning of the pandemic, resilience has been creating art with chalk on the blackboard wall of the Monteverde center plaza every week. 

• Monteverde Resiliente (a collaboration between CORCLIMA and Costa Rica in the Pared) is painting murals and creating mosaics in Santa Elena and Cerro Plano.

• Bicionarios Monteverde is a movement dedicated to promoting safe cycling as a mode of transportation. If you must, please leave 1.5 meters between yourself and the cyclists and encourage others to do the same by attaching a sticker to their vehicle or sponsoring the installation of a sign. 

You can see a map with local producers here: Productores Locales de Monteverde- Google Maps

Monteverde takes environmental practices and sustainable development very seriously.  And as tourism happens to be the main industry, you will find that everything and everyone in the industry is involved with sustainability and conservation efforts. 

If you liked this article, you will enjoy (Joy’s article Costa Rica: Ecotourism for the Conscious Traveler (ocoteahotel.com)) 

References: 

N.a. "Monteverde Conservation League Costa Rica." Monteverdeinfo.com. 5 Aug. 2021. Web. 17 Nov. 2021.

Greater Good Together | The Monteverde Community Fund

As we all know, Monteverde is a stunning place. However, the best of Monteverde is what cannot be seen: its magnificent community spirit that is lived and enjoyed by all living creatures in this fantastic place. 

This is a place where each individual puts their sand grain so that we all thrive. However, this community spirit goes beyond a neighbor helping another. In 2010, Monteverde established an organization that benefits all the people who live here: The Monteverde Community Fund. 

What is a Community Fund? 

“Community foundations are grantmaking public charities that are dedicated to improving the lives of people in a defined local geographic area. They bring together the financial resources of individuals, families, and businesses to support effective nonprofits in their communities.” 

The Creation of the Monteverde Community Fund

Monteverde was originally an isolated and remote community that received a scientific community and some tourists that came to see its unique cloud forests. 

As we mentioned before, it was at first inhabited by a few Costa Rican families, and then, later on by several Quaker families that came in the ’50s. These two distinctive groups combined to produce a unique community based on the common principles of peace among humans and harmony with nature. 

In the ’70s the community created the first cloud forest reserve to protect the water sources of the dairy-producing region. However, biologists quickly discovered the richness of the ecosystems in Monteverde, which drew significant interest from the scientific community.

Little by little Monteverde grew to be a big name in the biologists’ community, but also, because of its unique beauty, a popular tourism destination. Tourism in Costa Rica started as a thriving industry in the late ’80s. And nowadays, Monteverde has a permanent population of a little over 6000 people and receives over 250,000 visitors a year.

Adapting to the Community’s Needs

This incredible growth has brought amazing things to the people, a lot of business, and general development.  

And the initiative was clear — to find a way for Monteverde, its people, its businessmen and women, its organizations, schools, and all involved, to grasp the opportunities that the travel industry brings, covering the community needs and coping with whatever crisis may arise. 

​Where The Idea Comes From

The Center for Responsible Travel in Washington, D.C., and The Monteverde Institute, presented a conference on travelers' philanthropy in 2011, studying strategies to harness the dominant tourism sector and channel its resources fairly toward community-identified activities.

Technically, the idea of the Monteverde Community Fund was founded in 2010, but as a response to the 2011 conference, it was officially chartered and brought to life in 2012. It grew from a simple notion shared by Monteverde inhabitants and the Monteverde Institute: Together, we can do greater good. This also became the motto of the Monteverde Community Fund.

Today, the Monteverde Community Fund brings together varied resources, shareholders, and methods to support and promote long-term activities in the Monteverde region. The Fund has financed initiatives in the economic, social, and environmental sectors, as well as providing training and assistance to the project's local teams. It also gives local grassroots organizations monetary support, allowing them to focus on their areas of competence.

These grassroots organizations seek to have a high degree of effectiveness in areas such as climate action, literacy and education, theater arts, and solid waste, and partnerships with the Monteverde Community Fund allow them to thrive.

In all, the Monteverde Community Fund has turned into strong support for the locals and their small ventures. It fortifies the community by magnifying the different activities enhancing and multiplying their effects through the visitors that come in abundance to our forests. 

The Early Days

However, it wasn’t always like that! Although the Quakers as much as the Costa Ricans know the value of real community and generosity, for many local businesses the idea of asking the visitors for help for the region felt awkward. 

They thought about organizing a contribution that would be added to hotel room rates, but that idea was dashed almost before implementing it. Looking for different possibilities, the community arrived at a conclusion: a direct focus was needed. 

Providing Focus to A Community

The absence of a specific project to help was probably the hardest part of getting the community to buy in, as the vision was broader and less concrete than other Monteverde initiatives. 

There was no school to build or species to rescue. Instead, the objective of the Monteverde Community Fund was to sustainably support and protect the destination, its nature, its people, culture, and surroundings. Community people would plan and decide on the projects and activities based on their understanding of local needs. 

It was a noble goal because rather than a project, visitors were invited to help a community. But there had to be a lot of faith and trust that the locals understood what was required and that the cash would be spent correctly.

Ultimately, it was agreed to create three independent funds to which visitors and local companies might contribute: Environmental, Social Cultural, and Smart Economies. In addition to environmental and social/cultural, which we’ve touched on, the Smart Economies Fund aided experimental initiatives that promoted best practices in sustainable production or energy consumption, as well as collaborative efforts and capacity building. 

Together, these three initiatives began to gain traction, but it was still slow going at first. Fortunately, as part of a bigger grant, the InterAmerican Foundation (IAF) authorized some seed money to the Monteverde Community Fund to begin sponsoring initiatives immediately. This IAF award inspired Monteverde to go from the scope of only Travelers' Philanthropy as a source of income to set up a Community Foundation, with Travelers' Philanthropy as a central element. 

Using IAF project funding as a match, the Community Fund was able to collect additional donations from visitors and local companies and launch a modest grants program. Once some concrete initiatives were underway, the Fund could relate to their beneficial community benefits, which helped to explain the mission.

And in time, local companies, particularly those that benefited from tourism, needed to invest in their own community just as much as they needed to rely entirely on tourists. Slowly but surely, the Monteverde Community Fund thrived!

Some of Their Incredible Projects

In its short lifetime, the Fund has funded a total of 18 community activities, ranging from small sustainably-grown gardens in elementary schools to a women's soap-making program and solar panels at the Public Library. 

The following is the complete project list:

• Research to protect one of Santa Elena's most important water sources. 

• Santa Elena Public High School's biodigester 

• The Creative Learning Center School’s rainwater collecting system

• Buildings for the Recycling Center and 14 Mini-Collection Sites.

• A community-wide strategic plan for wastewater management (in development)

• Increased sustainability (electric solar panels and climate improvements) for the Santa Elena Community Library

• Community Radio Monteverde

• Animal spay and neuter programs in Monteverde

• Movement, Zumba, and Yoga programs, along with a native & edible plant garden for Guacimal Elementary School

• Courses on Project Management for locals to improve the workforce

• Assistance in website creation for small and medium-sized enterprises.

• Water Source Protection through reforestation

• The Music Festival of Monteverde

• Workshops in musical theater for children.

• A women's cooperative for the production of natural soap products

• Strategic plan for building a more robust and diverse local economy

• Cabeceras Community Center enhancements.

• Training in sustainable agriculture, as well as management and marketing methods, for local farmers

The Impact of Visitors

The Monteverde Chamber of Tourism's destination tagline is "Authentic and Sustainable." 

Having a destination-wide impact tourism model that supports sustainable community initiatives boosts the destination's branding and image, all while supporting the values of the community and local businesses. 

People simply like to support the places that they enjoy, and when their purchases benefit a worthy cause, there is an added motivation, something that’s frequently referred to as the warm glow effect. 

The Community Fund collaborated with local companies to create a line of items that are available as souvenirs and that go from postcards to self-guided tour guides. Everyone wins — visitors can support their favorite destination, and the funds are directed to the areas of the community that need them most! 

The Monteverde Community Fund and the Covid Crisis

Monteverde receives 250,000 visitors per year. In addition to this disproportionate amount of tourists (with respect to the local population), there’s a floating population that comes to the area to work in the many businesses in the tourism industry: hotels, travel agencies, tour operators, reservations, and the like. 

On March 20, 2020, Costa Rica's airport officially closed its doors and immediately after, announced the temporary closures of all the businesses that had to do with customer service. Within a few days, most of the population of Monteverde was unemployed or saw their income seriously diminished. 

The region joined the desperation of hundreds of thousands who depended entirely on the travel industry, but things were different here thanks to the Monteverde Community Fund.

Taking Action

By March 23rd, the Monteverde Community Fund was already moving — tapping into a network of past donors, and identifying the most pressing needs in the area.

The community spirit of Monteverde also came to life once more. The people of Monteverde formed the "Comision de Enlace Monteverde" to bring the entire community together, with representatives from more than 12 public and private institutions, as well as representatives of private enterprises and volunteers. This commission in turn was organized into 5 working sub-commissions that converted the agreements into short-term actions. 

In order to know the magnitude of the crisis, the Statistics and Census Subcommittee of the Comision de Enlace Monteverde 2020 prepared online surveys answered first by more than a thousand self-employed population and later by all the different companies that were unable to continue paying their employees. 

Once that data was processed, the next step was to take immediate action to support the most vulnerable families through the Social Aid Committee, which was -and is- in charge of collecting donations at the local level and then delivering the food and other necessities.

An Efficient Reaction to Support the Community! 

This wasn’t the first time that the Monteverde Community Fund had come together to support the community. During Storm Nate in 2017, they had helped raise funds for the emergency, and the results were so effective that there were surplus funds leftover when the covid crisis hit.

After identifying the most vulnerable families, the Monteverde Community Fund kept on, with another round of support. 

-The Circular Economy Subcommittee identified and inventoried local food producers (vegetables, basic grains, chicken, eggs, cheese, etc.). This has made it possible to connect producers with local consumers, using the community's social networks and chats to enable buying/selling with home delivery.

-The MCF supported research and planning for a number of new tasks. Preventing the spread of COVID-19, adjusting family spending to the new reality, legal and financial guidance for families and businesses, and psychological support for the general population — they were all necessary parts of life after COVID. The subcommission on Health, Education, and Recreation arranged these events through Facebook Live or Zoom virtual meetings.

-A food bank for low-income households without food and sanitary items was also created for any families that hadn’t been identified in the first round of assistance. From here,  the Social Assistance subcommission set up an area near the Monteverde Community Fund for individuals to drop off donations, and sort and distribute food packs. 

-Local officials also put together a local food production plan: this not only addressed food security but also improved nutrition and kept money within the community. 

And now, thanks in large part to the Monteverde Community Fund, the town has largely recovered, and is in a position to thrive once more!

A Place for Everyone to Thrive

Communities are strong when we organize and become conscious of how powerful of an effect we all have on supporting the place we live in. And in that one small example, Monteverde has given a lesson to Costa Rica and the world of how to survive together while facing a crisis. 

References: 

Monteverde Fund. "Monteverde Community Fund | Fondo Comunitario M | Community Foundation." Monteverde Fund. n.d. Web. 12 Jan. 2022.

Council on Foundations. "Community Foundations." Council on Foundations. n.d. Web. 11 Jan. 2022.

Center for Responsible Travel. "Monteverde Community Fund | Center for Responsible Travel." Center for Responsible Travel. n.d. Web. 12 Jan. 2022. 

Echoes of the Journey. "Monteverde Community Fund - Echoes of the Journey." Echoes of the Journey. 4 Aug. 2019. Web. 12 Jan. 2022. 

Global Summit on Community Philanthropy. "Monteverde Community Fund — Global Summit on Community Philanthropy." Global Summit on Community Philanthropy. n.d. Web. 12 Jan. 2022. 

Presidencia de la República de Costa Rica. "Comunidad de Monteverde convierte la amenaza de COVID-19 en oportunidad para fortalecer su organización." Presidencia de la República de Costa Rica. 18 Apr. 2020. Web. 12 Jan. 2022. 

Behind the Scenes of One of Monteverde’s Reserves

A Personal Account from Correspondent Vicki-Jo Detlor

When you’ve been in the tour business for as long as we have you pick up on a few local favorites. Especially when you have watched them grow and evolve over the course of 15 years working together.

Even while we work to expand our family business with the Ocotea Boutique Hotel, our hearts are still connected to the beauty all around us and we still love sharing the rich bounty that mother nature has provided us and all of our guests and traveling companions.

That’s why the Children’s Eternal Rainforest Reserve (also known as the Bosque Eterno de Los Niños, or BEN) will always hold a special place in our hearts.  As one of the many fantastic reserves in Monteverde, they are a wonderful place to visit, and we work within our community to garner support for their very important mission to preserve and protect the biodiversity that Monteverde is blessed with.

That’s why this article will take you on a journey- under the shaded green of the canopy and behind the scenes- so you can explore everything that goes into managing this kind of massive endeavor.

Honoring Tremendous Generosity

In honor of the school children and their dedication to their planet, the park has become known as the Children’s Eternal Rainforest. It is a shining example of what humankind can accomplish when they join together over common interests and goals. Today the park provides important research and education into subjects such as sustainability, reforestation, and biodiversity, both at an academic level and through eco-tourism.

They have even created two lodges so that visitors who wish to stay can purchase accommodations, meals, and access to the trails. Students who take part in one of their educational programs or internships can also choose to rent these accommodations and stay onsite during their visit. However, the majority of visitors come purely to walk the trails and explore via self or guided tours.

Obviously running such a massive and complex organization takes a huge amount of effort. Not only to keep all of its moving parts running efficiently but also to ensure that the thousands of visitors who come to the park each year don’t damage the delicate ecosystems that they are working to preserve.

Why Do They Do It?

Simple. People can’t care about what they don’t understand. By introducing guests from around the world to the intricate beauty of the forest, and helping them to understand the fascinating ways in which they interact and support one another, the team behind BEN and so many other reserves help visitors understand that we, as humans, are just as much a part of the world around us as every other living thing. 

We have a responsibility to do our part to maintain it, even if that part is simply making an effort to reduce our footprint, clean up after ourselves, and be mindful of how the things we do (or don’t do) can affect our planet.

Once I understood that my next question was how do they do it? To find out, I got in touch with Lindsay Stallcup, who is the Reserve’s Executive Director, to ask some questions. 

Collaboration is Key | Working Together to Preserve our Planet

When I asked about the internal working of the BEN, and what set it apart from the others, I was surprised by Director Stallcup’s response. She immediately explained that it really is a group effort to keep this reserve humming, accomplished in large part by a dedicated group of individuals all working together both within the Children’s Eternal Rainforest, along with a larger group comprised of local conservators, educators, and researchers who are spread throughout all of Monteverde’s Reserves. Let me explain…

Not a Solo Effort!

One of the things that makes Monteverde’s community so unique is its ability to work together for the common good. The Children’s Eternal Rainforest or BEN (short for the Spanish “Bosque Eterno de los Ninos) is at the very center of a collection of reserves that provides protection to a huge variety of native species of flora and fauna. This larger block includes the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Arenal Volcano National Park, Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, and the Alberto Manuel Brenes Biological Reserve. Together, they make up a whopping 50,000 hectares!

Three of these parks are owned and operated by the Costa Rican Government, while the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and the BEN are both owned and operated by non-profit conservation organizations and must raise funds annually to cover the cost of protecting and preserving the forest. Regardless of the fact that they are all separate entities with different owners and individual needs- they share a common goal and that makes them a team.

Running the Reserve

The BEN’s operations include environmental education, visitor services, forest patrols, administration, and the maintenance of trails, infrastructure, and property boundaries to ensure that the forest can thrive.

The BEN has 4 areas open to the public. All have trails that are available for both guided and unguided tours, and two of the areas (Pocosol and San Gerardo) offer lodging and meals, for an off-the-beaten-path forest experience.

Protecting Biodiversity

The Bajos del Tigre Reserve houses a rare “rain shadow forest” which also represents one of the most threatened ecosystems in the country, making its protection and preservation even more vital to the health of the Reserve, and the world,

The BEN is home to 5% of the species of birds on the planet, as well as 550 species of orchids and 6 species of felines.

It is also home to the Three-wattled Bellbird, an endangered species which can be found throughout the BEN. The Bellbird is an altitude migrant, meaning that each year it travels over a huge forest area from the Pacific Lowlands, up over the Continental Divide, to the Caribbean Lowlands in Nicaragua, following its favorite food source: the wild avocado fruit. While it travels, it eats the native avocado fruit and then disperses the seed (through its excrement) wherever it roams. In essence, the Three-Wattled Bellbird relies on the avocado tree for food and the avocado tree relies on the bird for propagation… Mother Nature truly is brilliant.

Protecting Green Takes Green!

The BEN has 3 primary income streams that are used to fund the conservation of the forest and its biodiversity. 

100% of the funds collected from admission fees and guest purchases go back into the care of the reserve. 100%!

The park, which has no corporate sponsors, also relies heavily on donations that come in from around the world, and from a program run by the Costa Rican government which pays qualified landowners a set amount per hectare for environmental protection.

Behind the Scenes- A Day in the Life of Park Staff

My next question had to do with all of the work that goes on behind the scenes that guests never see, and may not realize is happening. I asked her what the staff are responsible for during a typical day, and the answer was startling.

Welcoming the Public

The park has 4 sites open to the public, 2 of which contain visitor-guest lodges, all of which must be staffed, cleaned, and maintained.

As the lodges also offer meals, there is staff dedicated to food prep, service, and cleanup of the kitchen and dining areas.

There is staff on-site to guide visitors, answer questions and generally help them with whatever they need.

Park Patrols

4 Forest rangers patrol the entire 22,000+ hectares! They are responsible for protecting the park property and resident species from poachers, squatters, and unregistered guests, as well as ensuring that livestock from neighboring properties don’t inadvertently wander onto the reserve and consume new growth before it can take root.

Poachers don’t just kill animals for food, or sport, they have also been known to accost them to be sold to collectors. The same goes for rare or endangered plant life, like orchids and hearts of palm, and… believe it or not… water!

Park rangers also watch out for populations that can damage the all-important water table.

Sharing the Knowledge and Running the Reserve

There are staff members dedicated to environmental education (more on this later),

As well as the staff who must manage the day-to-day challenges of administration, such as staffing, financial issues, fund-raising, and much more.

All of the buildings, trails, fences, signage, and so forth must be maintained by a dedicated group who often trek miles of trails to ensure that guests can experience the park safely and easily.

And all of this is done by a total of 30 BEN staff members!

A Wild Life Surrounded By Wildlife!

I asked Lindsay whether they had ever had to close or change trail routes to prevent damage to the ecosystem from visitor traffic. While she said that the issue hadn’t arisen yet, she did admit that they had rerouted one of the trails in the past, because a mother Puma had been seen on the trail cam nursing her cubs in the middle of the trail, or because of a natural occurrence such as a landslide.

Putting it All Together to Make a Difference

All of these activities are vital to the proper management of this huge organization, but perhaps none more so than environmental education. Why? Because the success of the park relies so heavily on the support of others, and donations, but also because it is through understanding the needs and cycles of the forest that it will be carried on for future generations.

Not only do these dedicated individuals ensure that the forest remains healthy and viable and that the delicate ecosystems within thrive, but they also inspire children who may grow to become their generation's leaders in conservation, sustainability, forestry, or biology. 

The park has 2 full-time educators, one located on each side of the country. On the western side (Monteverde) there are environmental outreach efforts that, as members of the Monteverde Commission on Environmental Education (CEAM) teach topics like biodiversity, sustainable practices, and water conservation to people ranging from school children to adults. 

There are also on-site internships so that post-secondary students can enjoy a hands-on learning experience led by experts in the field and in an environment that allows them to see firsthand how important environmental research, sustainable practices, and water conservation is to the planet as a whole. 

On the Caribbean side, they work with the local population and provide education about a wide variety of topics, such as agriculture, the damaging effects of poaching and illegal species extraction, as well as providing workshops that teach sustainable practices, waste disposal, and water conservation, so that residents can do their part to assist in the preservation and conservation of their own way.

Because when you find your place in the grand scheme of things, you start to realize that it's the small things in life that are important and that finding happiness can be as simple as a walk in the woods. And that’s when you find peace- and hopefully, purpose. The kind of purpose that drives so many people to protect the forests of Monteverde.

Now that we know more about Monteverde’s history, the preserves and the amazing conservation work the community has been doing, let’s take a closer look at what makes this place such a unique ecosystem, and makes the center piece of the Cloud Forest.

There is a well-known saying about not being able to see the forest for the trees, but in the case of Monteverde, the opposite is true… Sometimes, it’s easy to focus on the forests as a whole rather than diving into the types of trees that live there.

We are going to correct that by immersing ourselves in the living, breathing heart of Monteverde… or more accurately… it’s lungs. We have already learned about the Ocotea tree (or aguacate), so this time we will take a look at some of the most common species that can be found in our cloud forest.

What Makes a Cloud Forest?

A cloud forest forms when there are forests high enough up in the mountains that the trees themselves are often in the clouds- hence the name. This only occurs in tropical locations because, in other parts of the world, those same elevations have temperatures that are too cold for trees like these to survive. This explains why cloud forests are such a rare phenomenon (it is estimated that only 1% of the planet is covered with cloud forests).

When a forest grows at a high elevation in a tropical climate it results in unique conditions. 

Flora and fauna that live there thrive in moisture and shade, leading to different species than the tall sun-seeking trees that will be found further down the mountain. It also means that the trees that do grow will be host to a wide variety of epiphytes such as bromeliads, lichen, and orchids. 

Some of these trees will host entire ecosystems within their branches, from the lichen to the bugs that eat them, to the animals that eat the bugs, and so on… so it is well worth looking up into the branches above you while you hike. These ecosystems may not be found anywhere else on earth.

Types of Trees

We aren’t going to list all of the trees that you will find in our cloud forests, for the simple reason that it would take an entire book! There are over 750 species of trees including 40-60 types of fruit trees and 60 types of avocado trees! But we will highlight a few of the most fascinating.

Ostrya guatemalensis

This small deciduous tree (also known as Ostrya Virginiana in the USA) can grow to a height of 59 feet and loses its leaves seasonally. Where trees in colder climates tend to do this in the fall, in tropical climates leaves are dropped before the onset of the dry season. 

In ‘spring’ the tree will produce catkin-style flowers, meaning cylindrical flowers made up of a bunch of small flowers that hang from the branches. Pollinated flowers turn into nutlets and both the catkins and the nutlets are an important food source for species of birds, deer, and rabbits.

The tree trunks provide a resilient high-density hardwood which was often used in the making of longbows.

Aguacate Lauraceae

Also known as the Ocotea Tree this member of the Lauraceae family is commonly known as the wild avocado and is an important food source for many species, including the Resplendent Quetzal. They are broadleaf evergreen trees that can grow up to 130 feet in height.

The family Lauraceae contains 2850 species including camphor (used medicinally for centuries) and the bay laurel/sweet laurel which is commonly used in cooking (bay leaves).

Myrsine coriacea

The Myrsine coriacea was widely harvested for its wood but is also an important pioneer species, used to help restore woodlands because they grow so quickly, reaching a height of 3-4 meters within 2 years and a maximum height of 6-12 meters.

They prefer moist soil, sunny climates, and elevations over 1500 meters, and will produce edible fruit year-round making them an important part of the forest food chain.

Quercus insignis

Quercus insignis is a species of white oak in the Beech family that prefers moist soil and thrives at elections of 1500-2500 meters. It grows up to 30 meters in height and produces large bur-like acorns every 5-10 years. It is slow-growing but has an extremely long life cycle, making it a stable habitat for many types of creatures. 

However thanks to heavy forestation (and the fact that it takes a long time to grow) this species is currently on the endangered list.

Hymenaea 

Hymenaea trees are part of the family Fabaceae, also commonly known as legumes. They are mostly large evergreen trees that will emerge above the forest canopy and grow to a height of 25 meters, although in some habitats they will also grow as shorter shrubby trees. 

Hymenaea are also extremely useful, producing edible starchy fruits, bark that is often used to make canoes, leaves that can be used for tea, and dense timber that can be made into both furniture and ships. It also produces a hard resin that was used for varnish, incense, and cement, as well as amber.

The species Hymenaea courbaril in particular can play an important role in reforestation but is also being studied for its ability to capture greenhouse gasses.

Ficus (Fig)

While ficus trees like the iconic Strangler Fig will eventually kill the host tree on which it grows, ficus trees are a very important part of the forest ecosystem. Ficus are a keystone species that provide a food source for innumerable species including bats, monkeys, birds, and even ancient humans, and have been widely cultivated in many parts of the world.

They are easily identifiable thanks to the fact that the trees grow multiple thinner roots that start high in the canopy (usually in the branches of a host tree) and then extend down to take root around the host tree. Over time these roots/branches intertwine creating a uniquely intricate, lacy appearance.

The fig has a unique pollination method, which involves a symbiotic relationship with a certain species of wasp (known as the fig wasp). The wasps pollinate the trees while at the same time laying their own eggs.

Cecropia

There are 61 recognized species of Cecropia, many of which are Myrmecophytes, meaning they have adapted a symbiotic relationship with ants, evolving traits that provide ants with food and shelter.

As an aggressive and fast-growing tree, the cecropia can also be a pioneer plant for reforestation. Their large, circular leaves, which resemble fingers are easy to identify and their structure, which has few leaves and widely spaced branches is very appealing to species like the sloth.

Most varieties of Cecropia grow 5-15 meters tall, but others can grow up to 40 meters in height. Full-grown trees can produce up to a million seeds and this prolificacy often makes it a keystone species in ecosystems that include frugivorous animals, such as birds, fruit bats, monkeys, and opossums.   It can even feed species of fish when located near rivers or ponds.

Breathe Easier

And the species above are just a few of the many to be found in Monteverde!

There are so many ways in which the health of our forests provides the basis for all life on our planet, and it is inspiring to know that Costa Rica’s forests have been able to recover over the past 50 years thanks to widespread conservation efforts.

We now understand the importance of maintaining the well-being of those ecosystems. Our forests are the lungs of our planet, and the health of so many creatures is intertwined with the health of the forests including ours.

The planet can survive without us… but we can’t survive without it, and it is in the best interest of all to help Mother Nature do what she does best. Now that we know about (some of) the trees of Monteverde, may we all go forth and plant a tree so we can breathe a little easier.

But what makes the the cloud forest so unique is not only its trees. Even if they’re essential to this wonderful ecosystem, other components are necessary for a healthy forest. One of them is the flowers growing and giving its delicate touch to the scenery (and oftentimes, much more!). In the next section, we’re going to  take a closer look at the orchids.

While there are many types of flowering plants found here, perhaps the most highly prized are the orchids. It should come as no surprise, therefore, to know that Costa Rica’s National Flower is the Guaria Morada Orchid.

These rich purple blooms blanket the countryside in color, attracting myriad species of pollinators and hummingbirds, which is in stark contrast to how orchids present in North American markets and flower shops.

There they are sold as a single curving stem dripping with delicate flowers in all shapes and sizes. We spend a fortune on them, and take them home, only to watch the flowers fade away. Then they sit in a corner… a few long green leaves in a pot, providing only memories of magnificence.

Here in Costa Rica, they flourish and thrive, hardy and opportunistic, and we are all better for the beauty they provide, and the nourishment they give.

The Orchid’s Place in the Ecosystem

In fact, the relationship between orchids and pollinators is so vital to the health of both that botanists have noticed that when orchids are late to bloom, the emergence of bees to awake from hibernation is also delayed.

The orchids provide nectar for the bees, and in turn, bees can pollinate up to 700 different species of orchid! It's the perfect example of symbiosis. In a recent interview done by the Wildlife Conservation Society, K. S. Shashidhar, former Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden, Nagaland, stated his belief that the presence of orchids is an indicator of the health of the ecosystem, helping botanists to notice when the forests are in decline.

Where to See Orchids

Luckily the careful protection and curation of the many conservationists in Monteverde’s reserves means that our forests are alive with many colors and varieties of orchids, and they can be seen up close in the wild along trails and dangling from trees.

If you enjoy wandering down quiet pathways, between lush greenery, shaded from the heat of the sun by the verdant canopy far above, then seeing orchids is as simple as visiting one of Monteverde’s beautiful reserves.

To help you decide which one is right for you, you can read our Deep Dive into the Reserves of Monteverde.

If hiking isn’t something that interests you, they can also be seen in the Monteverde Orchid Garden. Here you will find 300m of trails accessible for all ages, and 450 species of which 120 or so will be in bloom every day, and you are sure to be stunned by the incredible array of shapes, sizes, and colors to be found in one place. Luckily, guided tours are included in your entrance fee and will ensure that you don’t miss any of the amazing blooms on display.

Orchid Types

With so many varieties of orchids available, it would be impossible to tell you about all of them, so we have narrowed the field into two main categories, ones you are likely to buy and grow, and ones you will find in the wild

Domestic Orchids for Your Home

In terms of types that you can buy or grow and enjoy in the comfort of your home, there are 4 main types:

Moth orchids are the most common and likely the ones you are most familiar with. The Phalaenopsis variety which is often sold in shades of white or purplish-pink, is usually seen with multiple blooms on a single, graceful stock. While they only bloom once or twice a year, the blooms are long-lasting. In the wild, phalaenopsis are epiphytes that attach themselves to trees in constantly moist environments.

Dendrobium orchids are also commonly found in stores or florist shops in plenty of beautiful colors. The dendrobium hybrid has rather delicate stalks branching from a central stalk. They are endemic to New Guinea, Southern China, Thailand, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Tahiti, all of which have unique climates. They are, in fact, commonly used in Chinese medicine and are listed as one of the 50 fundamental herbs. As a general rule of thumb dendrobiums require a fairly warm location to thrive and are known to grow in lowland tropical forests, but they are not native to Costa Rica.

Slipper orchids are easily identifiable thanks to their slipper-like shape with their central pouch. There are 4 genera of slipper orchids, Paphiopedilum, Phragmipedium, Cypripedium, and Selenipedium. These are not recommended for a novice because they can be difficult to grow. Some, like the Paphiopedilum sanderianum are highly prized and can be extremely expensive but are also gorgeous to look at.

And finally, there are Boat Orchids, like the cybidium with their big, showy, long-lasting blooms that have been wowing people for more than 2,000 years and can even be seen in drawings from the time of Confucious!

Wild Orchids

It is estimated that there are no fewer than 1,400 wild orchid varieties in the forest of Costa Rica, with 500 in Monteverde alone! Still, with such a wide variety of shapes and colors, you may not even recognize some as orchids.

They can be tiny and delicate, hidden amongst the tall grasses…

Or tall and graceful.

They can be in clusters of tiny blooms.

Or singular flowers on wispy stalks… and found in hundreds of other shapes and sizes!

The Orchid’s Importance to Costa Rican Culture

Regardless of their shape, size, color, or where you find them, there is just something about them that catches our eye and warms our hearts. They are wild and exotic. They are mysterious and sought after. And they are an integral part of Costa Rica’s culture.

The Guaria Morada has been the National flower for more than 80 years, but it wasn’t until 33 years later that its importance to the community prompted the government to dedicate an entire week of celebrations (the 2nd week of March) to the orchid, and in particular the Guaria Morada.

It is believed to bring good fortune and luck and to promote peace, family harmony, and love. This is especially true during Lent and the week leading up to Easter when the flowers are placed on church altars around the country and decorate lawns, homes, and even roofs, spreading their delicate scent for everyone to enjoy.

Perhaps the appeal of this delicate flower, however, has less to do with beauty, and more to do with the similarity between the symbiotic nature of this plant (which relies on the trees of the forest for support) and the interconnected nature of Costa Rican culture as a whole. 

Maybe some part of them recognizes the lesson that can be learned from the world around us.

That none of us can thrive alone, that we are stronger when we work together, and that beauty can be found in the most amazing places.

Now this whole ecosystem wouldn’t be complete if we only take into account the flora. Fauna is an essential part of Monteverde’s richness and also totally unique. Costa Rica is known for being one of the most biodiverse countries in the world and the wildlife in Monteverde is one fantastic showcase of that biodiversity.

What Wildlife Thrives in Monteverde?

A Personal Account from Monteverde Correspondent Olga Saenz-Carbonell

Cloud forests are only 1% of all woodlands on the planet. These unique life systems depend on a particular sort of weather and topographic conditions. 

They are very humid, misty, a bit chilly at times, and quite often, you will find a thin drizzle covering the environment with the glow of a thousand diamonds. 

And you will see plants and more plants! Giant ficus trees will take your breath away, along with tiny orchids, bromeliads of all sizes, and great arborescent ferns. The botanical side of Monteverde is almost infinite. 

Monteverde is home to about  2.5% of the total number of species on the planet. That is insane! It is estimated there are over 3,000 plant species and over 700 species of trees and counting, and that’s before you get into animals and other life!

Whatever I tell you here, though, cannot compare to the absolute magic of walking in the depth of the cloud forest.  

It is luscious and beautiful, yes. When you are hiking in the most strenuous trails, all alone and in silence -be it the Caño Negro trail in the Santa Elena Reserve or El Roble in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve-, the experience goes beyond words.

Surrounded by a primary forest with no human tracks other than the trail you are on, this is an experience that is as thrilling as it is peaceful. Trees are covered with layers and layers of vegetation, each a habitat in itself! They are thick and dark, and when the wind blows, they whisper as if they were saying something. If you take the time to breathe in all the essence around you, this may well turn into a life-changing experience. 

And, of course, there are birds. Lots of them! 

Monteverde alone has almost half the species of all Costa Rica. When you are hiking in the forest, now and then, you will notice groups of dozens of birds in different colors, sizes, and shapes foraging together. Comprised of  species as different as the bright woodpeckers or tiny hummingbirds, the mixed flocks are designed to survive possible predators and are a great thing to witness. 

You can also hear the metallic and sort of discordant sound of the Three Wattled Bellbird, and if you are lucky, you can watch it up on the top of the highest trees calling. And, of course, the Resplendent Quetzal with its iridescent feathers up in the Ocotea trees.  

We’ll explore these birds in further depth later on.

Are There Many Other Animals in Monteverde? 

Yes! Plenty! 

There are over 100 mammal varieties, 400 bird species, 161 amphibia, and reptile varieties.

These are some of the animals that you may see in any of the reserves in the region of Monteverde. Some of them are only seen at night by the camera traps, others are usual sightings, part of the life in the sustainable community of Monteverde. 

Bats

Bats account for more than half of the mammals in Monteverde's cloud forest. In this area, you'll find at least 58 species. 

Bats are underrated, to say the least! These tiny winged dog-faced hyper-interesting mammals are very varied, and fascinating too! Their adaptive differences may go as far as very long hummingbird-like tongues that can catch nectar or those with huge noses or huge ears (for their sizes, of course). They are as well very relevant to our ecosystems, serving as the main pollinators of the vast majority of forests. Move over birds and bees!

You may want to see them in the bat jungle. This unique exhibition will take you to see them live in all their glory. You will also learn a lot about them as specialized guides will take you through the place.  

Oh, and right in the same building, you will find a delicious chocolate store called Cabure. 

The Wildcats

Monteverde is also the home to all six of Costa Rica's wildcat species.

Large cats in the tropics are highly endangered due to habitat loss and indiscriminate hunting. After all, in the past, fur traders used to hunt them. However, hunting has been penalized as a crime in Costa Rica since 2012, after a pledge signed by hundreds of thousands of Costa Ricans. 

Cats, of course, had been the primary victims of hunters up until then. But twelve years after the law passed, wildlife sightings have been more common than before. 

In general, cats are tough to see, but after the pandemic, sightings have been more often, especially at night.  

Hard to spot in the trails, our recommendation for seeing these is through the numerous cameras placed in the different preserves. 

Except for the jaguarundi, all of them have nocturnal habits, and they don't thrive in disturbed environments or places losing habitat. 

Ocelot

The ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) is only outgrown by the Jaguar and Puma. It has enormous paws, thus the Costa Rican name manigordo (fat hand). 

Margay

The margay is a spotted cat (Leopardus wiedii) similar in appearance to the ocelot. And like the ocelot, it is arboreal and nocturnal, living in the trees, hunting monkeys and other arboreal creatures. The margay has lately even been revealed to imitate its prey's vocalizations. 

Jaguar

Jaguars are the only Panthera species found in the Americas. One of Costa Rica's only "large cats", jaguars can reach over two meters long and weigh 250 kg, but the loss of habitat and unlawful poaching has made them vulnerable. They usually dominate over vast ranges of territory, where this "pouncing killer" stalks its target before pouncing on it. You can keep a lookout, but you won't know if one is around (though fortunately, they’re scared as heck of humans!)

Puma

Catamount, cougar, puma, or panther are common names for the Mountain Lion. Pumas are lonely creatures — they typically patrol a range of around 207 square kilometers. However, they are incredibly versatile, which explains why they can live in such a wide variety of settings.

This considerable predator is an obligate carnivore, eating agoutis, pacas, coatis, olingos, raccoons, porcupines, opossums, hares, and tiny reptiles.

Jaguarundi

The jaguarundi is one of the country's oddest cats (Puma yagouaroundi). It has a large torso and short legs, like a puma. Its unspotted coat and tiny legs make it more like a weasel than a cat. It prefers to live near water. Fish, frogs, and other small mammals make up its food. The jaguarundi is the only wild cat in Costa Rica that is active during the day and is allegedly well adapted to human settings.

Oncilla

The oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus) is shy and lonely, and its tracks resemble those of a domestic cat, so it can hunt in peace if humans are nearby. The oncilla eats birds and rats. It has two pairs of strong black bands on either side of the neck and is usually pale in color. 

Three Species of Monkeys

In Monteverde, there are three different species of monkeys, although the most common are the Yellow Mantled Howler Monkey and the White-Faced Capuchin monkey. Spider monkeys, present in the region, are much more elusive. 

Yellow Mantled Howler Monkeys

You can easily hear them in the morning at dawn, howling to the wind, a faraway storm, or a truck passing by. It may be a bit intimidating when you don't know what that sound is that covers the forest.  

When I was a tour guide, sometimes I would tell people just for the fun of it that it was a T-Rex, and I can swear I could see a tiny fear spark in their eyes before they burst out laughing. 

The males of the mantled howler can weigh up to 9.8 kg, making it one of the biggest Central American monkeys (22 lb). It is the only Central American monkey that eats a lot of leaves, and because leaves are difficult to digest and supply less energy than most diets, the mantled howler spends most of his time resting and sleeping. 

The male mantled howler has an enlarged hollow bone near the vocal cords that intensify the male's sounds and gives rise to the term "howler." This is actually so monkeys can find each other by howling instead of accidentally risking violent confrontation. 

White-Faced Capuchin Monkeys

This is a 3.9 kg medium-sized, brilliant monkey (8 lb 10 oz) predominantly black, with a pink face and white on the front of the body, hence the name. It has a long prehensile tail that it uses to hold itself when feeding beneath a limb.

The Panamanian white-faced capuchin is a versatile wild animal that eats fruit, other plant material, insects, and small vertebrates. 

Among the monkeys in Monteverde, these are the most common sighting as they are usually close to hotels and restaurants on the lookout for fruit put for birds or organic waste. 

White Nosed Coatimundis

There are several huge groups of white-nosed coatimundis, females, and babies, and you will also see the lonely males looking for food wherever they may find it. 

The white-nosed coati is a member of the raccoon family. Unlike most raccoons family members, the coatimundi is active during the day. However, adults may slumber upon a tree. 

Agouti Pacas

And of course! You will see the usual agouti pacas. These small, harmless rodents inhabit the jungle floor looking for seeds and grains they can eat or hide for later. In fact, they are some of the most important seed dispersers in the ecosystem. 

Together with the Coatis, Agoutis are probably the most common wild animal you can spot while walking on any trail. 

Nine Banded Armadillos

The Texan official animal came all the way to Costa Rica and decided to stay! And not just stay, thrive! They are quite small and always dig the jungle floor for insects. 

Quite elusive and shy, armadillos are a surreal sighting, coming from a time when exoskeletons were the trend. You can see the lonely males quite easily, but the best is when you find them with their offspring, the two or three extremely cute pinkish babies following the mother. 

 You may also watch anteaters, porcupines, olingos, easels, white-nosed peccaries, and Baird Tapirs. 

 And That’s Just the Mammals!

 And here we are only talking about mammals! Monteverde is home to some of the rarest frogs in the World, and if we are to talk about invertebrates, there are many more! 

Within this majestic biodiversity of creatus that call Monteverde their home, the most popular animal (and one of the main reason why people come visit Costa Rica in the first place) is our favorite slow moving quadruped, the sloth.

If there is one question that we in the tourism/hospitality industry get a LOT, it’s “Where do I go to see sloths?”

There is just something mysterious and fascinating about these slow-moving creatures, and people just can’t wait to see them and to learn the answers to questions like,

• Why do they move so slowly?

• What do they eat?

• How can they avoid predators when they are so slow?

• Why do some have 2 toes, while others have 3?

In this post, we will answer these questions and more, so that when you visit, you will know exactly what to expect… and where to look, to get a good look at these adorable critters.

What is a Sloth?

The word “sloth” comes from the Middle English word for “laziness” which tells you a lot about the animal itself.

A sloth is a type of xenarthran mammal, which in scientific terms means they exist in the suborder Folivora. There are two types of existing sloths: the 2-toed sloth (of the genus) Choloepus, and the 3-toed sloth (of the genus)  Bradypus. 

There are two types of 2-toed (the Hoffman’s and the Linnaeus’) and 4 types of 3-toed (the pygmy, maned, brown-throated and pale-throated). Both types have three toes on their rear limbs, it is only the front limbs that are different. 

Believe it or not, these two creatures are only distantly related and it’s widely believed their similarities are due to something called convergent evolution. This means that each of the two species developed similarities due to cues from their environment and their evolutionary needs. In this case, long arms ending in clawed feet which they use to climb trees and forage food.

In all, there are 6 species of tree sloth, all of which reside in the tropical regions of Central and South America.

An interesting fact that isn’t widely known is that the closest living relative of the sloth is actually the anteater! This makes much more sense when you learn that, before they became extinct 12,000 years ago, there were ground sloths! What is even more surprising is that one particular type of ground sloth, the Eremotherium eomigrans was bigger than an African Bush Elephant!

Of the two, the 2-fingered sloths are larger with an average weight of 4-8 kg. They are also faster moving than their smaller cousins.

Why Are Sloths So Slow?

According to the experts at the Sloth Conservation Foundation, they move slowly because they can’t see very well. Like their distant cousins, the anteater, sloths suffer from rod monochromacy a condition that prevents them from seeing colors.

When the species took to the trees thousands of years ago, they had to learn to move slowly to avoid falling… and it must be working because the sloth has been around for 64 million years, emerging almost immediately after the extinction of the dinosaurs.

What Do Sloths Eat?

Another reason for the sloth’s slow pace has to do with what they eat. Sloths are florivorous, meaning they eat mostly leaves. These leaves don’t provide a lot in terms of calorie intake, and when you combine that with the extremely slow rate of digestion caused by their large 4-chambered stomach you start to understand… they’re full most of the day! 

Scientists guestimate that it takes 1,200 hours to digest any given bite of food! Which explains why they only need to defecate once a week. Since relieving themselves means a trip to the ground, and being on the ground makes them vulnerable to predators… this evolutionary trait seems pretty smart.

How Slow Are They?

At top speed, a sloth can travel 1.5 miles an hour. But that’s only at an all-out “sprint”. On average, sloths travel through the canopy at a rate of just 40 yards PER DAY, partially because they spend 15-20 hours of each day sleeping.

How Do They Avoid Predators?

When you move really slowly, and sleep most of the day away, aren’t you vulnerable to predators? You would think so, right?

A sloth’s main predators are ocelots, jaguars, and harpy eagles, all of which are fast, strong, and deadly… so how DO sloths survive?

Their main defense is stealth. When faced with danger, their instinct is to freeze in place. Since their fur blends very well with the bark of the trees where they live, and they are often covered with moss and epiphytes, this makes them really hard to spot. 

If you’ve ever been into the forest with a guide and seen a sloth seemingly pop up right in front of you, you realize that motion is often what catches your attention. Scientists believe that even if Sloths don’t see the danger and keep moving, their slow pace is below the threshold at which most predators’ eyes pick up motion. They’re literally too slow to spot!

It’s also interesting to note that, thanks to the many types of algae and fungi that live in a sloth's fur, they smell more like a plant than a meal, further helping them avoid detection from predators. 

And finally, the creature's metabolism is SO slow that its body temperature is very close to that of its environment, which hides it from heat-seeking predators, like certain varieties of snakes.

If all of this fails, and a sloth is seen and threatened, the 2-finger variety of sloth can fluff their fur up to appear bigger, and even give a nasty bite.

For this reason, the sloth’s biggest threat to survival is deforestation. Without the shelter of the rainforest trees, they lose both their food source and their shelter. At present, the pygmy 3-toed sloth is critically endangered, and the maned sloth is vulnerable. Thankfully organizations like the Sloth Conservation Foundation and the World Wildlife Federation are working hard to prevent them from losing their habitat.

Fun Sloth Facts

Believe it or not, there are lots of fun sloth facts that we haven’t even touched on yet, like…

• Sloths are excellent swimmers and can cross rivers or swim between islands

• Sloths can be blond, brunette, or even ginger-haired, depending on their environment

• 2-fingered sloths have 46 ribs, more than any other mammal (whales only have 18).

• Sloth fur can contain up to 80 types of fungi and algae (which is why you shouldn’t touch them in the wild).

• The presence of fungi and algae in their fur attracts invertebrates like the sloth moth which has evolved specifically to live in sloth fur and can’t be found anywhere else!

• Sloths’ teeth and claws never stop growing, making them hard to age, but the oldest known sloth lived to 50.

• Their claws are actually extensions of their finger bones which are covered in the same material (keratin) as our fingernails.

• They have a keen sense of smell.

• Sloths are 3 times stronger than the average human, thanks to all that climbing and hanging

• Sloth females will give birth to 1 baby every two years or so after a gestation period of 11.5 months.

• The baby which is usually 11-17 ounces at birth will instinctively climb up to the mom's chest where it will cling to her fur for the first 6 months.

Sloths are amazing creatures, so unique from everything else in the jungle, with their lazy smiles and laid-back vibe, it’s no surprise that they have been dubbed the national symbol of Costa Rica. Few things embody the idea of “pura vida” as well as a sloth, after all.

So it’s time to answer the most important question of all… 

Where Can You See Sloths?

If you are interested in wandering the cloud forest and seeing if you can spot sloths hiding in the trees of Monteverde, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a great place to start. Just keep in mind that they are masters of disguise!

Don’t worry though, if you don’t manage to spot one, there is another alternative. Monteverde’s Sloth Sanctuary is home to 20 rescued sloths housed in an exhibit that closely mimics their natural habitat while protecting them from predators and deforestation.

Spotting large animals in their natural habitat is an amazing experience, but in reality it can be a rare occurrence. After all, these creatures are far more adept at hearing us coming than we are at finding them!

But one family of Monteverde’s animals break that trend — the birds! Costa Rica stands out as a fantastic destination for bird lovers because of the diversity of places where you can spot them, but also the diversity of species of birds themselves.

Bird Watching in Costa Rica

Even though Costa Rica represents only 0.03% of the Earth's surface, it is home to more than 6% of the world's biodiversity: a real testament to the country's specific location (forming a bridge between North and South America helping species to migrate) and steady commitment to conservation with around 28% of its territory being protected. 

Within this ecological treasure, the bird population takes center stage, showcasing over 900 bird species. From the iconic resplendent quetzals gracing the cloud forests to the colorful scarlet macaws and toucans soaring over the landscapes, Costa Rica offers a true paradise for bird lovers like no other country. Nestled in the country's diverse habitats—lush rainforests, misty cloud forests, and mangrove swamps—all these bird species find refuge and thrive under Costa Rica's dedicated preservation efforts. Embracing eco-tourism and guided by strong conservation measures, Costa Rica not only preserves its bird population but also invites you to appreciate its incredible biodiversity.

Best Birding Destinations in Costa Rica

With all its national parks and reserves, Costa Rica is one of the top ten birding destinations in the world but even within the country, there are a variety of regions more likely to please the most avid nature lovers.

Central Valley

The Central Valley of Costa Rica is a hotspot for birdwatchers. Places like La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Poas Volcano National Park are great spots to see birds like toucans, hummingbirds, and quetzals. With its mix of different climates, from cool cloud forests to farmland, lots of different species call it home. Even in the capital, San Jose, you can find parks and gardens that attract all sorts of bird species. The variety of landscapes in the Central Valley makes it a top pick for bird lovers looking to explore Costa Rica's diverse birdlife.

Osa Peninsula

In southern Costa Rica, you'll find the tropical paradise of Osa Peninsula. This remote and biodiverse region hosts a remarkable range of bird species thanks to its untouched natural beauty and ecosystems. Corcovado National Park, often called "the most biologically intense place on Earth," stands as a birdwatcher's paradise. Here, you can spot exotic species such as scarlet macaws, toucans, and the striking harpy eagle.

Manuel Antonio National Park

The renowned Manuel Antonio National Park, known for its wide variety of terrestrial and aquatic life, is also a birding hotspot, offering a blend of tropical forests and pristine beaches where bird enthusiasts can spot toucans, parrots, and herons.

San Gerardo de Dota

San Gerardo de Dota, nestled in the Talamanca Mountain ranges, is a hidden gem for birdwatchers in Costa Rica. Also called the Quetzal Valley, this serene and less-explored area is renowned for its efforts in quetzal conservation and offers prime opportunities to spot these magnificent creatures. Birdwatchers can also admire other highland species like hummingbirds, woodpeckers, and the fiery-throated hummingbird, adding to the rich tapestry of bird life.

Cano Negro – Rio Frio – Boca Tapada

Cano Negro, Rio Frio, and Boca Tapada, situated in the northern reaches of Costa Rica, form a remarkable birding paradise within the country. The wetlands and river systems, and the Cano Negro Lake are the heart of this region, attracting an astounding variety of birds, especially migratory species. The area's marshes, lagoons, and dense forests create an ideal habitat for aquatic birds such as herons, storks, kingfishers, and an array of waterfowl. It's a great place to spot the rarest species.

La Selva Biological Station

La Selva Biological Station, nestled in the Caribbean lowlands of Costa Rica, stands out for birdwatchers and researchers. This renowned research center, encompassing diverse ecosystems like primary rainforests, rivers, and wetlands, provides an unparalleled opportunity to observe an astounding variety of bird species. 

The station's extensive trail system allows you to explore and encounter an impressive array of species, including toucans, trogons, motmots, and an incredible assortment of colorful hummingbirds. The unique mix of habitats in La Selva will give you a chance to witness both common and rare species, making it a hotspot for birding enthusiasts looking for a complete bird-watching experience.

Palo Verde National Park

Palo Verde National Park, situated along the Tempisque River in northwestern Costa Rica, is a haven for birdwatchers owing to its unique wetland ecosystems. The park's marshes, lagoons, and seasonal floodplains create an ideal habitat for a remarkable diversity of bird species and serve as a crucial stopover for migratory species, including the tiger heron, egrets, ibises, and the iconic wood stork. 

Additionally, the riverine forests surrounding the wetlands provide shelter for species such as scarlet macaws, parrots, and motmots. A boat tour along the Tempisque River will offer you a fantastic opportunity to observe birdlife in their natural habitat.

Carara National Park

In Carara National Park, you'll find birds that like drier areas. The park is also connected to other natural areas, so birds can move around easily. This mix of habitats and connections to other places make Carara a great spot to see lots of different bird species.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Last but not least, our stunning Monteverde cloud forest is a dreamland for bird enthusiasts. Up in the misty mountains, you can spot some amazing bird species. The star here is the resplendent quetzal, but that's not all — there are tons of hummingbirds zipping around, showing off their vibrant colors.

The canopy in Monteverde holds a special allure for birds, drawing in more species compared to other areas for a few key reasons. The canopy itself is like a bustling neighborhood for birds. It offers a vast option of habitats — there are flowering plants for nectar-loving hummingbirds, fruits for toucans, and insects for all the other species that thrive on them. This diversity of food sources makes it a hotspot for birds searching for a meal.

Additionally, the canopy provides a natural safe haven. Birds find shelter in the thick foliage from predators and harsh weather conditions. This safety allows them to establish territories, build nests, and raise their young without as much fear of danger.

The complexity of the canopy also creates niches for different bird species. Birds with specific preferences for altitude, temperature, or food can find their perfect spot within this intricate ecosystem. It's like a high-rise apartment complex where every bird can find its own floor and amenities. 

To see them, trails in Monteverde Cloud Forest crisscross the reserve, making it easy for birdwatchers to explore and find these amazing creatures. There’s a reason Monteverde is considered one of Costa Rica's best places for birdwatching!

Bird Species In Monteverde to Keep an Eye Out For

Commonly encountered birds

Motmots: These unique birds with distinctive racket-shaped tails have a distinctive behavior of plucking their own feathers, especially the ones on their chest, which helps regulate their body temperature in warm climates. The bird featured above is a Turquoise-browed Motmot, one of the most beautiful variations!

Resplendent Quetzal: Famous for its striking emerald and crimson feathers, particularly the males, they were considered sacred by the Maya and Aztec cultures in Mesoamerica, symbolizing freedom and divinity.

Toucans: Iconic for their large, colorful bills, toucans are found in various habitats across the country. Despite their size, they are surprisingly lightweight due to their hollow structure made of keratin, the same material as human fingernails. In Monteverde, you can encounter two species from this family — the Emerald Toucanet, and the Keel-Billed Toucan. 

Hummingbirds: Costa Rica boasts numerous hummingbird species, each with its incredible range of colors. Fun fact, they are the only birds that can fly backward, thanks to their unique wing structure that allows them unparalleled agility in the air.

Great Kiskadee: With their distinctive yellow breasts and loud calls, these flycatchers are known for their boldness—they often fearlessly defend their territories against larger birds and even approach humans for food scraps in some areas.

Collared Trogon: Known for its elegant appearance, this bird nests in cavities previously excavated by woodpeckers or natural decay, showing a unique nesting behavior among birds in its family.

Clay-colored Thrush: Considered the national bird of Costa Rica, this brown bird with a warm orange undertail sings a beloved song and is adored among Costa Ricans.

Black Guan: This large, turkey-like bird is recognizable by its glossy black plumage and red eye ring. They are somewhat secretive birds that often travel in small groups, using a variety of vocalizations to communicate within their flock.

Rare Birds

Three-wattled Bellbird: Known for its unique, far-carrying call, this bellbird is a sought-after species, especially during breeding season when males gather to perform their distinctive calls.

Bare-necked Umbrellabird: With its striking appearance, including a prominent throat wattle and a distinct umbrella-like crest, this species is both rare and fascinating. 

Fun Fact: Both the Bare-necked Umbrellabird and the Three-wattled Bellbird are members of the Cotinga bird family, which includes some of the most brilliantly colored birds in the world, with males displaying vibrant hues such as vivid blues, purples, or striking white plumage.

Best Season for Birdwatching in Costa Rica

Each season in Costa Rica presents its own birding opportunities, and the varied weather patterns influence bird behavior and migrations, providing a dynamic and ever-changing landscape for birdwatchers throughout the year.

During the dry season, from December to April, it's Costa Rica's "high season" for birdwatching. The weather is generally drier, making it easier to navigate trails and spot birds. Many migratory species, like warblers from North America, seek refuge in Costa Rica during their winter months, adding to the diversity of species you might encounter. It's an excellent time to witness courtship displays and nesting behaviors of resident birds.

The rainy season, from May to November, brings its own allure for birdwatchers. The landscape becomes lush and vibrant, attracting a burst of activity among the birds. Many species engage in breeding activities during the rainy season, and you might witness fledglings or chicks as they start their journey. The wet season also offers a chance to observe migratory species as they depart for their northern breeding grounds.

Finally, the best times for birdwatching in Costa Rica are typically early morning and late afternoon. Birds are most active during these periods, especially within the first few hours after sunrise and a couple of hours before sunset. Early mornings offer a chance to catch birds during their most active feeding times. Many species are active then, foraging for food, singing, and displaying their vibrant colors. Late afternoons are another excellent time, as they prepare for the evening—singing, socializing, and sometimes displaying mating behaviors.

Costa Rica Birding Tours

Costa Rica offers a plethora of birding tours catering to all levels of birdwatching enthusiasts.

Guided Tours: Many tour companies offer guided birdwatching expeditions led by knowledgeable naturalist guides. Guides help identify and interpret bird species, making it an educational experience.

Specialized Tours: Some tours cater to specific interests, for bird photographers or to target a particular bird species. These may offer specialized equipment or focus on habitats where certain birds are more abundant.

Accommodation-based Tours: Several birding lodges offer guided tours right from their doorstep, providing easy access to diverse bird species without traveling far.

Being Central America's most biodiverse country and one of the world's top birding destinations, Costa Rica is a heaven for bird watching. Come wander in the stunning cloud forest and take your chance to spot a rare resplendent quetzal or some wild macaws, and go back home with unforgettable memories.

We Welcome You to This Beautiful Home We Share

Here at the Ocotea Boutique Hotel, we’re honored to share the forests of Monteverde with the breathtaking diversity of plants and animals that have existed here for millennia. If you’re interested in learning more about Monteverde, or have any questions about making a journey to this biological wonderland a reality, please feel free to reach out to us at info@ocoteahotel.com.