MONTEVERDE NATIONAL PARK COSTA RICA ECO TOURS

Monteverde is, without a doubt, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica . It is a world famous ecotourism location. If you are a nature lover, a birdwatcher, or you have a special interest the preservation of natural habitats, then you must add Monteverde to your itinerary. Monteverde means "green mountain," and it is well named. At an altitude of 4600 feet above sea level, it is called a "cloud forest" because at this altitude, the clouds go through the trees.

Unlike many of the other tourist attractions in Costa Rica , Monteverde is not a national park. There are two principle nature reserves in the area, both of which are non-for-profit organizations dedicated to the study and preservation of the flora and fauna of this unique environment.

You may want to think twice about driving yourself to the area, but a high, 4-wheel drive vehicle will get you there. You may find the trip more relaxing if you "leave the driving to us." Day trippers have never been encouraged in the interest of protecting the area from too many visitors at one time. An overnight stay is required, and most people give themselves at least two days to see all there is to see.

Although the success of this reserve, the largest in the area, has spawned several others, this one is famous as one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the Americas . All the plant, bird and animal life on the reserve are protected and include 400+ species of birds and 100+ species of animals. Birdwatchers come here to catch a glimpse of the spectacular Quetzal or the endangered Billbird or Emerald Toucant. There are some 30 different species of hummingbirds in this forest.

In order to get the most out of your walk through the trails, you will want to engage the services of a trained guide. He or she is going to be able to find and point out things that you would miss on your own. It is always best to spot wildlife in the early morning hours, so you will want to be certain to have your entrance ticket to the reserve in hand the night before.

The Santa Elena Forest Reserve is smaller and slightly higher than the Monteverde reserve and it tends to be cloudier and wetter but less visited. There are 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) of trails that lead up to a lookout point. It is managed by the local high school and is dedicated to eco-preservation and upgrading local education.

Get a good night's sleep the night before so that you are ready to get up early for a glimpse of nature to which not too many can boast. Bring a warm jacket and raingear (a poncho is perfect) and appropriate shoes for trail walking. The trails are well-maintained, so rubber boots are not necessary.

For many of our visitors, the Monteverde area is so special that two days just are not enough. There is so much to see and do here:

•  You will not want to leave without experiencing a canopy tour that takes you over the tree tops. In addition, you will want to take a tour to the hanging bridges high up in the trees. These are both the thrill of a life time.

•  Do not miss the Hummingbird Gallery just outside the entrance to the Monteverde Reserve. Hummingbird feeders attract a variety of tiny, colorful hummingbirds. You will find some very wonderful nature photography and other items of interest to buy and bring home with you.

•  The Serpentarium with its variety of snakes is a fascinating place to visit.

•  Costa Rica is famous for its wide variety of frogs. The F rog Pond with its exhibits is a good place to see them up close - even the poison dart frog.

•  The local women's cooperative , CASEM, features hand embroidered and painted clothing and souvenirs featuring the local inhabitants of the cloud forest.

•  Some of the best cheese in Costa Rica is made at the Monteverde Cheese Factory . While you are there indulge yourself in a cajeta - a scrumptious milk fudge.

•  Some people love the place so much that they come back to volunteer their services dedicated to the preservation of these natural treasure. There are several organizations that would be glad to discuss these opportunities with you.

The Exotur staff will provide you with a local restaurant guide and make recommendations for some of the best restaurants in the area.

The area has a range of hotels and lodge from which to choose. We will help you make your selection in keeping with your needs and budget.