Re-connect with nature
Mother Nature is the ultimate source of life for all beings on Earth. Unfortunately, our modern society has exceeded its ecological boundaries and dangerous levels of ecological destruction are being reached. We can do better than this and the first step that we can take towards the restoration of our planet is to re-align ourselves with nature’s rhythms.
Our reserve offers a unique opportunity to nurture your connection with the natural world. For nearly 50 years we have been fiercely protecting one of the most endangered ecosystems on earth. As only 1% of all remaining forests on the planet are classified as cloud forests, we would like to invite you to be part of our conservation efforts by coming to our sacred forest or making a donation to support our work.
Thanks to our commitment towards the environment and the heartfelt guidance received from the local community, we have crafted a conservation model that goes beyond the preservation of the cloud forest ecosystem.
Our model is based on biodiversity research, eco-literacy and community development. This in turn informs our decision-making process and allows us to adapt and evolve progressively.
Documentation Center
“The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve of the Tropical Science Center, as an organization dedicated to providing spaces for environmental education, technical studies, and scientific research, seizes the digital opportunity to share knowledge about its management processes. Explore with us as we unfold the intricacies of our commitment to fostering a greater understanding of our natural world.”
Your participation in our model as a visitor or as a donor (or both) is vital for our organization since our work fully depends on your generous contributions, for which we are extremely grateful!
Come visit us and experience the healing energy of the cloud forests and all its inhabitants, including the people who work tirelessly to protect it for future generations. You will find in our forests peace, joy and re-connection with the fascinating natural world. Make a difference here.
Our reserve is run by the Tropical Science Center, which is the first Costa Rican non-government environmental organization. Established in 1962, it has pioneered conservation efforts, research, ecotourism, and sustainable development initiatives in Costa Rica. The Monteverde Reserve is part of TSC’s network of private reserves and biological corridors. For more information on TSC’s work contact [email protected]
Hey visitors! Please read this first:
Our trails have a maximum capacity of 250 people.
If you got a reservation from our website, you must go to the reception to redeem the ticket that give you access to the trails.
If you do not have a reservation when the trails are full, you will be added to a waiting list. The waiting time is not always the same.
Cloud Forest Monteverde Reserve has a parking lot 1 mile down the road. In front of Selina Hotel. Transportation service to the Reserve is available.
Hours & Rates
Hours
Sunday to Saturday from: 7:00am to 4:00pm all year round.
Rates
$26
Non-National Adults
$13
Non-National Children
$8
Citizen/ Resident Adults
$6
Citizen/ Resident Children
$13
Non-National Students
$6
Citizen / Resident Students
$5
Parking
Payment methods
- Tickets can also be purchased directly at the ticket office the day of your visit.
- We accept US Dollars and Costa Rican Colones.
- We accept VISA and Mastercard. American Express credit cards can only be processed at the visitor’s center front desk.
A living laboratory…
We only care about what we understand. Science is a tool that allows us to understand the dynamics of the ecosystems that we protect. We “read” the forests and its needs through scientific research. We study the populations and behavior of focal management species that are susceptible to climate change and other variables such as the number of visitors that come to the preserve.
With this information the carrying capacity of the public use area (which is only 2% of the total protected area) is adjusted to safeguard the integrity of the ecosystems. We also collaborate with Costa Rican and international researchers in the implementation of research projects that enhance our understanding of natural systems.
Read Our Blog
Four actions with which we can contribute to the conservation of natural resources.
There is a worldwide consensus that everything related to caring for the environment and the natural resources is everyone’s business. It is in our hands to join forces for this purpose. But what exactly are natural resources? According to Cabrerizo (2016) a natural resource is “everything that humanity obtains from nature to satisfy its needs […]
What would happen if we all committed ourselves to the protection of biodiversity?
Education and environmental awareness are two of the main strategies to safeguard biodiversity. We can only care about what we know and understand. We will start by defining the term biodiversity. Komar (2017) indicates that biodiversity encompasses all ecosystems, the diversity of species, and the genetic diversity within each species that can be found in […]
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve: a safe place to share with your social bubble
The pandemic caused by COVID-19 has generated an impact around the world and we have all had to adapt to the new normality, which includes the implementation of preventative measures such as the correct use of the mask, social distancing and having to restrict the social exchange with people outside the social bubble. This exclusive […]
Visiting the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve: an investment in mental health
Human beings are an integral part of mother nature’s creation. She nurtures us with energy and strength to live. However, modern life does not naturally integrate nature’s rhythms into our daily routine due to the accelerated pace of living. The urban expansion and the stress-generating activities create an environment where people forget the importance of […]
How to get here?
We highly recommend using a GPS service while driving in Costa Rica. Google maps works great and you can download area maps to use offline from your smart phone for free. They work even without roaming or local data service (make sure your phone has a built-in GPS and that location services are turned on). Here is how you have access to the maps: go to google maps on your phone, touch your photo or name icon, select offline maps and download your area of interest. The map data will be kept for several days on your phone and then it will be automatically released.
Enter the location “Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve” or coordinates 10.3026° N, 84.7957° W, or you can simply follow this link to find the best route to the Monteverde Cloud Forest.
From Arenal and La Fortuna
You can either drive around the lake (4-5 hours, beautiful scenery!) or take a Jeep Boat Jeep service at La Fortuna (for reservations ask at your hotel or at any tour booking place).
Drive to the official parking lot of the Reserve located right in-front of Selinas Hotel, location here. A shuttle will take you straight to the Reception (parking fee apply). We highly recommend using this parking lot which is run by the local red cross as a fund raising method. You may park your car here securely all day for a small fee.
Taxis are available in Santa Elena downtown almost all the time.
For your comments, suggestions or complaints you can write us to:[email protected]
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