Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve

Welcome to Monteverde!

The mountain where you can touch the clouds!

Established in 1972 by a coalition of scientist from the Tropical Science Center (TSC) and Quakers from the local community to protect one of the last tracts of pristine Cloud Forest in Central America, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve is a pioneer and progressive conservation and ecotourism model based in biodiversity research and education.

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

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.