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 preserve 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.
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 preserve 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 Preserve is part of TSC’s network of private reserves and biological corridors. For more information on TSC’s work contact asistgerenciamtv@cct.or.cr
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.
Hours & Rates
Hours
Sunday to Saturday from: 7:00am to 4:00pm all year round.
Rates
$25
Non-National Adults
$12
Non-National Children
$8
Citizen/ Resident Adults
$6
Citizen/ Resident Children
$12
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.
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 Preserve” 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.
Preserve’s guidelines and recommendations
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Download the complete guide and our trails map here
Gallery
Testimonials
KR1
Immersion in nature
I asked to my friends: if I only have time to visit one place, where should I go? They’ll agree that the Reserve is a must! I went all by myself planning to do the longest trial but it was around 1pm and they close at 4pm so I only had that time frame to explore. I am glad I took the jacket with a hat because there was a mist on and off all the way. I loved the giant trees, the sound of birds and clouded sky... (Is better if you walk in silence, kinda meditation technique...) January, 2021
simsinnyc
Not to be missed
Beautiful experience. The viewpoint after hike are definitely worth it. It was a clear day when we went so we did see clouds far away rolling over the mountain jungle and also saw nice view with water. I definitely recommend all nature and hiking lovers to go here. Their restaurant was also good with good vegetarian options. January, 2021
Mark M
Birds, Birds, and More Birds
The cloud forest is a must see for all nature enthusiasts. The trails are well marked, very well maintained, and the facilities on sight (restaurant & gift shop) are very nice. There is no parking, so you either walk, take a taxi, or park at the bottom of the road in the special parking lot and catch the shuttle service. Be prepared to walk a lot. Guide services are available. While there, stop by the Monteverde Hummingbird Garden (it’s free) and come face to face with several different species. December, 2021
Tlkmaui
Cloud Forest in the Rain
Fun walking through the cloud forest...we started around 1:45pm which is late in the day and unfortunately had a lot of rain. We made the best of it and went on several trails. It was pretty muddy but beautiful with the mist and clouds coming and going. We didn’t see much wildlife but the trees and jungle vegetation were stunning. Would love to do this again sometime early in the day when the sun is out. December, 2021
Our Partners
Our other protected areas in Costa Rica
