Privacy & Cookie Policy

Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve
Last updated: December 01, 2025

1. Introduction

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve (“we”, “our”, or “the Preserve”) is committed to protecting your privacy.

This Privacy & Cookie Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and safeguard your personal information when you interact with our website, book a visit, or contact our team.

By using our website, you agree to the practices described here.
If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the site.

2. Who We Are

Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve, Managed by the Tropical Science Center (Costa Rica). A non-profit organization dedicated to conservation, scientific research, and environmental education. If you have questions about this policy, you may contact us at: [email protected]

3. Information We Collect

We collect only the information necessary to deliver our services and improve your experience.

3.1 Information you provide voluntarily

When you:

  • Book a visit
  • Contact us via forms or email
  • Subscribe to updates
  • Participate in volunteer or educational programs

We may collect:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • Country of residence
  • Visit details (date/time, group size, chosen tour)
  • Any additional information you choose to share

3.2 Payment information

All payments are processed securely through third-party providers. We do not store or have access to your credit card details.

3.3 Automatically collected data

When you browse our website, we may collect:

  • IP address
  • Browser type and version
  • Device type
  • Pages visited and time spent
  • General location (non-precise)
  • Interaction data used for analytics

This helps us improve performance, security, and visitor experience.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Process bookings and provide visitor services
  • Communicate with you about your visit or inquiries
  • Improve our website, services, and visitor flow management
  • Support conservation, research, and educational programs
  • Maintain security and prevent misuse
  • Comply with legal obligations

We never sell personal data or share it for advertising purposes.

5. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR-friendly)

For visitors from the European Union, our processing is based on:

  • Consent — when you voluntarily submit information
  • Performance of a contract — when booking a visit
  • Legitimate interest — improving operations, ensuring security
  • Legal compliance — when required by Costa Rican regulations

6. Sharing Your Information

We only share data when necessary and for specific purposes:

  • Payment processors
  • Service providers supporting our website or analytics
  • Email communication tools
  • Legal authorities, if required by law

All partners adhere to privacy and security standards.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies to ensure proper functioning and improve your browsing experience.

7.1 Types of cookies

We may use:

  • Strictly Necessary Cookies
    For core functions such as security, loading speed, and preferences.
  • Analytics Cookies
    To understand traffic patterns and improve the website. We may use tools like Google Analytics 4, which collect anonymized or pseudonymized usage information.
  • We do not use advertising cookies.

7.2 Managing cookies

You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings.
Note: Disabling certain cookies may affect the site’s functionality.

8. Data Storage and Retention

We store personal data only as long as needed to fulfill its purpose:

  • Booking and operational data: kept as long as required for administrative and legal purposes
  • Communication data: retained only as needed to resolve your inquiry
  • Analytics data: stored in aggregated or anonymized form

When data is no longer needed, it is securely deleted.

9. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to:

  • Access the personal data we hold
  • Request corrections
  • Request deletion
  • Withdraw consent
  • Object to processing
  • Request a copy of your data

To exercise these rights, contact us at: [email protected]

We will respond within a reasonable timeframe.

10. Children’s Privacy

Our website is not intended for children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal data from minors without consent from a parent or guardian.

11. Security

We use industry-standard measures to protect your information, including encryption, secure hosting environments, and access controls.

No system is completely secure, but we take all appropriate steps to protect your data.

12. Links to Third-Party Websites

Our site contains links to external sites.We are not responsible for their privacy practices and encourage you to review their policies.

13. International Data Transfers

Because we operate in Costa Rica, your data may be transferred to or stored in other countries. We ensure all transfers comply with applicable data protection standards.

14. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy & Cookie Policy from time to time.
Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated “Last updated” date.

15. Contact Us

For questions about this policy or your personal data, please contact:

[email protected]

Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve, Costa Rica