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Monteverde’s cloud forest is a reserve of some 4,500 hectares. Among the mammals found here are five species of feline, and bird species include the resplendent quetzal.

The reserve straddles the continental divide at around 1,440 metres altitude northwest of San José. Its altitudinal range gives the area a rich biodiversity, and, along with the adjacent Santa Elena Reserve, Monteverde is considered to be one of the most outstanding protected areas in Central America.

Weather from the Caribbean and Pacific create a cloud forest ecosystem that is home to over 100 species of mammal, 400 birds, tens of thousands of insects (including 5,000 different moths) and 2,500 plants (including 420 varieties of orchid).

Activities focus on walking the network of trails within the park,  where you are likely to spot some of the reserve’s 30 species of hummingbird.

View suggested itineraries

Key info

  • Ideal for viewing: bare-necked umbrellabird, swallow-tailed kite, keel-billed toucan, ocelot, resplendent quetzal
  • Where: Puntarenas province, Costa Rica

Wildlife trips

This wildlife location is featured in the following itineraries:

Natural Highlights

An exceptional trip to discover Costa Rica’s abundant birds and wildlife amid its forests, lagoons and beaches. Highlights include the canals of Tortuguero, Arenal’s volcanic landscapes and howler monkeys, spectacular birdwatching in Monteverde’s cloud forests and the idyllic beaches of Manuel Antonio. Find out more about Natural Highlights

  • Price (inc. flights): 14 days from £4,695
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
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Cloud Forests & Mountains

Discover the beauty and biodiversity of Costa Rica's flora and fauna on this superb tailor made trip, showcasing the country’s rainforests, cloud forests and Pacific coast. Watch nature unfold as you experience national parks and private reserves simply brimming with wildlife, birds and plant species. Find out more about Cloud Forests & Mountains

  • Price (inc. flights): 14 days from £5,495
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
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Costa Rica Family Adventure

This family trip has plenty of interesting activities to introduce you to tropical wildlife, yet there is also ample time to relax (all hotels have a pool) if you wish. The distances are not great, so you won’t waste time travelling, but have maximum opportunity to enjoy Costa Rica to the full. Find out more about Costa Rica Family Adventure

  • Price (inc. flights): 16 days from £3,495
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
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Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast

Explore the best of the west as you traverse Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, home to nesting turtles, humpback whales, scarlet macaws and a huge array of lush rainforest dwellers. In combination with the misty cloud forests of Monteverde, this stunning tailormade holiday can be customised to suit. Find out more about Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast

  • Price (inc. flights): 13 days from £5,795
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
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Suggested accommodation options are shown below. Please contact us for further recommendations.

Hotel Fonda Vela

Hotel Fonda Vela

Hotel Fonda Vela nestles in landscaped grounds close to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, surrounded by more than a kilometre of private nature trails. Its isolation and peaceful setting make it ideal for watching birds; both parrot and toucan feed in the wild fruit trees, and resplendant quetzal are sometimes seen. Find Out More about Hotel Fonda Vela