Costa Rica's Cloud Forests

The eerie mist and dampness of a cloud forest inspires wonder and curiosity as cold fog crosses your path at rapid intervals and the dew covered trees play host to an interesting array of deep green mosses, trees and epiphytes. Cloud forests are characterized by 100% humidity, creating a unique ecosystem that is home to many endemic animal and plant species.

The most well-known cloud forest in Costa Rica, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, straddles the Continental Divide just outside the small town of Santa Elena, about five hours driving distance from San Jose. The reserve is home to six distinct ecological zones, covers 10,500 acres and has a well kept series of hiking trails totaling 13 kilometers that take you across suspension bridges, to look out points and through the dense forest. The area has become a large ecotourism destination, attracting about 70,000 visitors per year to the many hotels and ecolodges that dot the town.

Other cloud forests dot higher altitudes around the Central Valley and farther south. Visitors may choose to cool off on the slopes of the Poas, Turrialba or Irazu volcanoes, or the bird watching oasis of Cerro de la Muerte. Hotels like Villa Blanca in the Los Angeles Cloud Forest Reserve, and El Establo in Monteverde, have taken advantage of these unique ecosystem to offer guests a relaxing setting unlike any you've seen before.