Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve City/Region: North Western Region The cloud forest is one of the most famous ecotourism areas in Central America. It is called a cloud forest rather than a rain forest because of the altitude. At an elevation of between 3,840ft and 5,120ft (1,200m to 1,600m) the clouds go through the forest creating a misty and often dripping, mystical habitat supporting a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. It has been acclaimed as one of the most outstanding wildlife refuges in the New World Tropics.
Because of the fragile environment there are restrictions on the number of visitors allowed into the reserve at any one time. The canopy is alive with over 400 species of birds, including the resplendent quetzal most easily seen during the March/April nesting season, as well as thousands of insect species and plants. In the shadows below are over 100 species of mammals, including five species of cats, although a glimpse of a jaguar is a very rare thing. There are a number of good walking trails that lead through the six distinct ecological zones varying from swamp forests and deep gorges, past waterfalls and streams and onto forested outcrops traversing the Continental Divide. Exploration need not be restricted to the ground as various companies offer visitors a unique and exhilarating way of viewing the cloud forest - Sky Trek is a canopy adventure with a system of platforms connected by zip lines and suspension bridges criss-crossing the top of the forest, providing a vantage point from in and above the canopy. There is also the more sedate option of a ski lift traversing the treetops. Address: Four miles (6km) along the road from Santa Elena Phone Number: 645 5122 Website: www.cct.or.cr/en/info_mtv.htm Transport: Buses leave daily from the National Bank (Banco Nacional) in Santa Elena at 6.15am and 1pm, returning at 12pm and 4pm. Taxis are also available Hours: Daily from 7am to 4pm Admission: US$13 (adults), US$6 (children 6 to 12 years old). Tickets to the reserve are valid all day
Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal City/Region: North Western Region The national park is situated within the Arenal Conservation Area, also known as 'the Energetic Heart of Costa Rica'. At its center is the 5,356ft (1,633m) Volcán Arenal, a typically cone-shaped image despite being highly active, with some huge eruptions and larva flows that killed thousands of people in 1968. Although perpetually active the degree of activity is unpredictable, ranging from rumbling and ground shaking to a smoldering red glow best visible at night. Sometimes visitors are treated to a fiery display of red-hot rocks being thrown into the air. The park has some good trails that go through forests, passing through the area that was flattened in the 1968 eruption, or across lava fields, but fences are in place to stop people from venturing too far up the dangerous slopes. There is also a good chance of seeing some of the wildlife in the forest. The Visitor Center has video displays of the volcano's more exciting activity. It is not possible to stay overnight in the park or visit it after dark unless on one of the night tours from Fortuna. Address: Seven miles (12km) from Fortuna Transport: A bus from Fortuna will drop visitors off at the park entrance, otherwise taxis are readily available Hours: Daily 8am to 4pm Admission: US$6
Parque Nacional Tortuguero City/Region: The Caribbean Lowlands Despite its isolation on the northern part of the Caribbean coast, this national park is an extremely popular destination and one of the most important nesting sites of the green sea turtle, which lays its eggs here between July and October. Three other turtle species also use the beach as a nesting ground, namely the giant leatherback, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles. The park covers an area of over 120 square miles (189 sq km), protecting not only the turtle beach, but also wetlands and swamps, forests and one of the most developed reefs in the country. Nature trails in the park offer opportunities for wildlife viewing and birding and a network of waterways serves as an alternative method of transportation and exploration. Approximately 50 percent of Costa Rica's bird and reptile species are found in the park along with a diversity of flora and fauna, including some of the endangered mammals like the jaguar, sloth, tapir and manatee. Most visitors come to watch the spectacular sight of thousands of marine turtles laying their eggs or to observe the hatching. Guided tours are recommended to control the amount of disturbance caused by the increasing numbers of tourists, and guides provide a wealth of information about the area. Beaches are beautiful but not suitable for swimming as the surf is rough and sharks are present. The area also receives a large amount of rain and insect repellent is necessary to keep the mosquitoes at bay.
Parque Nacional Cahuita City/Region: The Caribbean Lowlands The only coral reef on the Costa Rican Caribbean coastline is found within this national park, and with 500 species of fish it affords excellent opportunities for snorkeling. It has stunning beaches and is good for both land and water activities making it one of the most visited parks on the Caribbean coast. A well-defined trail runs through the coastal rainforest and howler monkeys and sloths are among the wildlife attractions. Hours: Daily 6am to 5pm Admission: A US$7 fee is required if entering the park from the Puerto Vargas station. Entry at the Kelly Creek ranger station is by donation
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio City/Region: Central Pacific Coast Manuel Antonio is the smallest national park but also one of the more popular ones. With beautiful white beaches and rocky headlands, backed by tropical rainforest, mangroves and estuaries, it is easy to see why. Among this varied landscape are typical Costa Rican animals like sloths, agoutis, monkeys and iguanas. It has a well-developed trail system to facilitate independent exploration, but knowledgeable local guides are also available at the park entrance. Picnic areas are situated along the coastal trails, and from cliff top lookouts visitors can admire the stunning coastal views. Quepos is the nearest town to the park, a pleasant and friendly place, and it is also the sport-fishing center in the region. Sailfish and marlin are the sought after deep-sea prizes. Transport: Public buses run regularly between Quepos and Manuel Antonio Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 7am to 4pm Admission: US$7. Guides are US$15 for 2 hours
Fortuna City/Region: North Western Region Fortuna is the nearest village to the spectacular Volcán Arenal and the main reason for visiting the area. It has uninterrupted views of the volcano and provides a comfortable but touristy base for visiting the national park and other attractions in the area. There are many tour operators in town offering night trips to see the red hot volcanic activity from up close, or tours combining a luxurious soak in the hot springs while taking in the astounding show of bright red larva coursing down the slopes. Trips to the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge are also a popular excursion, as well as horse riding to the nearby waterfalls. Close to Fortuna is Lake Arenal, a picturesque lake offering watersports, fishing and stunning scenery.
Monteverde City/Region: North Western Region Monteverde is a small community scattered along several kilometers of road that leads to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. It was founded by North American Quakers in 1951, having bought over 1,000 hectares (2,471 acres) of land for their dairy farming. Today they are an integral part of the Costa Rican society and are known especially for their distinctive cheese that is sold throughout the country. In 1972 about 2,000 hectares (4,942 acres) were added to their land, which became the famous cloud forest reserve that has become so popular among visitors today. The village of Santa Elena is the closest settlement to the reserve and has a cloud forest reserve of its own, although much less visited. Monteverde has a number of other attractions, such as the Butterfly Garden, the Serpentarium, a cheese factory and a number of art galleries. CASEM Handicrafts Cooperative, made up of 140 local artisans, sells handmade goods and the profits go towards supporting the local community. There is also the Hummingbird Gallery near the entrance to the reserve that has feeders attracting several species of hummingbird providing some excellent photo opportunities. Several nature and hiking trails allow visitors to amble through coffee and banana plantations or up onto the hilltops for views of the cloud forest and, on a clear day Arenal Volcano, and provide a good chance of seeing lots of birds and wildlife.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca City/Region: The Caribbean Lowlands Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, simply known as Puerto Viejo, is a dusty little village lying between the forested mountains of Talamanca and the sea and features excellent surfing, an interesting mix of Afro-Caribbean and Bribri indigenous cultures, and delicious local food. The seven miles (12km) of coastline between Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo further east is one of the most stunning stretches in Costa Rica. There are many other activities in the area including fishing and horse riding, cultural tours and home stays, as well as excursions to the nearby Parque Nacional Cahuita.
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