Santa Elena de Monteverde
For decades inhabitants of the Quaker community of Monteverde and the Tico township of Santa Elena managed to preserve two remarkable cloud forests. This is probably the reason why these two little villages attract so many tourists every year.
Founded in the 1950's by a group of Quakers from the U.S., Monteverde has gained international renown as one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the tropics. The reserve spreads out over 25,950 acres (10,500 hectares) of land that hold six different life zones. The climate and terrain of the preserve produce a remarkable bio-diversity. There are at least 400 bird species in this high elevation rain forest, including the Resplendent Quetzal, ancient holy bird of the Mayans, over 100 species of mammals, 120 species of amphibians and reptiles and an estimated 2,500 species of plants making Monteverde a true "nature lover's paradise". The preserve has a definite wet and dry season, though the upper levels have fog and rain much of the year.
More than 400 species of delicate orchids, grace the limbs of majestic trees with their captivating colors of whites, lilacs, and yellows contrast with the emerald green of the forest.
An interesting feature of this reserve is the "Skywalk", a new and spectacular way to view the forest canopy without much physical effort : Some of the bridges of this "Skywalk", hang at over 130 feet (40 mts) making the views a truly spectacular breathtaking experience.
(NOTE: The hummingbird show at the Hummingbird Gallery (on the left just before the reserve parking lot) is free and nothing short of amazing. At least six species can be seen in a ten or fifteen minute viewing span on any day of the year, but you can easily find yourself lingering a lot longer as these feathered fireballs zip back and forth between the feeders and frequently hover just inches away from you.)
This is by no mean the worst part of the trip. Road conditions to get to the village of Santa Elena are really bad. Locals learned how to leave on a sustainable eco-tourism and take advantage of the cloud forest without causing any negative impact. Part of this effort is the resistance to paved road.
From San José, take the Pan-American Highway and drive past Alajuela and Puntarenas. At Sardinal take the turnoff and drive through the rough and bumpy road that takes to Santa Elena.
You can also take the next turnoff at Las Juntas, but do not expect better road conditions.
If you come from La Fortuna or Arenal, follow the road to Tilaran and keep on driving till Santa Elena.
Monteverde residents refer to three seasons: dry, wet, and misty. The misty season (mid-November through February) is actually the first half of the dry season and is characterized by wind-driven clouds that bathe the forest, and frequently the community, in mists as they are blown across the ridge top from the Atlantic side of the country. A poncho is definitely recommended during this portion of the year, while an umbrella should do fine for the afternoon rains that typically fall from May through November. Sweaters will handle the evening chill on almost any night of the year. Daytime temperatures vary with cloud cover and wind conditions, so layers are the best suggestion.
The beauty of the landscape combines perfectly with the quality and variety of services that the communities of Monteverde and Santa Elena offer. The artistic scene is quite lively and active and many artists have settled in the area:
Festivals
Monteverde Music Festival
One of the most reputed music festivals in Central America. The festival is held annually on different dates from January to early April. Music is generally classical, jazz and latin.
Entrance fee: from US$ 5.00 to US$ 15.00.
Some performances, which are held on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, are free.
Founded in the 1950's by a group of Quakers from the U.S., Monteverde has gained international renown as one of the most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the tropics. The reserve spreads out over 25,950 acres (10,500 hectares) of land that hold six different life zones. The climate and terrain of the preserve produce a remarkable bio-diversity. There are at least 400 bird species in this high elevation rain forest, including the Resplendent Quetzal, ancient holy bird of the Mayans, over 100 species of mammals, 120 species of amphibians and reptiles and an estimated 2,500 species of plants making Monteverde a true "nature lover's paradise". The preserve has a definite wet and dry season, though the upper levels have fog and rain much of the year.
More than 400 species of delicate orchids, grace the limbs of majestic trees with their captivating colors of whites, lilacs, and yellows contrast with the emerald green of the forest.
An interesting feature of this reserve is the "Skywalk", a new and spectacular way to view the forest canopy without much physical effort : Some of the bridges of this "Skywalk", hang at over 130 feet (40 mts) making the views a truly spectacular breathtaking experience.
(NOTE: The hummingbird show at the Hummingbird Gallery (on the left just before the reserve parking lot) is free and nothing short of amazing. At least six species can be seen in a ten or fifteen minute viewing span on any day of the year, but you can easily find yourself lingering a lot longer as these feathered fireballs zip back and forth between the feeders and frequently hover just inches away from you.)
Getting there
This is by no mean the worst part of the trip. Road conditions to get to the village of Santa Elena are really bad. Locals learned how to leave on a sustainable eco-tourism and take advantage of the cloud forest without causing any negative impact. Part of this effort is the resistance to paved road.
From San José, take the Pan-American Highway and drive past Alajuela and Puntarenas. At Sardinal take the turnoff and drive through the rough and bumpy road that takes to Santa Elena.
You can also take the next turnoff at Las Juntas, but do not expect better road conditions.
If you come from La Fortuna or Arenal, follow the road to Tilaran and keep on driving till Santa Elena.
Climate:
Monteverde residents refer to three seasons: dry, wet, and misty. The misty season (mid-November through February) is actually the first half of the dry season and is characterized by wind-driven clouds that bathe the forest, and frequently the community, in mists as they are blown across the ridge top from the Atlantic side of the country. A poncho is definitely recommended during this portion of the year, while an umbrella should do fine for the afternoon rains that typically fall from May through November. Sweaters will handle the evening chill on almost any night of the year. Daytime temperatures vary with cloud cover and wind conditions, so layers are the best suggestion.
Art and culture
Art Galleries
The beauty of the landscape combines perfectly with the quality and variety of services that the communities of Monteverde and Santa Elena offer. The artistic scene is quite lively and active and many artists have settled in the area:
- Atmosphera Art Gallery Phone: 645 6555
- Community Art Center
Phone: 645 6121
- Galería Extasis I & II
Phone: 645 5548
- Alquimia Artes
Phone: 645 5837
- Casem (Cooperativa de Artesanía Santa Elena Monteverde)
Phone:645 5190
- Bromelia’s Books
Phone:645 6272
- Hummingbird Gallery Phone:645 5030
Festivals
Monteverde Music Festival One of the most reputed music festivals in Central America. The festival is held annually on different dates from January to early April. Music is generally classical, jazz and latin.
Entrance fee: from US$ 5.00 to US$ 15.00.
Some performances, which are held on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, are free.