costa rica monteverde cloud forest reserve costa rica

monteverde cloud forest reserve costa rica
With an altitude of between 600 meters and 1842 meters, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve is one of the most successful biological sanctuaries in the world. Over 100 hundred species of mammals, 400 species of birds, 120 species of amphibians and reptiles, and 2,500 species of plants, as well as tens of thousands of insect species are contained within the borders of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve. In addition, larger animal species including the Jaguar, Ocelot, Resplendent Quetzal and Baird's Tapir inhabit the Preserves' boundaries.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve was founded in 1972 with just 328 hectares of land. Through the joint effort of a visiting scientist, George Powell and his wife, and long time resident Wilford Guindon, the Preserve was established. The responsibility for ownership and management of the property was accepted by the Tropical Science Center, a Costa Rican nonprofit, scientific research and education association based in San José. Later in 1975, the 554 hectares community watershed reserve, was annexed to the Preserve. Currently, the Preserve maintains approximately 10,500 hectares.

Hours: - 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (The Preserve sells tickets from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., but people can stay in the park until 5:30 p.m. if allready in before 4:00 p.m.)

Reseve Capacity: a total of 135 people are permitted inside the Preserve at any given time. Those who arrive afterwards will be put on a waiting list, and will be able to enter as soon as other people leave the the trail system. This does not include the people at the shelters.

Entrance/Tour Fees: All entrance and tour fees, as well as shelter use can be paid for with US$, US$ traveller checks, credit cards including Visa, Mastercard or American Express, or the local currency, Night tours, if paid before 4:00 p.m., can be paid for with credit cards. If paid on the spot at 7:00 p.m. you must use US$ traveller checks, colones or US$. (make sure that your US bills do not contain rips, tears or are severly marked, as they won't accept them; they won't accept them anywhere in the country.)

Rental of Equipment: Binocular Rental ( $10.00 a day 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m ), Boot Rental ( $2.00 a day 7:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.)

Shelters: The Monteverde Reserve has 3 shelters located inside the Reserve itself, all of which are open to the public. They cost $10.00 per person per day of use, plus a $10.00 deposit for the key which will be returned when the key is given back. Facilities include propane for cooking, cooking pots, plates, spoons, cups and/or glasses, potable water, bunk beds with matress but no blankets (blankets are recommended since the temperature can go down at night. Candles and/or flash light important.)

For the use of shelters reservations can be made in advance. For each day you are at the shelter you will be charged for a normal entrance fee, plus the cost of the shelter itself. This does not apply on the day you are departing from the shelter.

Guided Tours - there are guided tours every morning at 7:30 a.m. The tour includes entrance fee, slide show (20 minutes) and a 2 1/2 to 3 hour nature guided tour. All of which costs $27.00.Guided tours at other times of the day are possible but must be arranged in advance. For the normal Monteverde guided tour you migth be able to join by just showing up but reservations are recommended. For guided tours there is a capacity of 40 people.

Night Tours: includes nature tour guide and entrance fee. Bring rain coat, flash ligth, warm clothes. Cost $13.00 per person. This tour starts at the entrance of the preserve at 7:00 p.m. Reservations are recommended.

You can enter the preserve with out a guide, all though it is not recomended. The guides are very well educated and have extensive knowledge of all aspects of the reserve. Hotel s can provide guides if you request it the evening before. Or you can call the Guide Asociation Office at (506) 645-5043. The normal fees is $15.00 per person, special rates for groups are available depending on size, the minimum tour is two people or $30.00. In case there is only one person the cost would be $30.00. Private tours cost of $50.00 US$, and there is a maximum of 3 people.