monteverde cloud forest biological reserve

We used a tour guide, Juan Carlos (aka JC) and he made our experience in the forest REMARKABLE. We saw many people hiking without a guide, but we were able to see many beautiful birds and plants we wouldn't have without him. Especially for people with a very basic understanding of the flora/fauna that is so unique to the region and Costa Rica, you are missing a lot without a guide. We hiked up to the bridge, over to the continental divide and spent about 2.5 hours. I would go back again and recommend it to anyone who is interested in preservation, biology, wildlife, and has a desire to see the beauty.

Wow what diversity, such amazing cloud forests, wildlife, thrills,expensive but worth it!great knowledgeable guides to point out animals, flowers trees etcwell maintained

We said to our guide we would like to see Quetzals - poor guy! We set off quite late so took a track not used by the early risers and came upon a male quetzal and his mate checking out a possible nesting site. Quite magical and the photos we have will be a lasting memory. Took coffee at the café by the entrance where our guide pointed out lots of different hummingbirds. A really good experience thanks in large part to our knowledgeable guide.

We arrived on the public bus form Santa Elena at 10:00 which was perfect crowd wise as morning tours were almost done. We watched the 45 minute intorductory video which was excellent (too bad it is not subtitled as if the Spanish version was playing, we might have missed it ). We then then went on the trails for about 3.5 hours. Unfortunately, several trails were closed up the did all we could...waterfall, suspension bridge, lookouts etc...It is such a lovely, lovely place...we really enjoyed it. Saw several birds, coatis and a zillion plants.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological reserve is a few Km from Santa Elena and is worth a visit if you are anywhere near this town.There are a series of well marked paths and your guide will point out exotic plants and fauna.The trip includes a visit to a waterfall of average dimensions.At the start (or end) of the trek you can visit the souvenir shop and there are a couple of small restaurants just outside the entrance.

This reserve is the reason I have returned to Costa Rica for the second time. I fell in love with the cloud forest all over again this time.What impresses me most is the quality of the guides. There is an old association of guides that went through a rigorous training process to be allowed to tour people through the forest. Make sure you get one of those guides. The rules have changes now and there are other, newer guides who are not part of the old association and, therefore, have not had the same training. Make sure you find the right type of guide. Ask your hotel or ask around at the reserve for a guide from the old association.Our guide's name was Juan-Carlo Calbo. He was amazing. Very knowledgeable about the flora, fauna and history of the forest. He has been doing this for 15 years and you can tell that he is passionate about his job. The other group that was with us had Oscar, who is also a fantastic guide.This reserve is well maintained and well signed. We went back into the forest for a little hike on our own and had no troubles.The hummingbird gallery is amazing, with all different types of gorgeous birds flitting around your head.

Our guide Donald was awesome - extremely knowledgeable and very passionate. He took many opportunities to group the tour and recap the sightings (many species of birds and a tarantula), and the uniqueness of each animal. Of course the guides can't control the animals and what you will experience, but they did a great job coordinating for viewing. The walk alone in the cloud forest was worth it.

This trip is a long drive, 41/2 hrs from the RIU up to Monteverde, 31/2 hrs back. But the drive is amazing and a terrific way to see the country. The park itself was incredible and the tree top walkways are spectacular. We all loved it!

Loved seeing the hummingbirds and walking in the cloud Forrest. Some people went zip lining. I heard there were 13 zip lines. One was over a kilometre.

I thought the forest was beautiful. The trails were well maintained and easy to follow. The views were terrific and it was great to see the clouds rolling in over the mountains and changes in vegetation over short distances. I saw few mammals, but many large insects and a large number of birds.Entrance fee was $20, which was high, but it is important to support the conservation of areas like this.

With a wealth of trails (clearly marked for length and difficulty), knowledgeable guides, excellent facilities, a great store, volunteer and educational programs, the Cloud Forest Preserve stands as a great, well-managed conservation area. Wildlife sightings, including the unbelievable quetzal, are common. While there are many visitors to this preserve, we never felt we were crowded, thanks to the careful attention to the carrying capacity of the trails.

Enjoyed a very nice walk here this afternoon. The place is kind of casual. When we arrived at about 2:45 p.m. there was no one at the Reception. The guard fella tried to reach someone, failing which he sold us the tickets and drew up a nice route for the time we wanted to spend here! The jungle is pristine, with lots of flowers. On the hanging bridge, we were joined by a young couple, who pointed out a large black bird with bright blue beak on a tree by the bridge. Although it looked very misty when we arrived, the sun shone through and we enjoyed nice weather, not at all cold. Althogether, a very pleasant experience. We spent an hour here.

This was a trip of a lifetime for us. We went to see the birds and, boy, did we ever! We hired a private guide and saw 7-8 Respendent Quetzals. The hiking is very manageable with well-marked trails. The park limits how many can enter at a time, a wise move. And, just going to the entrance and having a coffee, you get to enjoy the dozens of hummingbirds which come to the feeders. Big thumbs up!

The reserve is beautiful. We went without a guide and spent the whole day here. The walk up to the reserve from Santa Elena is also very nice.

The cloud forest walk was spectacular - try to see it with a guide who can tell you about the flora and fauna.