Quote: The Monteverde Reserve is a 40-minute ride by shuttle. I originally planned to go to Santa Elena Reserve, but the shuttle was too infrequent. I arrived at the reserve at 12:30 knowing the last shuttle departed at 3:30. I went into the tourist office and told them I had three hours and they told me what three trails I could trek. They seemed to know precisely how long each trail would take and when I returned the bus was there and ready to leave.

The first trail, River Trail, was the perimeter trail that mostly followed along a very cold stream with a short side path that led to a waterfall where there were plenty of large buttressed roots crossing the path. This 1.2 miles trail took just over an hour one-way and then connected to the Swamp Trail. This one-mile trail took about an hour, crossing the continental divide. Gaps of light shown into the area enabling the magnolia and conifers in this section to thrive in the preserve. The Cloud Forest Trail took just under an hour to traverse slight more than one mile.

Nine trails fall within the park with the best panoramic views and riverside trails being on the perimeter. The trails can be quite slippery with pools of mud and large stretches from one step to another. The combination of rain and wind was stinging to the face but far from being cold. The rain poncho I wore left my jeans and forearms to getting completely soaked and weighing near a ton while ascending. This was typical weather and explained the lushness. Unfortunately, the need to watch every step prevented me from looking around unless I stopped. It appeared the little critters weren't about to get out in the nasty weather. I completed the trails and saw the bus boarding the few passengers that awaited.

Miscellaneous
The park is open from 7a-4p and the shuttle bus from Monteverde departs every hour. A guided 3-hour tour will set you back $37, but you will see more. A bird-lover’s paradise a 5-hour tour beginning at 6am for $57.

Because the cloud forest has different climates within, a wide variety of birds and foliage can be seen, weather permitting. The red and green resplendent quetzal with the long tail feathers, Costa Rica’s national bird, is one of the highlights for birders. Jaguars and ocelots, while around, are elusive even with guides.

Ferns, vines and mosses cover the ground. Try the suspension bridge, 300’ above, on the Cloud Forest Trail where the branches at the top of the trees sprout bromeliads, orchids, and small flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds alike.

A small souvenir shop and restaurant are also on premise.
From journals Monteverde's Extreme