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Though it's generally associated only with the cloudforest reserve of the same name, Monteverde is, properly speaking, a much larger area, straddling the hump of the Cordillera de Tilaran between Volcan Arenal and Laguna de Arenal to the east and the low hills of Guanacaste to the west. Along with the reserve, the area is home to the spread-out Quaker community of Monteverde , the neighbouring village of Santa Elena - which has a cloudforest reserve of its own - and several other small hamlets. The area's appeal stems in part from the Reserva Biologica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde , and also from the cultural and historical uniqueness of the Monteverde community, which was created in the early 1950s by a number of Quaker families. Hailing mostly from Alabama, where some of them faced jail for draft-dodging, the Quakers today are completely integrated into Costa Rican society. Many still make their living from dairy farming, producing the region's distinctive cheese which is sold throughout the country. Abroad, the area is best known as the home of several pioneering private nature reserves . Of these, Monteverde is by far the most famous, although the less-touristed Reserva Santa Elena is just as interesting, with equally pristine cloudforest cover. In recent years, Monteverde has become more popular than anyone ever imagined, and strict rules govern how many people can enter the reserve at any one time. Apart from the crowds, Monteverde is quite expensive , although you can find very good cheap lodging the further away from the entrance you go. The rainy season (May-Nov) is the best time to visit Monteverde if you want to avoid the crowds, although the weather can stay rainy and grey for days on end. Ideally, try to come at the beginning or end of the rainy season, when you get the double benefit of fewer visitors but reasonably good weather.
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