|
The RESERVA BIOLOGICA BOSQUE NUBOSO MONTEVERDE (Monteverde Cloudforest Reserve; daily 7am-4pm; US$10; www.monteverdeinfo.com/monteverde_conservation_league ) is a large (105 square kilometres) private reserve which protects the last sizeable pockets of primary cloudforest in Mesoamerica. Administered by the Centro Cientifico Tropical (Tropical Science Centre) based in San Jose, it's hugely popular with foreigners and Ticos alike, who flock here in droves - especially during Easter week and school holidays - to walk the trails. Few people fail to be impressed by the reserve's sheer diversity of terrain , from semi-dwarf stunted forest on the more wind-exposed areas to thick, bearded cloudforest vegetation, and some truly moving views of uninterrupted, dense green. The Monteverde reserve supports six different life zones , or eco-communities, hosting an estimated 2500 species of plants, more than 100 species of mammals, some 490 species of butterflies, including the rare blue morpho, and over 400 species of birds, among them the resplendent quetzal (best seen Jan-May). The cloudforest cover, however - dense, low-lit and heavy - makes it difficult to see animals. Plant-spotting, however, is never unrewarding, especially if you take a guided walk , which will help you identify thick mosses, epiphytes, bromeliads, primitive ferns, leaf-cutter ants, poison dart frogs and other small fauna and flora. Serious rainforest walkers should plan on spending at least a day in the reserve; many people spend two or three days quite happily here. Temperatures are cool: 15° or 16°C is not uncommon. Be sure to carry an umbrella and light rain gear. You should also bring binoculars, fast-speed film and insect repellent. It's just about possible to get away without rubber boots in the dry season, but you will most definitely need them in the wet. The reserve office and some hotels rent them out.
Your Tip for Reserva Biologica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde
Help other backpackers! Write your own guides and backpacking tips to Reserva Biologica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde - they will appear instantly on this page - Please only write a tip/guide to Reserva Biologica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde - visit the main Reserva Biologica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde forum to ask a question!
Please do not post links to your site here (they won't work) - please use the Reserva Biologica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde webguide section below! Thanks.
| 
