The Monteverde tourism zone is known around the world for its conservation efforts and lifestyle centered around respect for nature.
Santa Elena is the area’s main service center with various shops and tourism companies; other important towns are San Luis and San Gerardo. Though its main attraction is the Monteverde Biological Preserve, the region also features a variety of natural places, picturesque paths, flora- and fauna-watching opportunities, natural landscapes and more.
Owing to the area’s attractions and environment, activities are centered around natural history and adventure; possible tourist activities include bird- (especially the resplendent quetzal), wildlife- and nature-watching, hiking, canopy tours, trips to suspension bridges and visits to butterfly and frog gardens.
Attractions
SANTA ELENA
Situated in the Tilarán mountain range, Santa Elena is a very distinctive community: a mix of rural area and developing city, of paved streets and gravel roads. At an altitude of 1,330 meters, the town enjoys cool temperatures; its irregular topography makes for pleasant scenery.
Offering a variety of commercial and tourism services, Santa Elena is accessible from Tilarán, Juntas de Abangares, the Sardinal–Guacimal road and the old Río Lagarto road, and offers a spectacular view of the Gulf of Nicoya.
THE QUAKERS
The Quakers came to the Monteverde area in the fifties in the hopes of following their traditional way of life. They undertook agricultural and livestock activities, and eventually formed a dairy cooperative that has also benefited the area’s Costa Rican residents.
The Quaker community built a school and shared education with Santa Elena’s Costa Ricans, thus enabling a bilingual culture that today is a strength in serving the nature-loving tourists who visit the area.
Though it is true that few of the original colonists remain, a number of their customs and practices have been maintained, including Quaker Meetings, which involve varied commentaries and readings on world peace.
With great vision, the Quakers protected the high zone of the Tilarán mountain range; today, it is one of the country’s most visited protected areas, where the beauty of the region’s flora and fauna may be enjoyed by all.
MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST BIOLOGICAL PRESERVE
This preserve boasts a wealth of diversity in flora and fauna, much of which is unique in the world, that has made it a visitor attraction not to be missed: a place where nature-loving tourists and scientists can share one place that satisfies their diverse interests.
A number of trails allow visitors to observe the cloud forest. Approximately 400 bird species, 490 butterfly species, more than 100 species of mammal, 2,500 plant species (500 of which are orchids) and tens of thousands of insects have been identified here. Noteworthy wildlife includes the jaguar, tapir, lark, umbrella bird and the resplendent quetzal.
The preserve comprises 11,500 hectares and is open from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
SANTA ELENA CLOUD FOREST PRESERVE
Managed by the Santa Elena Technical Professional School, the Santa Elena Preserve, as it is commonly known, is dedicated to protecting the cloud forest and contributing to the education of the Santa Elena community. Revenue from the preserve is used to protect the forest and to develop environmental programs.
Several trails are available to enjoy the 310-hectare preserve. On clear days, Arenal Volcano may be seen. The preserve is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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