The community of Monteverde has developed around the highest values of conservation and sustainable use of the natural resources for agriculture and ecotourism. Located in the highlands of the Tilaran Mountain Range, the town of Santa Elena is the most important tourist center.
Small and medium size hotels and lodges serve as the control base for nature lovers, scientists and families who come here to discover the secrets of Costa Rica’s tropical cloud forest.
The lush vegetation, dense fog and continuous light rainfall give the place a mystical and exciting atmosphere, which dares its visitors to let go and be taken by the charm of this sacred place. Here you will find exceptional flora and creatures not found anywhere else in the world.
Rural Charm
Santa Elena is not like very other rural town, its center no bigger than a few blocks, always has something charming to offer. Aside from the basic services such as a supermarket, a pharmacy, ATMs, there are several unique cafeterias, sodas, bookstores and souvenir shops stocked with unique handmade gifts and crafts from local artists.
Exotic species
Fresh water springs, cascades, long paths leading through a virgin jungle and the sight of such exotic species unique to the trees of Monteverde (like to Quetzal bird) are just a few of the elements that attract nature lovers to this area.
While the rest of the country natural reserves and national parks are managed by the government, the largest section of Monteverde’s cloud forest is owned and by private groups, cooperatives and companies. However the natural reserve conservation model carried out by groups such as the Montever Cloud Forest, the Children Eternal Forest and Bosque Eterno have proved to be highly successful in resource conservations and the development of scientific knowledge.
