The Monteverde Reserve in Puntarenas was set up to protect the rainforest in the area. This effort has not only helped preserve the land, but also turned it into a tourist attraction.
Location and How to Get to This Specific Site
From San Jose, you can catch the 8:30 am or 2:30 pm bus. Go to the Calle 14 bus stop or Avenida 11 and 9. The journey will take about 4 and 1/2 hours. You can also take the bus at Banco Nacional in Santa Elena. If you are in Puntarenas, you can take the bus at Las Juntas or Sardinal.
What to See There
There is a sky tram service available. You can use the suspension bridges and trail to savor the view of the Cloud Forest. Another way to see the place is via the tree top walkways. From this area you will be able to appreciate the ecosystem.
The bridges are of varying lengths, with some 200 ft high and 500 ft long. Using the bridges is a great way to see the tree tops. Due to the sunlight, more species appear near the tree tops than below it. The Sky Trek lets you fly over the forests. The Hidden Valley Night Tour will let you explore the reserves in the evenings.
History
In the 1970s, the place was threatened by farm expansion. George Powell, his wife and Wilford Guidon began a campaign to preserve the site. This would lead to the present status of the reserve.
Cost
The cost of travel tours start at $30 and up. Most of the tours will include the entrance fee to the site. The bus ride from San Jose will cost $5. The bus ride from Santa Elena cost $1. The fares will be higher if you are coming from farther away.
Other Info
The tour times can vary. The Cloud Forest open tour usually begins at 7:00 am and ends at 4:00 pm. The afternoon tours start at 1:00 pm. Bird watching is done at 6:00 in the morning. To avoid scheduling mistakes, it is best to consult your tour provider.
Your trip to Monteverde Reserve in Puntarenas may also include horseback riding. You can also arrange to have a sunset tour of the site.
