What Animals Live in a Cloud Forest

How a deject wood is a living dream

Hazy mist, abaft foliage, and the mysterious phone call of rare birds. It sounds like something from a fantasy or adventure film, but this dream world tin be found in Monteverde, Costa Rica's deject forests. And so what exactly are these famous cloud forests, and why does everyone insist on visiting them at to the lowest degree once?

Cloud forests take their name from their very literal nature. Oft taking the form of fog, low-hanging clouds hover around the upper awning of the forest before condensing onto the leaves of trees and dripping onto the plants below. The heaven essentially comes down to the forest, enabling you to actually walk through the clouds — especially when you accept a canopy tour on a pause span.

Nature's terrarium.

Understandably, the sun has a hard time breaking through this thick veil of clouds. This causes a slower rate of evaporation and thus provides the plants with a compensation of life-giving wet. This moisture helps to promote a huge amount of biodiversity, peculiarly within the type of plants known as epiphytes.

These plants grow on other plants (including trees) non-parasitically, collecting their wet and nutrients from the air, rain, and debris that surroundings them. Common examples include lichens, orchids, and bromeliads, all of which are abundant in Monteverde, Republic of costa rica. Cloud forests also tend to host a large number of owned species, as their unique climates and specialized ecosystems create habitats that are not found anywhere else on Globe.

Climate alter is expected to seriously alter the nature of Monteverde's deject forests. Models advise that the depression-level deject coverage volition be reduced, and every bit a result, temperatures will become up. This could cause the forests' hydrological cycle to alter and potentially even dry upward. This alarming theory gives travelers all the more reason to act in environmentally responsible ways both at home and abroad.

Video: Cloud Forests of Monteverde

Meet and hear the cloud forests of Monteverde, Costa Rica in this ii-minute highlight video.

Monteverde'south Distintive Cloud Forests

Monteverde's three cloud forest reserves provide visitors with a wealth of opportunities to explore, enjoy adventures, and learn most these wonderful ecosystems while on vacation in Costa Rica.

one. Monteverde Deject Wood Reserve

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve was established in 1972 and initially covered some 810 acres (328 ha) of forested land. Present, its protective accomplish extends over 35,089 acres (xiv,200 ha) and encompasses eight life zones atop the Continental Divide. At that place are over 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, and 1,200 species of amphibians and reptiles living within its bounds. It'south one of the few remaining habitats that support all six species of the cat family — jaguars, ocelots, pumas, oncillas, margays, and jaguarundis — as well as the endangered three-wattled bellbird and resplendent quetzal. Over viii miles (thirteen km) of trails are available for visitors to explore on their own or with a guide. Monteverde is located at only 3 hours away from San Jose Costa Rica

2. Santa Elena Deject Forest Reserve

The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve was established in 1989 and is managed and operated past the community of Santa Elena. Information technology was one of the first reserves in the country to exist directly controlled by the local customs (as opposed to a government agency), and is an excellent example of what people can do to both preserve and learn from their immediate environs. Information technology has a similar sampling of plants and animals as the Monteverde Cloud Woods Reserve; however, it too acts every bit a habitat for spider monkeys, which the Monteverde Reserve does not. Its 765 acres (310 ha) hosts trails ranging from ane-3 miles (1-5 km) in length, besides as an ascertainment tower that affords fantastic views of the Arenal Volcano on days that it is clear.

three. Bosque Eterno de los Ninos

Translated from Spanish as the "Children'southward Eternal Rainforest," this deject woods holds extra special meaning to the Monteverde community. Maintained past the Monteverde Conservation League (MCL), this protected area started with Swedish school children raising money to purchase (and protect) parcels of threatened wilderness. Today, after partnering with organizations in over 40 countries, the Children's Eternal Rainforest spans 55,600 acres (22,500 ha). For a unique experience, you can actually stay overnight at one of the forest'southward two biological stations. The only matter better than the plants and animals y'all'll detect is the knowledge that you're doing then because yous are actively helping them to stay in their natural environment.

There are an assortment of activities within the Monteverde area to help visitors engage with these forests. Hikes through the reserves allow tourists to see, smell, and even bear upon the interior of these jungles. Hikes that are taken with a naturalist guide will give visitors a better chance of spotting — and learning nigh — the animals who live hither. Bird watching expeditions, which are all-time during the early morning hours, are understandably popular, equally are visits to the butterfly farms and insect museums. Hanging bridge and aerial tram tours allow participants to peer into the upper reaches of the forest canopy, while cypher-line tours volition send them flying straight through it.

Planning a Visit to The Cloud Forest?

"Harold was responsive to my questions, offered excellent suggestions based on my preferences and overall fabricated the procedure seamless." – W. Baysah Trustpilot 5 of 5 rated service Trustpilot 5-star rated

A holiday similar no other.

A visit to the cloud forests of Monteverde, Costa Rica is a great way to accept your first take chances vacation. Y'all won't just return with the best travel stories ever, you volition genuinely have made amazing memories, and supported a country that is a leader in sustainability.

A black, orange, and yellow tiger longwing butterfly sits on a leaf

Our transportation services will allow you to enjoy every breathtaking moment, and ensure that yous reach your destination with the assistance of an experienced driver familiar with the lay of the country — Monteverde straddles the Continental Divide at 4,921 feet (one,500 one thousand) of elevation. Add together this to your accommodations, and you have everything you need to book your easiest and well-nigh exciting holiday ever!

To go a sneak preview of the beauty and adventure awaiting you lot in Monteverde'southward cloud forests, read client Marni Switzer'south story, Two Days In The Clouds So, call united states of america toll-free at +one-888-830-6074 or send united states a message to begin planning your own deject forest run a risk.