A cloud forest forms where warm tropical air rises and cools into mist along mountain slopes. The mist condenses on leaves, mosses, and roots creating constant moisture. Global tropical cloud forests represent only about 0.26% of Earth’s surface.
Monteverde Cloud Forest
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve is a world-famous, mist-shrouded nature reserve founded in 1972. Set along the Cordillera de Tilarán Mountain range, it covers over 10,500 hectares and is home to thousands of unique plant and animal species. It sits along the Continental Divide, where moisture from the Caribbean meets winds from the Pacific, creating a balance of two climates in one forest. It also has rivers flowing the two directions, giving water to two oceans.
The scenery at Monteverde is gorgeous. When the cloud seeps into the forest, it seems magical.
The next morning we visited the St. Elena Reserve with its 8 swinging bridges. The forest at St. Elena is much more dense.
St. Elena Reserve
Next, we visited thei Butterfly Gardens with its many diverse specimens. There are four gardens representing different habitats; they’re home to more than 40 species including the Blue Morpho and Owl Butterfly.
Experiencing these Cloud Forests and the Butterfly Exhibit was worth the whole trip.
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