Spotlight: Costa Rica - Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve

Spotlight: The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, which covers 765 acres,  was created in 1992 through the efforts of various community groups, particularly those associated with the Professional Technical College of Santa Elena, Youth Challenge International and the Environmental Life Association. Since it is located along the continental divide, at a height of more than 5,500 feet, it is one of the few "cloud forests" in the world - a term used to indicate a rain forest located on top of a continental divide. Its unique climate makes it ideal to host hundreds of thousands of different organisms - both plant and animal - many of which don't live anywhere else on Earth. A single tree is an entire ecosystem in itself, with dozens of species of plants and animals growing on or living among its roots, trunk and branches. The forest is protected and managed through the funds that are generated through Ecotourism. Its vision is to be a model of participatory administration for the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources through ecotourism, training, investigation and environmental education.

Location: La Reserva Santa Elena is located in the Guanacaste Province, Santa Elena, Costa Rica

Cost: Self-guided tours: $15 adult/$7 student; General guided tours: $29 adult/$22 student; Private guided tours: $120 for 1-3 people, plus $29 per additional person (max of 6)

Time: Open from 7:00 am - 4:00 pm daily; plan on spending about 1-3 hours

Description: The Santa Elena Reserve has 5 separate paths you can take to view the vegetation and animals of the cloud forest. Of course, while the plants are always in view, the animals will likely see you before you see them. Although you will probably see birds and insects, you probably won't see any large animals, although jaguars, monkeys and sloths live there. If you are lucky, though, you may spot a quetzal or toucan.

millipede

poison dart frog

     One of the highlights of any tour is being able to climb the observation tower and look out over the landscape. In clear weather, you can see up to 4 volcanoes.

Rating: 3 1/2 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - Guided tours are offered for up to 8 people, and are offered at 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 11:30 am and 1:00 pm

- Reservations must be made at least 2 days in advance.
- Dress for rain; after all, you are in a rain forest, and there is an average of 7 inches of rainfall per month during the rainy season (May-November). When you add in the moisture that naturally accumulates from the mist brought by the clouds, the annual "rainfall" is about 12 feet.

Nearby: Selvatura Adventure Park, Sky Adventures Monteverde Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, 100% Aventura