The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in Costa Rica is one of the most visited Costa Rica national parks. Brilliant green forest sopping with moss, bromeliads, and more than 400 types of orchid form the backdrop of the Monteverde Cloud Forest landscape, softened by the ethereal clouds that drift through the trees.

Monteverde wildlife includes over 100 species of mammals like Baird's tapir, jaguars and ocelots, and over 400 bird species like the resplendent quetzal (don't you love that name?), the umbrella bird and 30 different varieties of hummingbirds.

• More about the Monteverde Reserve
• More Costa Rica National Parks
• Santa Elena, Costa Rica

Photograph © The Costa Rica Board of Tourism