Event: Costa Rica

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

When:	Daily
Where:	Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

There can be few things as mystical sounding as a cloud forest. But this is not something from a fairy tale, here in one of the most biologically intense areas of the world, straddling the Continental Divide, is the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve - acclaimed as one of the most outstanding wildlife refuges in the New World Tropics.

Known as cloud forests due to their high altitude, these very special rainforests rank highly among the most interesting natural places to visit in the world.

Living here, high up in the mountains at 1440 metres (4662 feet), are more than 100 species of mammals including five species of cats, more than 400 species of birds (including 30 kinds of hummingbirds), tens of thousands of insect species and 2500 species of plants (including 420 kinds of orchid). If you take a trek through this forest you could see brightly coloured macaws squawking loudly in the trees and troops of spider monkeys winding their way overhead.

Neither Monteverde nor neighbouring Santa Elena reserves are officially national parks, they are run on a non-profit-making basis and are dedicated to nature and conservation. At a slightly lower elevation Santa Elena is carpeted with lush mosses and ferns. Vines hang from the twisted trees making this a somewhat eerie place to walk. There are also great views of the active Arenal volcano. Monteverde is higher and offers fantastic bird- and butterfly-watching opportunities. On its exposed ridges are dwarfed and wind twisted woodland, while inside are swamps, streams and tall trees festooned with orchids. The climate throughout the forests varies, but is mostly wet. The dry season is between December and March, but be prepared. Strong boots and a kagool are a must.

Costa Rica is geared towards ecotourism like few other countries. You will find an abundance of tours, hikes, rides and organised holidays and it is wise to browse through what's on offer before you go. If you don't want to get knee deep in mud then try viewing the forest from suspended walkways and platforms. Adrenaline junkies should go for the zip line experience where you whizz through the tree tops on cables strung between the trees. The Costa Rica Tourist office website is a good place to get started.