Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve

The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve is a protected area in the Monteverde region. The reserve spans over 765 acres and is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including over 300 bird species, 120 mammal species, and 2,500 plant species.

You can explore a network of hiking trails that wind through the cloud forest, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape and opportunities to spot rare and exotic wildlife. One of the most popular trails is the Sendero Bosque Nuboso, which leads to a lookout point with sweeping views of the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal.

In addition to hiking, you can also take guided tours of the reserve, learning about the unique ecology of the cloud forest and the conservation efforts underway to protect it.