Monteverde is still a pueblo, but has become a well-developed town where you can find all the basic services and facilities. Downtown Monteverde, known as Santa Elena, could be considered a town of its own. Within only a few blocks, there are many restaurants to choose from, gift shops or galleries, small hostels and hotels, a pharmacy, and even a couple of internet cafés.

Monteverde General Facts

Altitude: 4,592 feet above sea level. - Population: 5,400 inhabitants. - Temperature: 50 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Protected Area: 148,200 acres of continuously protected forest. - Plants: 2,500 species of plants - 400 speices of orchids, including the smallest orchid in the world. - Animals:120 species of amphibians and reptiles, 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds. Basic Services: bank, ATM, Internet, medical clinic, pharmacy, taxis, local buses and laundry service.

More About the Monteverde Area...

More than a heaven for birdwatchers and nature lovers, Monteverde offers an assortment of exciting activities and adventures. Both the Monteverde Reserve and Santa Elena Reserve are open daily, and offer a similar array of flora and fauna.

For those seeking a greater thrill, the canopy and suspension bridges provide safe, guided tours, allowing visitors to enjoy and observe the cloud forest from an elevated-perspective. However, you must remember that in Monteverde, exotic animals are in their undisturbed habitats, and that sighting them depends entirely on their natural activity, and on your own luck.

Some of the smaller exotic species, such as spiders, and a variety of toads and insects, can be observed indoors at the World of Insects , the Snake Zoo , the Frog Pond , and the Monteverde Butterfly Garden . In such attractions, you receive a professional tour, and learn extensive details about the tropical creatures and their behaviors.

Coffee Plantation , Cheese Factory , and Farm tours are also available in the area, which gives visitors direct exposure to local commerce and the way of life of Monteverde inhabitants and workers.