Costa Rica Adventure: Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve in Monteverde, Costa Rica
As I transitioned to a different part of Costa Rica, my adventures transformed as well. One of the reasons I chose Monteverde for my next global travel destination in Costa Rica is because of the cloud forest reserves in the area. Who doesn't want to experience living a fairy tale in one way by walking through a cloud forest reserve immersed in nature?
So, what is a cloud forest reserve? I am glad you asked! I wondered the same when I first learned about them! They often take the form of fog, low-hanging clouds hovering around the upper canopy of the forest before the leaves of trees and plants condensed down below!
There are several cloud forest reserves in Monteverde including Monteverde, Children's Eternal Rainforest, and Santa Elena. I am visiting Monteverde for 3 weeks and will definitely visit several of them! After reading My Tan Feet's blog on the cloud forest reserves, I decided to visit Santa Elena first.
In 1992, Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve was established protecting 765+ acres of cloud forest land. It neighbors Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Walking through Santa Elena, you will feel like a fairy tale princess in every way. The views, sounds, and feeling of being in the cloud forest reserve help you be present in every way.
Visiting Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
After arriving at my Airbnb in Monteverde, Costa Rica, I outlined adventures I would love to have with flexibility. I wanted to have various adventures every 2-3 days during my 2-3 week stay in Monteverde. I loved my adventures in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. At the same time, I wanted a slower pace.
I decided my first adventure would be Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. I noticed on the Monteverde map it is close to my Airbnb so I Googled transportation options and asked my Airbnb Host.
Location
It's about 4 miles from the center of St Elena and is lush, green and full of flora and fauna.
The Santa Elena and Monteverde Region is small and everything is relatively close especially if you love to walk. At the same time, the hills, conditions of road, and misty/rainy weather may have you rethink walking in some areas. Due to the uphills, roads and weather, I decided to get transportation for Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve.