Monteverde Costa Rica Fun Facts

Let’s take a journey through the fascinating and diverse wonders of Monteverde, Costa Rica. Located within a misty cloud forest, Monteverde offers sweeping landscapes and an incredible array of flora and fauna. Join us as we uncover some of the many fun facts that make this small mountain town truly unique.

Cloud Forest

Hidden within the Tilaran mountains of Costa Rica along The Great Divide, the Monteverde cloud forest is a captivating marvel that benefits heavily from its unique geographical position. As the warm, moisture-laden air from the Caribbean Sea collides with the cool air flowing from the Pacific Ocean, a unique natural phenomenon occurs. The result is a never-ending cycle of condensation that creates a perpetual layer of misty cloud cover that blankets the region’s lush, tropical rainforest. This constant supply of moisture not only gives Monteverde its incredible scenery, it also creates the perfect habitat for biodiversity to thrive. Within the 26,000 acres that make up the cloud forest an astonishing array of flora and fauna can be found. There are over 400 species of bird, 2,500 species of plants, 100 types of mammals, 120 types of amphibians and reptiles, and thousands of species of insects that call the Monteverde cloud forest home.

Orchids

The cloud forest boasts a staggering array of wild orchids. Over 500 species can be found here - a number unmatched by any other place in the world. This remarkable variety of orchid adds a touch of exotic beauty to the misty landscape. From vibrant blooms in various shapes and sizes to delicate, rare species, the orchids of Monteverde are a testament to the richness of the area’s incredible ecosystem. Some of the many types of orchids that can be found in the cloud forest include lady slipper, butterfly, bee, monkey face and ghost orchids. Each species showcases its unique beauty and adds to the captivating allure of the cloud forest as their intricate colors, patterns, and fragrances captivate pollinators and nature enthusiasts alike.

Hummingbirds

The Monteverde cloud forest is a haven for hummingbirds and features an astonishing variety of these vibrant, tiny creatures. With a total of 30 different species that can be found in the cloud forest, Monteverde’s hummingbirds range in size, color, and pattern and never fail to captivate visitors with their playful personalities, acrobatic maneuvers, and unbelievably fast wingbeats. Some of the many species found in Monteverde include the violet sabrewing, green-crowned brilliant, green hermit, and the fiery-throated hummingbird. Hummingbirds play a vital role in the cloud forest’s ecosystem as they pollinate a wide variety of flowers.

Sloth Sanctuary

The Sloth Sanctuary in Monteverde stands as a beacon of hope for Costa Rica’s most beloved, slow-moving mammals. The sanctuary's mission is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sloths back into their natural habitats. The sanctuary has been ingeniously designed to bring visitors close to sloths while minimizing stress to the animals. Guests have a unique opportunity to not only witness these endearing creatures up close but also contribute directly to their conservation efforts. The money collected from Sloth Sanctuary tours plays a vital role in funding the rehabilitation process. Expert staff and dedicated volunteers provide medical care, nourishment, and a safe haven for sloths in need. As the sloths recover and regain their strength, they are gradually reintroduced to the wild, allowing them to resume their natural behaviors and contribute to the overall health of the cloud forest’s ecosystem. By supporting the Sloth Sanctuary in Monteverde, visitors actively participate in the journey of these remarkable animals, ensuring their continued survival and well-being in the wild.

Monteverde…. Cheese?

One of the more interesting local secrets about Monteverde revolves around its connection with the seven Quaker families who settled in the area in the 1950s. While most who are interested in Monteverde may know about the Quaker connection, they may not realize that cheese production is smack dab at the center of it. Certainly, when you think of Monteverde you wouldn't automatically think of cheese. That's why this overlooked fun fact rounds out our list. The Cheese Factory in Monteverde has served as a source of food, employment and livelihood for decades. In 2008 alone, sales totaled over 14 million dollars. The factory purchases its milk from hundreds of local dairy farmers and employs 350 people, which has had an incredible impact on the local economy. While the Cheese Factory was bought by a larger company in 2014, it’s still running strong. Stop by and watch cheese production through the observation windows, and then enjoy a delicious milkshake at the factory store.