Monteverde, Costa Rica is a small town in Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Located on the Continental Divide in the Cordillera de Tilarán, it is about a four hour drive from the Central Valley of Costa Rica. Established by the Quakers in 1951, Monteverde is now considered a major ecotourism destination in Costa Rica. The area is perhaps best known for the Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde (the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve) and numerous other reserves, which draw considerable numbers of tourists and naturalists interested in mountain and tropical biodiversity.

At about 1400 meters (4600 feet) above sea level, Monteverde is misty and windy, with a mean annual temperature of 18° Celsius, (64.4 Fahrenheit). Annual rainfall averages around 3,000 millimeters (118 in). Humidity is usually between 74% and 97%.

Monteverde has two world famous Cloud Forest Reserves. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve with over 10 kilometers of trails, and the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve with over 12 kilometers of trails. The reserves are unique and offer the chance to see and hear a wide variety of bird and animal life as well as experiencing an incredible forest. Some of the wildlife includes sloths, agoutis, coatis, white faced monkey, howler monkey, squirrels, 490 species of butterflies, 400 species of birds, thousands of insects and snakes. Well maintained trails allow you to see the biodiversity and the 2,500 varieties of plants and trees including 420 kinds of orchids.

To the West of the town of Monteverde lies the Bosque Eterno de los Niños(The Eternal Children´s Forest) conservation area, a project funded by schools and children from all over the world. The Bosque Eterno is the largest preserve in the area with 22,000 hectares (55,500 acres). Bajo del Tigre, a small section of the Bosque Eterno de los Niños, is known for bird watching and night hikes.

The Canopy tour is thrilling and this tour takes you through and above the cloud forest in an exhilarating fashion. There are also Hanging Bridges or Suspended Walkways tours available.

Many other activities are available in the area including the Serpentarium with many varieties of snakes, or the Frog Pond with exhibits of many amphibian species like the poison dart frog. Also available are coffee plantation tours, night tours, the new bat exhibit with live bats, the insect exhibit, the butterfly garden, the Monteverde cheese factory tour, horseback riding and souvenir shopping.

The population of Monteverde proper has between 250 to 750 residents. But, you will find a wide variety of hotel accommodations that are meant to meet the needs of all travelers.

Monteverde is home to many artisans, painters, sculptors and makers of arts and crafts. You can visit some of the many art and craft galleries. This town is also home to many musicians, some permanent and some visiting. There is an annual International Music Festival. Many restaurants and cafes also offer musical entertainment.

Fine dining is available throughout Monteverde, and in addition there are many local Costa Rican style restaurants with a variety of items and are very economical.

InNewsweek's 100 Places to Remember Before They Disappear, Monteverde appears as the Americas' #14. It has also been deemed one of the Seven Wonders of Costa Rica by popular vote, and has been called by National Geographic "the jewel in the crown of cloud forest reserves. So, Monteverde is a must see in Costa Rica.