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Published: February 28th 2022
Floating Clouds
Monteverde Cloud Reserve - View from near Continental Divide ViewpointMonteverde (translates to Green Mountains), at an altitude of 1300 meters or so is known for its Cloud Forests. I had decided to hike in Monteverde Cloud Reserve and Curi Cancha Reserve.
From the parking lot, the entrance to the Monteverde Cloud Forest is 1.4KM, there is a bus that leaves from parking every 10-15 minutes to take people. I decided to walk it though.
My first few hundred meters on a flat road, my lungs were beginning to burn, I was breathing heavy. I realised the issue. The air is crisp, pure, cold. I am not used to that living in Mumbai. After a few minutes, my lungs got used to that and started enjoying the walk.
I had pre-booked my ticket to Monteverde Cloud Forest (US$ 25 per person for foreigners). Monteverde has multiple trails but unfortunately the famous bridge was shut because of a fallen tree.
The cloud forest reserve came to being in 1972 because a scientist, conservationist (and a professor) from US, George Powell was concerned about destruction of natural habitats. He approached a man called Wilford Guindon who had relocated to Monteverde from the US and together they promoted the idea
Monteverde Cloud Reserve - Trail Map
Did all the trails except the Blue one as that was shut of a reserve and got help from Tropical Science Center, a conservation organization. What started as a donation of 328 Hectares (roughly 820 acres) has grown to over 4,000 Hectares (10,000+ acres) in the last 50 years.
In the time it takes for a child to reach maturity, initiative by two individuals and with backing of donors and conservation organizations has grown into one of the richest biodiversity areas in the world. 2.5% of the world's biodiversity in a 10,000 acre space (of which you get to explore only 3%, rest is close to public).
Monteverde has 4 life zones, 3000+ plant varities, 500+ orchids, nearly 450 bird species, 100+ reptiles, 60+ amphibians, 125+ mammals, 80 bat species and 6 wildcats. Goes to show no start is ever small if you are committed to it.
I spent about 3 hours walking every trail in the park, taking in the views, the fresh air, reading the boards and learning. It's best to do Monteverde Cloud Reserve in the morning because you have less people and can enjoy the peace and quiet
An interesting point to see in Monteverde Cloud Reserve is the Continental Divide. In simple terms,
Monteverde Cloud Reserve
Small waterfall near one of the trails it's a hydrological dividing line. Think of it as a line where the left of the line all the rivers and water sources go to the Pacific Ocean and on the right everything to the Atlantic Ocean. The view point of the divide is stunning because you can see the clouds so close and moving rapidly next to you.
Most of the trails are easy, except the Sendero Roble which has inclines and can take some doing. But totally worthwhile.
My pictures and videos of Monteverde Cloud Reserve don't do justice to the place because you got to actually feel the air to appreciate the place.
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