Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve

About this place

A cloud-forest reserve quieter and less crowded than its famous neighbour Monteverde and slightly higher, run by the local community and its high school, so its income goes to education and forest protection; it was one of Costa Rica's first community reserves. It has four forest trails of different lengths among giant moss-covered trees with hanging plants, tree ferns and small streams. From a lookout at the top, on clear days, the cone of Arenal volcano shows in the distance above a sea of green. Birds are plentiful, including the quetzal, hummingbirds and the little yellow collared redstart with its red cap, common in this forest. Silence and mist give the place a magical feel. It is cool and damp all year and the trails are muddy, so bring a jacket and rain gear. A guided walk raises the chances of seeing wildlife.