MONTEVERDE - COSTA RICA

Monteverde is an area of tourism development that depends on the exploitation of the reserve of the same name.

The tourism center is the town of Santa Elena located near the Biological Reserve, which operates as a lodging and distribution center, since it offers accommodations and food and drinks, besides other services that support the operation of the sector's activity. The main attraction is the Biological Reserve of Monteverde, whose administration corresponds to the Tropical Scientific Center. It occupies an approximate area of 11,500 ha. and its limits reach the wild area of Arenal and La Tigra de San Carlos.

Monteverde is considered a Dispersion Center fro Ecotourism, where the natural attractions are extraordinarily complemented with social, cultural, and productive activities. Rural life, the mil industry, artificial attractions (butterfly farms, exhibitions, among others), and specific natural sites (waterfalls, rivers, mountains, old volcanic structures, quant trails, places for the observation of flora and fauna, panoramic views, among others) stand out, all of which are found within the Reserve and other Forest areas managed privately.

The development phenomenon of Monteverde fomented the creation of other areas that also motivate the visit of tourists, both local and international, such as the one under administration of the local school.

Besides the above it has promoted the operation of other tourism developments outside Monteverde, such as the case of the mountains to the North of Miramar and the areas close to the road that joins Tilaran with Santa Elena and other secondary roads that connect the Juntas de Abangares and rural populations, which has been a phenomenon of recent development.

By virtue of the attractions and general environment of the Complex the possible activities are those that characterize the main products-market identified for Costa Rica , especially Natural History and Tropical Adventure in their different versions. Among others we can mention: observation of flora and fauna, hikes, sky trek, sky walk, and a range of new products that have resulted from the innovation in Monteverde.