Approximately pick up time: 6:45 a.m. 1:00p.m. or 5:30 p.m. (Night tour)
Approximately duration: 4.5 hours

The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve is managed by the Board of the Santa Elena Technical Professional High School. It was open in 1992 and all the income is used for conservation, education and research programs.

By visiting this reserve, you are collaborating with all these projects. One of the main characteristics of a cloud forest is their high level of humidity; and due to this humidity, the flora and fauna are abundant and diverse.

As Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve is located in the Continental Divide, the warm winds that come from both oceans (the Pacific and the Atlantic) together with the rain precipitation, creates the perfect combination for one of the best cloud forest reserves of Costa Rica.

At the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve premises you will find one of the richest forests in flora and fauna. Different species of trees, orchids, lichens are easily found. Among the birds: the Resplendent Quetzal, hummingbirds, Black guan, toucanet and more. Some mammals are also observed, such as howler monkeys, agoutis, coatimundis, and more difficult to see, the tapir, ocelot, peccary and pumas.

Also, there is a platform from where on a clear day you may observe the Arenal Volcano and its lake. Due to its great biodiversity, we recommend to keep all your senses alert so you can enjoy also the magnificent sounds of the forest. Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve is by far the best introduction to a cloud forest.

Recommendations: Camera, long pants, sun block, insect repellent and hiking shoes / boots.