The Secret of Costa Rica’s Hidden Cloud Forests
Up in the hilltops of Costa Rica, where humidity levels often reach 100 percent, dense rainforests turn into a spellbinding natural phenomenon that only a few intrepid travelers get to experience for themselves. Sometimes known as water forests, these woodland areas, characterized by low-level cloud cover, are home to some of the best places to stay in the world – and you can book your place with Culture Trip.
Cloud forests aren’t unique to Costa Rica. These unusually formed areas are found in several tropical climates where a small band of elevation meets a specific set of atmospheric conditions, resulting in a persistent fog at a lower level than usual. These areas are also known as mossy forests, elfin forests, montane thickets and dwarf cloud forests – although the term “cloud forest” has become the most widely used.
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Sunlight rarely penetrates the canopy, so the air remains thick with moisture at all times. The unique conditions differ from regular rainforests, and as such, they’re something avid travelers want to experience to complete their nature bucket lists. Official records show that there are more than 700 cloud forests around the world, spread across 59 countries. However, the best examples are found in Central and South America, with Costa Rica’s famed conservation efforts allowing you the chance to not only see the forests but also stay in one overnight.
The central highlands of Monteverde are home to remarkable cloud forests, where the hazy conditions take on a dreamlike quality. The area has a wide variety of hotels and places to stay away from the treeline, but to experience something truly special, you’ll want to head to one of the outstanding properties below, surrounded by nature.
This region is one of the most scenic in the already lush country. Mountains and volcanoes give sweeping views of the surroundings, with coffee plantations at lower levels also providing a great experience for caffeine lovers. The elevated slopes allow for several cloud forests to emerge in Monteverde, with the crown jewel being the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve – regarded as the best in the world. If you’re after a slightly different experience, then head back down to Santa Elena, a small village with galleries, hotels and reminders of the modern world.
El Establo Mountain Hotel
Hotel
Stay a little closer to the clouds at this hotel, perfect for adventurous types who want to try a bit of everything. You’re close enough to the forests if you would like to go hiking through the trees, but you can also experience ziplining across the canopies and an indulgent chocolate wrap at the on-site spa.
Monteverde Lodge and Gardens
Hotel
Wedged between downtown Monteverde and the dense rainforests in the hills, this property is an excellent way to acclimatize yourself to your new surroundings without jumping in at the deep end. The bedrooms let you see into the forest from the comfort of your private balcony, while the restaurant and butterfly garden remind you that you’re not quite back to basics just yet.
Cloud Forest Lodge
Hotel
The name says it all here, with sustainability and environmental conservation paramount to the operation of this quiet retreat in the heart of the cloud forest. The native motmot bird is easy to spot here; it’s something of an emblem for the region, often vying with the quetzal for the top spot among the twitching community. Local dishes make great use of various herbs you can find growing in the area, but you’ll want to spend most of your time outside with your head quite literally in the clouds.
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meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
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Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
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