LOCATION

Located high in the Tilarán Mountain Range at an altitude of about 4300 feet above sea level, Monteverde is one of the Costa Rica's most scenic spots. Monteverde means “Green Mountain,” an appropriate name for one of the most idyllic pastoral settings in Costa Rica. Monteverde is now best known for its biological reserve, which is a paradise for researchers and nature lovers alike.

Cows munch contentedly, and horse-drawn wagons loaded with milk cans still make the rounds in this world-famous community atop a secluded 1,400-meter- high plateau in the Cordillera de Tilarán. Monteverde is actually a sprawling agricultural community. There is no concentrated village to speak of; most of the homes are hidden from view in the forest, accessible by foot trail

One thing people always talk about in Monteverde is the road. The roads are made of dirt and resemble the face of the moon with all of their holes and carters. In the rainy season the roads are thick with mud and in the dry season they have a 2-inch cap of fine dust on them that permeates your clothes and lungs. All the roads that lead to Monteverde, be it from the Pan – American highway or from Tilaran consist of dirt and rock. A 4x4 vehicle is strongly recommended for both seasons as the higher clearance and the traction can be essential.

Much of the information on our site as it relates to Costa Rica is:

Courtesy of Christopher P. Baker and Avalon Travel Publishing.
© 2004 Christopher P. Baker. All Rights Reserved.

Spanish Abroad, Inc. highly recommends Christopher P. Baker's book: Moon Handbooks Costa Rica. Click on the image to visit his website where you can purchase this book or find out more about the author.