PLANT HIKE - Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve

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We're up to an early start as we head out to the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve in Monteverde, Costa Rica! If you have never been here, you'll definitely want to tune in as we explore one of the world's most biodiverse forests!

Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve is located next to the Monteverde Cloud Forest in Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica. The cloud forest reserve opened its doors in 1992 as an ecological reserve. It is maintained and run by the community of Santa Elena. The reserve protects 765 acres of prime cloud forest which is home to over 3200 plant species, over 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, 1200 species of reptiles and amphibians and tens of thousands of insects!

The reserve sits on the Caribbean slope of the continental divide at about 1600m in elevation where it receives warm winds from the Atlantic that sweep upward and condense to form clouds that sit above the forest canopy. This constant moisture provided by the clouds creates an ideal environment for plant life. In this region of cloud forest, there are over 32 species of Anthuriums, 18 species of philodendrons and between 450-500 species of orchids.

The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve allows paid guests to walk along their well-maintained trails and to come and experience some of the very best nature this country has to offer. They offer guided or self-guided tours. The reserve also has a cafeteria and an orchid garden for their guests.

We recommend arriving early to take full advantage of all the trails. (You should plan to spend at least 3 hours here). The park is open from 7am to 3 pm. We did not need a reservation to enter, although it is recommended if you are planning to go with a large group.

Down below is a link to the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve website, where you can find more information on the reserve, maps on getting here, entrance fees and policies of the reserve. Their website also offers viewers a virtual tour of the forest and has incredible footage taken by the wild life cameras set up around the premises.
https://www.reservasantaelena.org/

As we mentioned earlier, The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve is a community run project. Proceeds from the entrance fees goes towards maintaining and preserving this forest, as well as helping the local community with educational programs. If you would like to donate to this incredible project, you can do so directly from the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve's website. They also currently accept donations from crypto currencies!

VISIT THE SANTA ELENA CLOUD FOREST RESERVE WEBSITE HERE:
https://www.reservasantaelena.org/
*This video is not sponsored.

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