Monteverde, located in the Tilarán Mountains of northwestern Costa Rica, is known for its cloud forests, winding trails, and biodiversity that has drawn researchers and travelers for decades. The area was settled in the 1950s by Quakers from the United States who were looking for a peaceful place to raise dairy cattle. They also played a major role in preserving the local ecosystem, helping to establish the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in 1972. Today, this reserve is home to over 2,500 plant species, hundreds of bird species, and mammals including howler monkeys and jaguarundis.

Walking through Monteverde’s cloud forest feels like stepping into another world. The trees are covered in moss, and mist curls around the ferns and bromeliads. The reserve has well-marked trails and suspension bridges that take visitors through the forest canopy. Early morning visits offer the best chance to spot the resplendent quetzal, a colorful bird once sacred to the Maya. Guided night tours reveal a different side of the forest where frogs, insects, and nocturnal mammals become active under cover of darkness.

Monteverde also supports a strong culture of sustainable farming and artisan production. Several family-run farms in the region open their doors to visitors for tours. Coffee plantations offer tastings and demonstrations of the full bean-to-cup process. There are also local cheese factories, many with roots in the original Quaker dairy traditions. At some farms, guests can try making tortillas by hand or sample fresh sugarcane juice straight from the press.