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Monteverde |
Heliconia Lodge
Monteverde
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Monteverde |
Heliconia Lodge
Monteverde
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Heliconia Lodge Monteverde Tropical Clourd Forest
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The Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve has earned its fame as one of the
most outstanding wildlife sanctuaries in the New World tropics.
Positioned atop the Continental Divide in western Costa Rica, the
Preserve extends down both the Caribbean and Pacific slopes. The
resultant combination of climatic and geographic factors creates
temperature and humidity gradients, which change dramatically over
relatively short distances. The Preserve supports six different
vegetation communities (Life Zones). There are over 100 species of
mammals, 400 species of birds, 120 species of amphibians and reptiles,
and 2,500 species of plants (among them 420 different kinds of orchids),
as well as tens of thousands of insect species. Spectacular 
wildlife
includes the Jaguar, Ocelot, Baird's Tapir, Howler Monkey, Three-wattled
Bellbird, Barenecked Umbrella-bird and Resplendent Quetzal, just to name
some. Here you will find that the resplendent
Quetzal, the unique Golden Toad and a tremendous array of many rarely
recognized endangered species such as Baird's tapir and jaguars, call the
forest home. The forest stretches from the lush ferns and mosses that
cover from the ground up to the darkest canopy formed by the tallest
trees. Arriving in Monteverde about midday; and on time for a very
delicious lunch, you will have time to settle in your hotel. In the
afternoon there will be a visit the cheese factory, operated by Quakers.
In the early evening we will present a very entertaining slide show which
we hope will describe better the rich history that forms the basis for
this lovely area and it's many wonders.
