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Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a private non-profit reserve and not a national park, administered by the Tropical Science Center. There are 6 distinct ecological zones in this reserve. It is called a cloud forest rather than a rainforest because of its altitude: the clouds go through the forest.
 The canopy is extremely rich with birds, insects, butterfly, and thousands of plants. Great bird watching, Resplendent Quetzal is usually seen in the March-April nesting season. Bring a warm jacket, raingear or a green poncho is just fine, and footwear for trail use. Rubber boots are usually not necessary due to the well-maintained trails.
 This preserve boasts a wealth of diversity in flora and fauna, much of which is unique in the world, which has made it a visitor attraction not to be missed: a place where nature-loving tourists and scientists can share one place that satisfies their diverse interests.
A number of trails allow visitors to observe the cloud forest. Approximately 400 bird species, 490 butterfly species, more than 100 species of mammal, 2,500 plant species, 500 of which are orchids and tens of thousands of insects have been identified here. Noteworthy wildlife includes the jaguar, tapir, lark, umbrella bird and the resplendent quetzal.
The preserve comprises 11,500 hectares and is open from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve is a state owned non-profit reserve and not a national park. It is one of the first community managed rainforest reserves in the country, administered by the Santa Elena High School. It is dedicated to nature conservation, ecotourism, and the upgrading of local education.
Situated in the Tilarán mountain range, Santa Elena is a very distinctive community: a mix of rural area and developing city, of paved streets and gravel roads. At an altitude of 1,330 meters, the town enjoys cool temperatures; its irregular topography makes for pleasant scenery.
Located 7.3 km northeast of the town of Santa Elena features great views of the Arenal Volcano and the Lake Arenal. It has similar habitat and wildlife to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, though less visited. It is cloudier and wetter because of higher elevation. It contains 12 km of trails with a canopy observation tower. Elevation 1,700 m (5,600 ft.), straddling the Continental Divide.
Offering a variety of commercial and tourism services, Santa Elena is accessible from Tilarán, Juntas de Abangares, the Sardinal–Guacimal road and the old Río Lagarto road, and offers a spectacular view of the Gulf of Nicoya.
The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve offers volunteering research, guided tours, and a small restaurant.
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