In the words of Footprint Central America Handbook 2002:

Straddling the Continental Divide, the 10,500 hectares Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is privately owned and administered by the Tropical Science Centre - a non-profit research and educational association.  The Reserve is mainly primary cloud  forest and spends much of the year shrouded in mist, creating stunted trees and abundant epiphytic growth.

It contains over 400 species of birds including the resplendent quetzal, best seen in the dry months between January and May, especially near the start of the Nuboso Trail, the three-wattled bellbird and the bare-necked umbrellabird. There are over 100 species of mammals, including monkeys, baird's tap[ir and six endangered cats - jaguar, jaguarundi, margay, ocelot, tigrillo and puma - reptiles and amphibians.  The Reserve includes an estimated 2,500 species of plants and more than 6,000 species of insects. 

The entrance is at 1,500 m, but the maximum altitude in the Reserve is over 1,800 m.  Mean temperature is between 16 degrees and 18 degrees Centigrade and average rainfall is 3,000 mm.  The weather changes quickly and wind and humidity often make the air feel cooler.

TRAILS IN MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST RESERVE:

SENDERO BOSQUE NUBOSO - CLOUD FOREST TRAIL - 1.2 miles; 1 1/2 hours
EL CAMINO - THE ROAD - 1.2 miles; 1 hour
SENDERO PANTANOSO - SWAMP TRAIL - 1.0 mile; 1 1/4 hours
SENDERO RIO - RIVER TRAIL - 1.2 miles; 1 1/2 hours
SENDERO CHOMOGO 1.8 km. - 1.1 miles; 1 1/4 hours
SENDERO BOSQUE ETERNO - ETERNAL FOREST TRAIL- .4 miles; 20 min.
SENDERO GEORGE POWELL - .1 mile; 10 min.
SENDERO BRILLANTE - .2 miles; 10 min.
SENDERO ROBLE


In the words of monteverdeinfo.com:

What is a Monteverde Cloud Forest?
A cloud forest is a highland forest characterized by nearly 100% humidity throughout the year. Here in the Reserve Santa Elena of Monteverde, warm North-Easterly trade winds, filled with moisture, blow in over the Atlantic. As the winds sweep up to the Continental divide, they cool and condense to form clouds, bathing the forest in a constant soft mist. The cloud forest here receives an incredible four meters of rain every year- that is almost twelve feet.

One of the most characteristic features of Monteverde cloud forest is the abundance of vegetation. Competition for growing space is so intense that trunks and branches are almost entirely covered with a variety of epiphytes, lichens, liverworts, bryophytes and mosses. The epiphyte mats store moisture, which is specially important in the dry season (February to May). The lush cloud forest canopy of Monteverde is thus home to many species of insects, amphibians, and mammals which never
even come down to the forest floor.

A walk through the cloud forest of Monteverde can be an eerie experience. As the high clouds creep through the twisted trees and hanging vines around you, strange sounds fill the air. Strong winds and the added weight of water-laden epiphytes often  cause branches to fall to the ground. This reduces the height of the cloud forest canopy and adds to the forest's gnarled appearance. Falling branches also create light gaps, allowing the growth of light tolerant plants and producing a constant
mosaic of succession. A perfect place for hiking, bird watching, volunteering or do some research.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve:
Private non-profit reserve (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 rain forest because of it's 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 (a green poncho is just fine) and footwear for trail use. Rubber boots are usually not necessary due to the well-maintained trails.

Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve:
Private non-profit reserve (not a national park). One of the first community managed rainforest reserve in the country, administered by the Santa Elena High School. It is dedicated to nature conservation, ecotourism, and the upgrading of local education.
LOCATION: 7.3 km north and then east of of Santa Elena, seriously uphill. Great views of the Arenal Volcano and the Lake Arenal; similar habitat and wildlife to the other cloud forest Reserve but a lot less visitors. Cloudier and wetter than the other reserve because of higher elevation. 12 kms of trails (7 m.) and a canopy observation tower.
Elevation 1,700 m (5,600 ft.), straddling the Continental Divide  volunteering research, guides tours, small restaurant.