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Bosque Nuboso de Monteverde (Monteverde Cloud Forest) Description: Straddling the Continental Divide and covering 170 sq kilometres (66 sq miles), this vast forest has its head – and its feet – in the clouds. The ever-present drizzle and mist provide a home to six different vegetation communities, over 100 mammal species (including howler monkeys, anteaters and 68 species of bat), 400 bird species (including Quetzals and Emerald Toucanets), 120 amphibian species and at least 2500 plant species. Access to the high level of biodiversity is through extensive trails, shelters deep within the forest for overnight camping, and a 91-metre (300-feet) suspension bridge that takes visitors from ground level high up into the canopy of the forest. There is also a Visitor Centre, Butterfly Centre, Orchid Garden, Serpentarium and Hummingbird Gallery, as well as the Frog Pond of Monteverde Herpetarium, home to 20 different species of frogs and amphibians.Other highlights include: the Sky Trek, a network of trails and platforms reaching high into the trees where visitors have the opportunity to slide through the forest canopy with the use of special equipment; and the Sky Walk, a network of seven suspension bridges and trails, accessing different observation levels and allowing visitors to admire the flora and fauna below. Contact Addresses: Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve, Apdo 55-5655, Monteverde, Puntarenas, Costa Rica Tel: 645 5122. Fax: 645 5034. E-mail: montever@sol.racsa.co.cr or montever@cct.or.cr or visita@cct.or.cr Website: www.cct.or.cr or www.cloudforestalive.org Transportation: Air: Juan Santamaria International Airport (San José). Road: Coach: Services to Santa Elena (from Puntarenas) services from Monteverde (from Tilarán); express service to Monteverde (from San José). Car: Pan-American Highway to Kilometre #149 (from San José). Opening Times: Daily 0700-1600. Admission Fees: US$10 (adult), US$5.50 (child 12-16), free (child under 12), US$15.25 (guided tours). Concessions available. 
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