Monteverde: Culture

Monteverde is a tropical mountain home to tens of thousands of species nestled along the edge of the cloud forest in the Tilarán mountain range of northwest Costa Rica. It is perhaps best known for the famed Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve, which offers some 200,000-plus yearly visitors a portal to a lush haven for biodiversity.

Students get a firsthand look at both the biodiversity and conservation efforts in effect through discussions with farmers, conservationists, tropical biologists in addition to rainforest hikes, and visits to local coffee farms, markets, community centers, and more.

In-depth discussions and field work give students a solid understanding of the difference between eco-tourism and mass tourism and how each impact the environment, economy, and culture.