Costa Rica officially opened the Monteverde Cloud Forest Extension to the public on 20 May 2026. The 12,000-hectare addition nearly doubles the size of the existing reserve. New infrastructure includes three suspension bridges and eight observation platforms.
The project was funded through a combination of government bonds and private conservation grants. Biodiversity surveys recorded 120 new species during construction. The reserve now protects critical habitat for the resplendent quetzal and other endangered birds.
Daily visitor capacity is capped at 800 to preserve ecological integrity. Tickets must be purchased online in advance through the national parks website. Guided tours in English and Spanish are available at 35 USD per person.
Local communities in Monteverde benefit from a revenue-sharing agreement that allocates 30 percent of fees to sustainable development projects. Shuttle services from San José operate four times daily. The opening coincides with Costa Rica’s national tourism recovery targets.
Travel operators report strong interest from eco-tourism enthusiasts in Europe and North America. The reserve connects to existing trails allowing multi-day hiking itineraries. Carbon-neutral certification was achieved through reforestation offsets completed in 2025.
Park rangers will monitor visitor impact using motion-sensor cameras and trail counters. Expansion plans include additional educational centres by 2028. The new reserve strengthens Costa Rica’s position as a global leader in sustainable tourism.