• Getting there: The Monteverde region is a 5-hour drive from the capital, San Jose. It takes about 2 ½ hours driving from the town of Puntarenas and 3 hours from La Fortuna by car and ferry boat. Driving yourself is not recommended. Instead, take a shuttle service or join a tour.

• Reserves: Monteverde actually contains three reserves: the Monteverde Cloud Forest, the Santa Elena Cloud Forest and the Eternal Children's Rain Forest. All have hiking trails.

The main town is Santa Elena, a funky haven for artists, environmentalists and young world travelers.

• Lodging: Try the Monteverde Lodge (www.costaricaexpeditions.com, rooms from $85) or El Sol (www.elsolnuestro.com, from $95). (Costa Rica Expeditions also offers tours that go to Monteverde.)

• Activities: Two companies offering canopy tours are Selvatura Park (www.selvatura.com) and Adventura Canopy Tours (www.cienporcientoaventura.com/index_in.html).

• Read up: Great book on wildlife and plants at Monteverde: 'Travellers' Wildlife Guides Costa Rica'' by Les Beletsky (Interlink, $29.95).

• Information: www.monteverdecostarica.info.