Location & Size: Puntarenas Province in the Tilarán Mountain Range. The preserves have: 11,100 Ha. (Monteverde) and 7,285 Ha. (Children's Rainforest).

Characteristics: These are private preserves. Started by a group of Quakers from Alabama and passed on to the Tropical Science Center for ownership and management. Later the Children's Rain forest was created to protect the forest surrounding the Monteverde Preserve.

Fauna:

• 400 species of birds: Resplendent Quetzal (can be seen from March to August), three-wattled bell bird, bare-necked umbrella bird, Ornate hawk-eagle, Sunbittern and Great green macaw.
• 100 species of mammals, 120 species of reptiles and amphibians (the most famous is the Golden toad). Also a large population of insect species.

Flora: Elfin forest, montane forest with more than 2,500 species of plants recorded (orchids, bromeliads, epiphytes, etc.).

Importance of the reserves: Preserve the forest for the continued health of the watershed.

Visitor facilities: Park headquarters and trails. Entrance is restricted.