Mallory Knee
Want to experience a different type of natural beauty? Head to the nearest cloud forest to traipse through the misty depths of nature’s unique diversity. The possibility of a cloud forest depends on the altitude of the forest and its proximity to the sea; cloud forests are most often found in tropical and subtropical regions. Wander through persistent low-level clouds and admire the immense beauty of some of the best cloud forests in the world—check them out below!
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Costa Rica
The first of its kind, Costa Rica’s Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve houses 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity, which is just one of the many reasons you should visit. The small reserve boasts some of the world’s most incredible natural beauty; here you can see unique flora and fauna in a place quite unique to the world.
El Cielo Biosphere, Mexico
The “heaven” of Mexico, this cloud forest is located in the southernmost region of the country. The region itself contains several different habitats, including the cloud forest, dry shrublands, and a sub-deciduous tropical forest. When you decide to explore the trails of this cloud forest, you may walk past a few small, semi-remote villages that are home to friendly locals. Enjoy the warm Mexican culture while walking among the clouds.
Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Found in the southwest corner of New Zealand’s South Island, Fiordland National Park is home to a wide range of biodiversity. From fiords to temperate rain forests, there’s something beautiful for everyone to admire here. Amazingly enough, the cloud forests are just one of the interesting sight to see here, which goes to show how breathtaking this park is. If you’re a fan of The Lord of the Rings film series, you’ll love seeing why the movies were shot in New Zealand—the swirling clouds and mossy forests are just the start.
Kona Cloud Forest Sanctuary, Hawaii
Hawaii is home to plenty of stunning parks and reserves, and its cloud forest sanctuary is one of our favorites for its unique ecosystem and biodiversity. It’s the most accessible cloud forest in Hawaii, and it boasts 70 acres of native and nonindigenous plants. The sanctuary also offers botanical tours that will educate you on tropical rain forests and reforestation.
El Rey National Park, Argentina
El Rey National Park is located in the province of Salta in northern Argentina. Its incredibly biodiverse territory includes the cloud forest, high mountains, rivers, and valleys—exploring here is something you’ll never forget. Here you can find “21 species of reptiles, 255 species of birds, and 50 species of mammals,” so you won’t have to worry about a sightless excursion. You may even pass some locals traveling on horseback—it’ll be a hike to remember.
