Has anyone been to both Monteverde cloud forest AND Los Angeles (or another cloud forest)?
 

How do other cloud forests compare to Monteverde?

If I went to Los Angeles or some other cloud forest, would it be a respectable replacement of Monteverde? I'm starting to think it isn't worth the drive for 2 nights especially if I'm unlikely going to see much wildlife (even with a guide).

Any recommnedations?

To me every forest has it's own character and feel, but you don't have to go to Monteverde to enjoy the cloud forest. If you want to see Quetzals, it's actually easier to see them in San Gerardo de Dota/Sevegre area (another cloud forest). And Los Angeles is nice too. The town of Monteverde has a different feel and I really enjoyed being in the Reserve, but you don't have to do everything in one trip. Villa Blanca (near the Los Angeles forest) is only 1 1/2 hours away from the airport, so it's a good option. San Gerardo is about 2 or 2 1/2. I love Trogon Lodge, but it seems like most people here go to the other one (Savegre Lodge?).

Sandy

I'm another fan of the lodges at San Gerardo de Dota. We've stayed at Savegre Lodge 3 or 4 times over the years and enjoyed it every time. Not many mammals but excellent bird watching right on the grounds of either lodge. Here you are not only in a cloud forest, but can arrange a guided trip up into the Paramo, a habitat that most tourists do not experience.

Regards 'not seeing much wildlife', try getting out very early in the day, walk quietly and slowly and you almost surely find many things of interest.

cheers

Jerry

I've never heard about Paramo - will need to look into this.

Thanks for the advice.

Paramo is a stunted landscape [above about 10500 feet or so in Costa Rica I think......]that is similar to that found at the same altitude in the Andes.

There is a nice example just beyond [south of] the turnoff down to San Gerardo de Dota from the Interamerican highway.

Honestly, there are no 'knock your socks off' things to see in the paramo but it is most certainly different than anywhere else in the country and very interesting to a botanist or birder.

cheers

Jerry