Monteverde Canton

Monteverde Canton is a mountainous region in Puntarenas Province that stretches across approximately 53 kilometers at around 1330 meters elevation. The canton features dense forests and multiple ecological zones that create its distinctive landscape.

The canton was formally established by Costa Rica's Legislative Assembly in 2021 as a separate administrative district, splitting away from the previous Puntarenas administration. This creation followed decades of growth that began when the Quaker community settled here in the mid-1900s.

A group of Quaker families from the United States established farms here in the 1950s, bringing with them practices focused on community and conservation. This heritage still shapes how residents live together and care for the surrounding forest today.

The region is accessible via routes 606, 619, and 620, and it is important to expect challenging mountain roads. Local transport services are available, though travel times can be longer due to the terrain and elevation changes.

The region hosts an extraordinary range of plant and animal life, including more than 2500 plant species and over 400 bird species. This biodiversity draws nature observers and those curious about ecological diversity to explore the protected areas.

Location: Puntarenas Province

Inception: September 29, 2021

Capital city: Monteverde

Elevation above the sea: 1,330 m

Shares border with: Abangares Canton, Puntarenas Canton, San Ramón Canton, Tilarán Canton

Website: https://monteverde.go.cr

GPS coordinates: 10.28959,-84.82513

Latest update: December 17, 2025 08:37