Lying at the crest of the Cordillera de Tilarán, Monteverde is one of the most interesting communities in Costa Rica. The story of Monteverde begins in Alabama, when four Quakers were jailed in 1949 for refusing to register for the American draft. The Quakers chose to move to a more peaceful country whose military policy coincided with their
Pacifist beliefs. Costa Rica, having no army, seemed a perfect location.
In 1951 44 settlers from 11 families settled in the Monteverde area, chosen for its pleasant climate and fertile land. About 1,500ha/3,705ac of land was purchased at a cheap price, and the Quakers began dairy farming and cheese production. Today, their modern co-operative factory supplies fine cheese to all of Costa Rica. The members of the mixed community have been instrumental in keeping Monteverde and the surrounding area in its pristine state.
The crest of the mountainous ridge just above Monteverde is blanketed by a cool, wet cloud forest. This forest is one of Costa Rica's most visited attractions. Hiking and cloud forest tours are popular activities, as well as visits to the various art galleries and wildlife displays in the Monteverde area.
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