History of Monte Verde

ile and the people were friendly as well. The Quakers stewarded and farmed a large tract of land, which they eventually set aside for conservation. This reserve, which was named the Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde (Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve), has become a major tourist attraction.

2005 bank raid

On March 8, 2005, a group of three armed Nicaraguan men raided and attempted to rob the Monteverde branch of the state National Bank (Banco Nacional). A guard killed two of the armed men. However, the other one held all the people inside the bank hostage for 28 hours. The police intervened in the situation. A senior police officer was killed during an attempt to end the siege. Nine civilians died and only one of the attackers survived. This event raised tensions between Nicaraguans and Costa Ricans nationwide and prompted use of higher security in many national banks.

Today

In recent years rapidly increasing numbers of tourists has brought a sizeable influx of Costa Ricans into the area. Now, an estimated 250,000 tourists visit Monteverde a year. Improved goods and services, including partially paved roads, have arrived in recent years. In 2007, Costa Ricans voted Monteverde one of Costa Rica's Seven Wonders, along with Isla del Coco, Tortuguero, Arenal Volcano, Cerro Chirripó, Rio Celeste and Poás Volcano