A major destination for nature lovers, Monteverde is a very unique community and a magical biological reserve. Many rare species, including the quetzal and the three-wattled bellbird live in this land of greenery. The cloud forest stretches from the lush ferns and mosses that cover the ground to the dark canopy formed by the tallest trees. Vines and web like moss hang down and swing slowly in to the breeze. A group of Quakers mostly from the United States founded the colony of Monteverde 40 years ago, choosing Costa Rica for its peace and tolerance. Monteverde is just below the cloud forest, far from tropical heat. Today, the people raise dairy cattle and goats on the steep slopes above the village of Santa Elena.