What’s the difference between a cloud forest and a rainforest? If you’re traveling to Monteverde, this is something you might want to know in advance. The difference between a cloud forest and a rainforest really lies in the elevation. Cloud forests are actually a type of rainforest, in fact: a rainforest found at higher mountain altitudes. It’s this higher elevation (generally between 3,000 and 8,000 feet above sea level) that gives these forests the abundant rainfall and almost persistent cloud cover they’re named for.

Cloud forests form when warm, moist air rises from the lowlands and cools at higher elevations. This cooler air can no longer hold as much moisture, so the water condenses and forms the clouds and fog which keeps the cloud forest constantly cool, damp, and extremely humid. For a true cloud forest to form, the lowlands surrounding them need to be hot, to generate that warm air. This is why most true cloud forests are found in the tropics, although some temperate cloud forests do exist. If a tropical location has mountains, chances are it has cloud forests. Central and South America, India, Southeast Asia, and Africa are all home to cloud forests.