There are at least 400 species of birds in the most elevated part of the rainforest which include the resplendent quetzal, a sacred bird to the Mayans in antiquity, more than 100 species of mammals, 120 species of amphibians and reptiles, and approximately 2500 species of plants. This makes Monteverde a true paradise for bird lovers. The reserve has wet and dry seasons, although the highest parts have mist and rain a lot during the year.