Tandayapa Cloud Forest

Cloud forest

A cloud forest, also called a water forest, primas forest, or tropical montane cloud forest, is a generally tropical or subtropical, evergreen, montane, moist forest characterized by a persistent, frequent or seasonal low-level cloud cover, usually at the canopy level, formally described in the International Cloud Atlas (2017) as silvagenitus. Cloud forests often exhibit an abundance of mosses covering the ground and vegetation, in which case they are also referred to as mossy forests. Mossy forests usually develop on the saddles of mountains, where moisture introduced by settling clouds is more effectively retained. This ecosystem is rare globally, but its natural beauty, moderate climate, and easy accessibility makes it highly attractive for tourism. The presence and history of colonial hill stations, and the allure of ecotourism and adventure travel, have also contributed to a degree of romanticization.

Cloud

In meteorology, a cloud is an aerosol consisting of a visible mass of miniature liquid droplets, ice crystals, or other particles, suspended in the atmosphere of a planetary body or similar space. Water, primarily, comprises the droplets and crystals. On Earth, clouds are formed as a result of saturation of the air when it is cooled to its dew point, or when it gains sufficient moisture, usually in the form of water vapor, from an adjacent source to raise the dew point to the ambient temperature.

Forest

A forest is an ecosystem characterized by a dense community of trees. Hundreds of definitions of forest are used throughout the world, incorporating factors such as tree density, tree height, land use, legal standing, and ecological function. The United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) defines a forest as, "Land spanning more than 0.5 hectares with trees higher than 5 meters and a canopy cover of more than 10 percent, or trees able to reach these thresholds in situ. It does not include land that is predominantly under agricultural or urban use." Using this definition, Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025 found that forests covered 4.14 billion hectares, or approximately 31 percent of the world's land area in 2025.

cloud

Noun

1. A visible mass of water droplets suspended in the air.
2. Any mass of dust, steam or smoke resembling such a mass.

Verb

1. To become foggy or gloomy, or obscured from sight.
2. To overspread or hide with a cloud or clouds.

forest

Noun

1. A dense uncultivated tract of trees and undergrowth, larger than woods.
2. Any dense collection or amount.

Verb

1. To cover an area with trees.