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18 Cool Issues to Do in Monteverde, Costa Rica – Wild Junket Journey Journey Weblog


Final Up to date on Could 31, 2022 by Nellie Huang

Misty cloud forests, howling monkeys, and hummingbirds zipping round unique orchids: Monteverde is a lush, ecological space within the mountains of Costa Rica that’s effectively price a go to. On our journey to Costa Rica, we completely fell in love with the plush forests of Monteverde; my daughter particularly cherished it! 

Monteverde is dwelling to sprawling cloud forests thought-about by Costa Ricans as a pure marvel, with a singular blanket of cloud nurturing 90% of untouched forest and an abundance of extraordinarily uncommon crops and animals, a few of that are solely discovered beneath these canopies and nowhere else on this planet! 

Hike the rainforest trails, stroll the hanging bridges, and rise up near the howling monkeys and every kind of wildlife — right here’s an extended checklist of unimaginable issues to do in Monteverde. I extremely suggest together with Monteverde in your Costa Rica itinerary!

things to do in monteverde costa rica

Issues to Do in Monteverde

1. Discover the Monteverde Cloud Forest

Monteverde’s greatest enchantment is the cloud forests. As these forests sit from 1500 meters and extra above sea degree, the vegetation is totally totally different because the rainforests you’ll discover anyplace else.

There are literally three cloud forest reserves in Monteverde: Monteverde, Santa Elena and Youngsters’s Everlasting Rain Forest. The most well-liked one is Monteverde Cloud Forest. 

First established in 1972, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Organic Reserve initially lined solely 810 acres of forest land. At this time, it extends over 35,000 acres and homes over 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, and 1,200 species of amphibians.

TIP: You may get self-guided tickets for US$25 per particular person, however you’ll spot much more animals on a guided tour. Open 7 am -4 pm day-after-day of the yr. 

one week costa rica itinerary - santa elena reserve

one week costa rica itinerary - cloud forest hike

2. Go to Santa Elena Reserva Bosque Nuboso

Monteverde Cloud Forest is the most well-liked cloud forest within the space, and it might probably get crowded particularly at peak season. We really want Santa Elena Cloud Forest (La Reserve Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena) which is simply as spectacular however manner much less busy.

Over 13km of climbing trails crisscross the reserve they usually get your up shut and private to an enormous number of crops and animals. A just lately upgraded remark tower within the reserve presents views all the best way to the Arenal and Miravalles volcanoes (on a transparent day). Open since 1992, Santa Elena was one of many first community-managed conservation tasks within the nation.

The self-guided entrance charge for Santa Elena reserve is US$16 for adults and US$9 for youths; guided hikes value US$33 per particular person. Open day-after-day 7am- 3pm. Be aware that each one proceeds go towards managing the reserve, in addition to to environmental teaching programs in native faculties.

one week costa rica itinerary - sky walk in monteverde

3. Stroll the Hanging Bridges at Sky Adventures

One of the distinctive issues to do in Monteverde is to stroll the hanging bridges constructed excessive above the cover of the cloud forests for a chook’s eye view. From this top, you get to feast on a panorama of the cloud forests and glimpse howling monkeys, sloths, and snakes that are inclined to reside excessive up within the timber.

We walked the hanging bridges at Sky Adventures Monteverde and cherished the expertise! They’ve the longest hanging bridges in Monteverde, with bridges that stretch as much as 800 toes lengthy and 2400 toes in altitude. It takes slightly below an hour to stroll the hanging bridges. This is among the greatest issues to do in Costa Rica with youngsters for the reason that hanging bridges aren’t too lengthy and provides youngsters the possibility to see wildlife simply.

A stroll on the bridges, together with ziplining and sky tram, prices US$120 per grownup and $60 for youths.

 E book Your Tickets right here!

one week costa rica itinerary - hanging bridges in monteverde

howling monkeys - things to do in monteverde

Present Costa Rica Journey Restrictions

Costa Rica is presently open to all vacationers. PCR assessments or quarantine are usually not required. Regardless, I encourage you to get journey insurance coverage earlier than your journey to cowl any mishaps or incidents.

Security Wing is the most well-liked journey insurance coverage firm for COVID19-coverage. I take advantage of their Nomad Insurance coverage plan, which covers COVID-19 as another sickness so long as it was not contracted earlier than your protection begin date. Confer with my journey insurance coverage information for extra particulars.

4. Go on the Longest Zip Line in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has gained fame for having a number of the coolest ziplines on this planet, and Monteverde really has the longest zipline in Costa Rica.

We suggest going ziplining at Aventura Journey Park, the place you’ll get to fly over the forest and progress onto a sequence of longer and quicker zip traces. Journey seerks ought to strive the large Tarzan swing that’s akin to bungee leaping (I did one thing related referred to as the Shot Canyon Swing in New Zealand).

You too can strive different actions like abseiling or superman ziplining (the place you might be mendacity down dealing with ahead). The ziplining circuit prices $84 USD per particular person and is open from 8 am to three pm. All security gear is given (helmet, gloves, harness and so on). It positively felt skilled and secure.

TIP: Smartphones, cameras or GoPros are usually not allowed on the zipline. However should you want photographs, Aventura Park really takes wonderful photographs which value solely $20 for a set.

ziplining in monteverde costa rica

5. See Hummingbirds at Selvatura

Out of the world’s 343 recognized species of hummingbird, round 50 species might be present in Costa Rica alone. Contemplating that Costa Rica is a small nation, there are 3 times extra hummingbirds right here in Costa Rica than in the entire of the US! Hummingbirds in Costa Rica reside right here all yr spherical, so there’s a great probability to see them throughout your journey.

The very best place to see hummingbirds in Monteverde is Selvatura Park, a colossal 850-acre ecological advanced filled with wildlife and journey actions. On the Hummingbird Backyard, you possibly can observe greater than 14 totally different species of hummingbirds — together with species that aren’t generally seen in different areas of Monteverde.

It’s a uncommon alternative to rise up shut and private with these fairy-like creatures. Really feel their fluttering wings whizz previous your ears and watch as they feed simply inches away on the nectar! In the event you’re affected person sufficient, gently relaxation your finger close to the feeder the Monteverde hummingbirds will gratefully use you as a perch!

E book a go to of the hummingbird park for simply $12. The go to is self-guided and there’s no restricted time.

hummingbirds in monteverde costa rica

In the event you’re a horse-lover, Monteverde is an superior spot to leap on the saddle. Not so way back was horseback using nonetheless the commonest mode of transportation in Monteverde, some may nonetheless argue that it’s the greatest option to discover the realm, contemplating the state of the roads. 

Horse Trek Monteverde is essentially the most well-know clothing store on the town. They provide quick and multi-day horseback using excursions by not often visited elements of the forests that you simply wouldn’t see on foot. Strive the mountain & farm view journey (2.5 hrs) with Horse Trek Monteverde or e-book this horse using expertise by the Monteverde Cloud Forest.

horseback riding monteverde attractions

10. Take a Espresso Tour in a Plantation

Costa Rica is all about espresso: their tradition, traditions, and historical past are intently intertwined with the manufacturing of espresso. Monteverde produces a number of the greatest espresso on this planet, and 

Cafe de Monteverde is considered one of Costa Rica’s foremost espresso plantations and cafes. They run each day espresso excursions round their plantation at 8.30am, 9.30am and 2pm. The tour covers each stage of espresso farming and processing, from seed germination, to farming, harvesting, processing and roasting. It’s an in depth expertise of espresso, in its environmental, social, and financial context. 

The espresso tour prices US$35 per grownup and $10 for youths (6-12 years previous) and on the finish of which, you get to style their freshly brewed espresso. E book your tour right here.

cafe de monteverde - things to do monteverde

11. Wander round in Santa Elena

Most vacationers base themselves in Santa Elena, the primary vacationer city of Monteverde. Santa Elena may appear to be a small city, but it surely packs a punch with the quantity of issues to do. I’ll go into particulars within the subsequent part.

When in Santa Elena, you must try the Tree Home Restaurant, an eclectic restaurant constructed round a tree. It’s a small restaurant, however the dishes are served within the “Pura Vida” Costa Rican manner.

One other excellent spot to eat in Santa Elena is the Inexperienced Restaurant, which serves meals made with solely native produce and components. I completely cherished the steak there and would return to Monteverde only for it! I additionally extremely suggest Taco Taco, an genuine Mexican place that serves refreshing drinks and a number of the greatest burritos I’ve ever had.

one week costa rica itinerary - taco taco food

12. Take a look at the Serpentarium

In Santa Elena city, you’ll discover a serpentarium that’s dwelling to a giant assortment of reptiles. A information will present you round and introduce you to greater than 50 species of slithery snakes, frogs, lizards, turtles and different cold-blooded critters. Your ticket entitles you to a return go to after darkish, when the nocturnal species come out. Guided excursions go away each 90 minutes between midday and 6pm.

serpentarium - monteverde things to do

13 . Go to the Butterfly Backyard

Close to the Serpentarium is a Butterfly Backyard, dwelling to greater than 40 species. Complimentary with the doorway ticket is a educated naturalist information who will deliver you on an enlightening hour-long tour. There are. Take a look at the remark circumstances which let you witness the butterflies as they emerge from the chrysalis (in case your timing is correct). Different reveals function the industrious leafcutter ant and a tarantula hawk specimen (the wasp that eats tarantulas!). My daughter cherished this place!

Open day-after-day 9 am -3.30 pm. Entrance charge is Grownup – $18 + tax, kids beneath 3 free.

butterfly garden - what to do in monteverde

14. Wander across the Frog Pond

One other fascinating place to go to in Monteverde is the Frog Pond (often known as Ranario), the place you possibly can observe the various frog species within the space. 28 species reside in clear enclosures lining the winding indoor jungle paths. Additionally included within the entrance ticket are guides who will level out frogs, eggs and tadpoles with flashlights. Your ticket entitles you to 2 visits, so come again within the night to see the nocturnal species. The doorway charge is USD $20 and included daytime and nighttime admission.

frog pond - top things to do in monteverde

15. See the Bat Jungle

On the Bat Jungle, you’ll get to  see over 90 bats in a stimulated jungle emvironment, designed to resemble the cloud forest at night time. Included within the entrance charge is a guided tour that takes about 45 minutes. The tour is each informative, instructional and entertaining, with a deal with biology and conservation. 

The exhibit prices USD $12 to enter and is run by a widely known bat biologist who has tons of perception to share on the nocturnal species. Open 9am – 7:30 pm on a regular basis.

bat jungle monteverde costa rica

16. Go to the Monteverde Orchid Backyard

Costa Rica is dwelling to roughly 1,300 species of orchids, and the Monteverde Orchid Backyard has 425 of them. There are species which might be endemic to Monteverde, and a set of miniature orchids, together with the smallest one on this planet. 

Your concepts about orchids will likely be shattered on the 45-60 minute guided tour of the Orchid Backyard, which may also train you the info about these continuously tiny and susceptible blooms. The largest shock for us – the orchids you consider you understand and adore weren’t grown naturally, however quite laboratory-bred hybrids.

They provide guided walks each in English and Spanish. Entrance charge is $12. Day-after-day from 8 am to five p.m.

orchid garden monteverde things to do

17. Watch the Sundown from Mirador Valle Escondido Protect

Top-of-the-line locations to see sundown in Monteverde is the Mirador Valle Escondido Protect. It’s surprisingly straightforward to get, because it’s situated proper off the primary street and in strolling distance from most accommodations. There are a number of benches and it’s an important place to see the sundown. I like to recommend going early, as a result of the spot is widespread and in any other case one of the best locations are taken.

It’s a pleasant hike from Santa Elena City to Mirador. In the event you go by automotive, you’ll must park your automotive by the kerb because the reserve doesn’t have a carpark. Entrance charge is $18 per particular person, youngsters beneath 5 are free. Open on a regular basis from 7am – 4:30pm.

sunset from mirador - monteverde best things to do

18. Take a Night time Stroll in Curi Cancha Reserve

That is my absolute favourite factor to do in Monteverde! We signed up for a nocturnal hike within the personal Curi Cancha Reserve and noticed so many animals it was unimaginable!

Our information David was knowledgable, enjoyable and wonderful in recognizing wildlife. He additionally carried an enormous telescope that allowed us to see small bugs or illusive birds clearly. Because of him, we noticed a large tarantula, a Lora viper, a uncommon orange-bellied trogon chook, and a shocking jewel beetle.

The hike runs on a regular basis from 5.30 to 7.30pm for $20 per particular person. It’s at all times greatest to go wildlife watching with a information as he/she has been skilled to identify animals. Be sure you name prematurely to e-book a spot because the night time excursions are widespread.

things to do in monteverde - tarantula

things to do in monteverde - night hike


Monteverde Journey Information

The place to Keep in Monteverde

Luxurious: Resort Aguti Lodge & Reserve

Positioned proper inside a non-public reserve, this trendy but rustic lodge is a magical place poised on a hilltop overlooking the clouds forests. There are climbing trails throughout the reserve the place you’ll discover animals like howler monkeys, aguti and the resplendent quetzal. You’ll be capable to expertise sleeping within the jungle with out sacrificing consolation. Examine the most recent charges right here.

Midrange: Monteverde Nation Lodge

Positioned near the cloud forest of Monteverde, this eco-friendly lodge presents rustic wood cabin-style rooms surrounded by lush gardens. Friends of Monteverde Nation Lodge get pleasure from free entry to amenities at Resort Poco a Poco, together with an indoor pool, gymnasium, scorching tub and youngsters’ membership. It’s an important selection for households who need to expertise staying within the jungle. Examine the most recent charges right here.

Funds: Casa Campo Verde

We stayed at this family-run lodge only a 10-minute drive from the centre of Santa Elena city. It’s nice worth for cash, plus the view of the cloud forest from the second-floor visitor room is incredible. In the event you like native consolation meals, you’ll love the breakfast and dinner right here. Examine the most recent charges right here.

one week in costa rica - costa rica itinerary - hotel aguti


How you can Get to Monteverde Costa Rica

By Shuttle Bus

It’s very straightforward to journey round Costa Rica on shuttle buses. A number of shuttle buses function each day alongside the San José to Monteverde route for $15 per particular person. You too can discover many shuttle buses from San Jose to La Fortuna.

Interbus is a good shuttle-bus firm that additionally does airport shuttle pick-ups. They’re snug coach buses with A/C or warmth and reclining seats. Click on on the hyperlinks above for one of the best fares.

By Automotive

Renting a automotive offers you the independence to journey at your personal tempo. Nevertheless, roads in Costa Rica are in horrible circumstances and plenty of are unpaved. We really wrecked a wheel whereas driving to Monteverde and needed to change the tyre within the forest. Additionally bear in mind that there are loads of police checks alongside the best way — we heard that the tremendous for dashing is US$600, so be sure you keep inside the velocity restrict. 

We booked our automotive rental on Uncover Automotive Rent and paid round US$160 for one week of rental and a child seat. The automotive rent firm had wonderful companies and supplied transfers in/out to the airport. Our automotive was a Suzuki Celerio, a really small compact automotive. We positively suggest renting a 4WD as a substitute.

  • From La Fortuna 75 miles (121km); 3 hours.
  • From San Jose airport 87 miles (140km);  3 hours.
  • From Liberia airport 78 miles (141km); 2.5 hours.

E book your Automotive Rental!

one week costa rica itinerary - break down car


Greatest Time to Journey Monteverde, Costa Rica

As with the remainder of Costa Rica, Monteverde experiences primarily two seasons: the dry season and wet season. The very best time to journey Monteverde is through the dry season: from mid-December to April. This era guarantees loads of sunshine and little rain, however don’t anticipate blue skies and sunshine through the dry season both. In truth, Monteverde will get about 102 inches of rain yearly—that’s 8 toes!

We visited in April and it rained simply in brief spurts all through our journey. That stated, the dry season can also be the most well-liked (and costly) time to go to. In the event you don’t thoughts getting a bit of moist, go to between Could and November when costs are decrease and there are much less crowds. Throughout June and July, rain showers pause briefly, and Costa Rica’s forests burst with inexperienced foliage. 

Even within the dry season, be ready for chilly nights and misty days. Daytime temperatures  hover round 24 levels (75°F) year-round. Nevertheless it cools down considerably in a single day, so make sure to layer up and pack hotter garments on your go to. 

monteverde cloud forests


How Many Days in Monteverde?

There are such a lot of issues to do in Monteverde that I’d suggest spending not less than 3 days right here. On our Costa Rica journey, we spent 3 days in Monteverde and nonetheless felt like we solely scratched the floor. The subsequent time we go to, we’ll positively spend not less than every week there. Take a look at our full Costa Rica itinerary right here.

sunset in monteverde costa rica


Getting Round Monteverde, Costa Rica

San Elena is a small city, however all the main Cloud Forest Reserves and climbing trails, are situated outdoors of city and are greatest accessed by automotive. Renting a automotive enables you to journey independently, at your personal tempo.additionally offers you better flexibility to go all through the area to the assorted cloud forests. 

Some accommodations on the town present free transportation to the parks and most reserves/points of interest provide transportation choices, although these are often fairly costly.

how to get around monteverde costa rica


What to Pack for Monteverde Costa Rica

Because of the moist, wet climate in Monteverde, it’s important to deliver some waterproof gear. Pack a gentle waterproof jacket, climbing pants, and a rain cowl on your backpack. Be sure you put on sturdy climbing boots in your journey as you’ll be doing fairly a little bit of strolling within the cloud forests. As you’ll be going wildlife watching, having a pair of binoculars and headlamp (for night time walks) will likely be very helpful.

Right here’s some issues I particularly suggest you pack for Monteverde.


Is it Value Visiting Monteverde, Costa Rica?

Monteverde was our absolute favourite a part of Costa Rica. Its lush cloud forests had some type of magic and severely spectacular wildlife. I feel you’ll prefer it as a lot as I do and hope you discover this checklist of issues to do in Monteverde helpful. Be at liberty to depart a remark beneath if in case you have any questions.

For many who are planning to journey extra of Costa Rica, try these articles:

Disclaimer: This put up incorporates affiliate hyperlinks i.e. should you e-book a keep by considered one of my hyperlinks, I get a small fee at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thanks on your assist!


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