Monteverde, Costa Rica is a tourist hotspot known for amazing outdoor adventures, biodiversity, beautiful mountain views, and so much more.
It’s located in a mountainous region in the northwestern part of Costa Rica.
For many, the cooler mountain temperatures at 4,500ft in Monteverde are a welcome relief from the intense heat in most other parts of Costa Rica.
Monteverde is most well known for its location just at the edge of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Which is arguably the birthplace of eco-tourism in Costa Rica.
In this guide, we share some awesome things to add to your Monteverde Itinerary. Plus places to stay, tours, and more.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve has over 10,500 hectares (26,000 acres) and is an icon of natural preservation, ecotourism, and research.
If you’re considering a visit to Monteverde, there’s a good chance you have already heard the term cloud forest. But what does that mean exactly?
It’s a type of high-elevation tropical forest with persistent low-level cloud cover or fog. This extreme level of moisture leads to lush vegetation and high biodiversity.
The cloud forest is an excellent destination for biologists, bird watchers, or simply curious tourists.
Only 2% of this massive reserve is open to tourism, in the form of hiking trails, guided tours, and educational classes.
There are thousands of animal species to see here, but some of the most coveted sightings are sloths, monkeys, wild cats, coatis, snakes, frogs, tarantulas, and the resplendent quetzal. But depending on the time of year, time of day, and just your luck, you may or may not see any of these rarer species.
There are tons of well-maintained trails throughout the reserve. A popular spot to visit in the reserve is the suspension bridge, which allows you to walk high amongst the tree canopy.
You can simply purchase day passes for unguided exploration, or pay for a guided tour. They offer daytime guided tours, night tours, and bird watching specific tours.
Day passes are $26 US dollars for foreign adults. And guided tours are around $49 US dollars for foreign adults, which includes the day pass fee. There are cheaper rates for citizens, students, seniors, and children.
It was just a little too out of our price range to pay for a guided tour, but if it’s in your budget, ultimately I do think it’s the best way to visit. The guides just have so much intimate knowledge of the forest, what sounds to listen for, where to find certain species, and more.
You will definitely see more with a guide. However, even they can only show you what is there. So just don’t expect to see all the rarest species on one tour.
If you don’t pay for a guided tour, definitely bring your own binoculars if you have them, otherwise, you can rent them there.
Spotting wildlife is a very different kind of hiking than we are used to. If you are like us, it may be hard to break your habit of hiking as fast as you can to reach your destination.
Instead, you need to re-train yourself to slowwwww down and really take your time to look and listen. That is when the subtleties of the forest reveal themselves to you.
And seeing those unique species of plants and animals is what can really elevate your experience. Without it, this place can kind of just feel like a really expensive walk in the woods.
Colibri Cafe
While seeing animals in the wild is always a special experience, it’s never guaranteed.
But one place where you are guaranteed to see wildlife is the Colibri Cafe. This cafe has hummingbird feeders that attract dozens of beautiful hummingbirds to the patio.
There are tons of species of hummingbirds in Costa Rica, and you can see many different types passing through here. It’s awesome to see them up close and appreciate their colors and just how fast they move.
The Colibri Cafe is located just outside the entrance of the Cloud Forest Reserve. So it makes the perfect place to visit right before or after your visit.
They have a wide selection of coffee, tea, smoothies, and other drinks, and a small food menu.
Technically, you don’t need to buy anything to stop by and see the hummingbirds. But you’re sure to be a little peckish after your time on the trails.
Ziplining With 100% Aventura
Ziplining is a popular activity in Costa Rica, but if you are going to do it anywhere, this is the place! The Zipline Canopy Tour at 100% Aventura is probably like nothing you’ve ever experienced before. You get to do 9 ziplines, 2 superman ziplines, a mega-tarzan swing, and more. It’s an insane feeling soaring high above the canopy, mist on your face, and beautiful green mountains below.
Their longest zipline is 1590 meters, that’s almost a mile long.
The tour is $67 US dollars for adults and $56 for kids.
The tour begins with getting fitted for helmets and harnesses, and after a quick demonstration, you start on a really small zipline just to get acclimated. Then the ziplines just get bigger, and bigger, and bigger. Soon enough, you are shooting out across a massive valley.
And finally finish with the Superman-style ziplines that feel like you are literally flying!
And the final exciting feature is the mega Tarzan swing. Which begins with an exhilarating freefall, and into a massive swing through the jungle.
And when you are finished, you can purchase a bundle of photos of you ziplining for $15.
Monte Verde Brewing Company
If you’re a beer lover, you can’t miss the Monteverde Brewing Company. It’s just an excellent small brewery that checks all of our boxes. A variety of delicious beer styles, an indulgent food menu, friendly staff, and a laid-back atmosphere.
They have a variety of flagship beers, our favorite of which is the El Reyado American Pale Ale. But they also have rotating styles as well, and we very much loved the Kinkajou hazy IPA they had on tap.
And the food here is equally noteworthy. Their burgers and sandwiches are pretty diabolical. Our favorite was the crispy chicken sandwich with maple bacon, mmm soo delicious!
And they also have canned beer to-go, so we even got to enjoy their beers on the beach a couple days later!
Coffee Tour (Cafe Monteverde)
Doing a coffee tour in Monteverde is a great activity to learn about why Costa Rica makes such great coffee.
The best coffee tour in the area is with Cafe Monteverde. Their 2-hr coffee tour is a hands-on experience from seed to cup. You get to experience their sustainable working coffee farm, and learn all about the process from growing and harvesting, to roasting and brewing.
Or if you’re not up for the tour, you can still stop into one of their two coffee shop locations in Monteverde. It’s a great cafe for a delicious breakfast and a cup of coffee. Or you can purchase some coffee beans to go. They offer free samples of all their different coffee varieties to take the guesswork out of finding your perfect match. Other coffee roasters around the world, please take notes!
Tree House Restaurante
This unique restaurant is built around a massive ficus tree that winds its way through the many levels of the restaurant.
It’s a can’t-miss unique stop for drinks and food. They have everything from cocktails and craft beers. And the food menu ranges from pizza, pasta, and burgers, to local Costa Rican food like casados and chifrijo.
The menu is definitely on the pricey side for Costa Rica, so you are paying extra for the unique experience. But it’s definitely an unforgettable dining atmosphere. And especially cool after dark, when the colorful interior lighting really shows off.
San Luis Viewpoint (Mirador San Luis)
The San Luis Viewpoint is an easy free thing to do in Monteverde. This little viewing deck features incredible views of Costa Rica. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Gulf of Nicoya and the Nicoya Peninsula. But like all viewpoints, your experience will be very weather-dependent.
You will likely need a car to get here as it’s a little bit outside town, and down a pretty steep road.
Ficus La Raiz
This Ficus Tree is such a sight to behold. Its twisted web of roots climb a steep hillside forming a natural bridge over the creek. This is the kind of place I love as a photographer with all the intricate patterns and leading lines.
And it’s a very peaceful place to relax by the creek, and take in the beautiful nature.
Visiting here only costs a suggested donation of $2 US dollars per person. And they have a small parking lot with just a couple sets of stairs down to the ficus tree.
Night Walk
If you only look for wildlife during the daytime, you really are missing out on the entire world of nocturnal animals that call this area home. Doing a Night Walk is a popular activity to see a whole other aspect of the local biodiversity. Some species that are best viewed at night are tarantulas, frogs, lizards, snakes, coatis, kinkajous, owls, and more.
Plus, there’s always still the chance of seeing other species that aren’t strictly nocturnal.
Here are some links to excellent Monteverde night tours in the description. And a couple of tips for night tours are to wear long pants and sleeves, plus closed-toe shoes. It just gives you more peace of mind and protection from insects and things that won’t be as easy to see in the dark.
Stella’s Monteverde
This delightful indoor and outdoor cafe is a great place to go for a relaxing breakfast or lunch. They have delicious smoothies and many healthier meal options. Like bowls, sandwiches, salads, and some Costa Rican classics.
Their outdoor garden patio is just overflowing with nature and is especially great for spotting wildlife right while you eat. Many people report seeing monkeys, colorful birds, and more.
Where To Stay In Monteverde
Hotel Belmar (Luxury)
Hotel Belmar has everything you could want from a luxury boutique hotel. With many rooms boasting incredible views and beautiful woodwork throughout that enhances your connection to nature.
They have earned a Certificate of Sustainable Tourism for many eco-friendly practices. There is a farm-to-table restaurant, on-site brewery, and rooms with private hot-tubs.
Hotel Poco a Poco (Mid-Range)
Hotel Poco a Poco is set in a beautiful garden setting. It’s close to the town center of Santa Elena and is walkable to many restaurants, shops, etc. Featuring an on-site restaurant, spa, heated pool and more.
They have earned a Certificate of Sustainable Tourism.
Casa Euphonia Monteverde (Budget Friendly)
Enjoy this peaceful apartment all to yourself or your family. It has two bedrooms, a living room, fully equipped kitchen. It is set a little bit away from the town center, with many opportunities to see wildlife right on the property. Book Casa Euphonia Monteverde.
Hostel Monteverde Backpackers (Cheapest)
A super cheap hostel that still has (mostly) good reviews. Close to the town center, and reasonably clean and comfortable for the price.
Camping Verde (Tent or Vehicle Camping)
Immerse yourself in the great outdoors at this campsite by a creek. But truly, it’s the host Charlie who is reason enough to stay here. He is the kind of person whose spirit leaves an imprint on everyone he meets. So friendly, helpful, and just embodies Pura Vida!
But you will need to bring your own camping setup. We rented an overlanding rooftop tent camper from Nomad America.
Best Time Of Year To Visit Monteverde
The ‘best’ time to visit Monteverde is the dry season between January and April. Like most places, the times with the best weather are also the most crowded and expensive times to visit.
The rainy season covers the other part of the year from May to December. And still, the rainy months don’t always mean rain all day, every day. Mornings typically provide some good weather where you can still enjoy outdoor activities.
And the shoulder seasons can provide good enough weather and cheaper prices and fewer crowds.
Tips For Visiting Monteverde
Monteverde is really the name of the entire region surrounding the cloud forest. But Santa Elena is the name of the town, which is small but has a variety of hotels, restaurants, shops, grocery stores, etc.
If you are visiting Monteverde without a car, it might be advisable to book accommodation that is right in Santa Elena, or at least within walking distance.
But be warned, many of the roads here are steep, so a short walk doesn’t always mean an easy walk. And the road noise around Santa Elena is a common complaint about many of the accommodations in that area.
On the flip side, many accommodations further outside the town are going to feel very relaxed and immersed in nature. Some may even have trails on site and chances to see wildlife without even leaving the premises. But then it might be more difficult to get to things like restaurants and shops.
However, many tours have an option to include transportation. So it is possible to visit Monteverde without a car and still enjoy most of the best attractions.
Watch Our Monteverde Video!
Other Costa Rica Destinations
- La Fortuna, CR (Hot Springs, Arenal Volcano, Wildlife)
- Best Restaurants in La Fortuna, Costa Rica