Monteverde Travel Guide

Monteverde is a small village in Costa Rica founded by a Quaker community back in the 1950’s. It is one of the country's major ecotourism destinations. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and several other natural attractions draw considerable numbers of tourists and naturalists every year. Monteverde is home to more than 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, tens of thousands of insect species and 2,500 species of plants, including more than 500 species of orchids.

Things to do in Monteverde Costa Rica

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
This biological reserve sits at an elevation of 1,200 meters (4000 feet). The park is surrounded by a misty cover that supports a wide diversity of flora and fauna. This reserve is considered one of the primary cloud forests in Mesoamerica and the most exceptional wildlife sanctuaries in the New World Tropics.

The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
Less crowded than the Monteverde Cloud Forest, this reserve sits at 1650 meters (5400 feet), has stepper trails, and a slightly better chance of seeing quetzals.

Children's Eternal Rainforest
This is Costa Rica’s largest private reserve and a hotspot for biodiversity, ecotourism, bird watching, and hiking trails. The Bosque Eterno de los Niños (BEN) was founded by donations from children in 44 countries, and is run by a nonprofit conservation organization, the Monteverde Conservation League. All proceeds from visitation directly support the conservation of the forest.

Canopy Tour and Hanging Bridges
This adventure provides a unique vantage point of the cloud forest that was once reserved for birds and scientists.You will appreciate the rich diversity of the canopy flora and fauna while you enjoy the adrenaline rush in one of the canopy tours or hanging bridges available in Monteverde. 

San Luis Waterfall
Approximately three-hour hike from downtown Sta. Elena, the 100 meter waterfall is nestled deep in the valley with an incredible view.

Coffee and Chocolate Tour
Visit a small family owned coffee plantation and learn the whole process behind two very important products worldwide, coffee and chocolate.

Monteverde Night Walk
A nocturnal opportunity to observe animals such in their most peaceful state and others such as owls, tarantulas, insects and snakes become more active.

Monteverde tours to other destinations nearby

Isla Tortuga Tour
Isla Tortuga is famous for the white sand beaches and turquoise waters. It is located off the southeastern coast of the Nicoya Peninsula and is only accessible by boat or catamaran. Sea life includes dolphins and whales which can often be spotted.