MONTEVERDE BUCKET LIST

Monteverde was my second stop in Costa Rica. I chose to visit it as Monteverde has a Cloud Forest, which is the only in Costa Rica but also one of the few Cloud Forests in the world, as they only represent 1% of the global woodland. I had never visited a Cloud Forest before! If you are wondering what a Cloud Forest is, well it’s just that, a forest which is constantly covered in clouds at the canopy level and is very, very moist.

When I began doing research about Monteverde I found that it is very small, but also that there are a lot of things to do! See below a full list of all the best things to do in Monteverde, where to stay in Monteverde, and how to get there and around.

VISITING MONTEVERDE: THE ESSENTIALS

Transport / The easiest and fastest way to get to Monteverde is by car, but the roads getting there are not paved and are in a pretty rough state, so you’ll need a 4×4. After searching around various Costa Rican 4×4 companies, DiscoverCars provided the cheapest rates with full insurance included which you’ll want. For buses and private transfers, check this site.

Tours / Forget trying to explore on your own uf you want to spot animals, only guides have their eyes trained for it. Here’s some of the best tours in Monteverde:
Monteverde: Kinkajou Forest Night Walking Tour
Monteverde: Cloud Forest Guided Hike
Monteverde: Jungle Zipline & Tarzan Swing with Transfer
From Monteverde: Monteverde Suspension Bridge Guided Hike
Monteverde: Coffee, Chocolate, and Sugar Cane Day Trip


Stay / Monteverde, famous for its lush cloud forests and incredible biodiversity, offers a variety of accommodations for travelers seeking nature, adventure, or relaxation. Here are some top-rated hotels in the area:
Monteverde Lodge & Gardens by Böëna $$$
Hotel Belmar $$$
Fondavela Hotel $$
Trapp Family Lodge Monteverde $$
Selina Monteverde $

Connect / You’ll need mobile data while you are in Costa Rica, I always recommend using an eSIM (there’s absolutely no need for a physical one!) – here’s some eSIM options for Costa Rica.

Get Insured / Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

MONTEVERDE BUCKET LIST: THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN MONTEVERDE

Selvatura Park

Selvatura is a park and reserve in Monteverde which is filled with fun activities including canopy, walking on hanging bridges, visiting a hummingbird garden, a butterfly garden and a reptile house. It is definitely something you cannot miss and was the most fun filled thing I did in Monteverde.

I did the canopy experience first. It was amazing! There were 13 ziplines of different lengths and heights. We were a group of around 8 or 9 people and when I realised we needed to wait for everyone to go before moving on to the next zipline I was slightly worried it would take too much time and we’d have to wait but this did not happen at all. The guides are so fast and so prepared that I felt like I was the one rushing to keep track. The guides also are on top of safety, they give you a safety talk at the beginning and then they clip you to themselves or the base whenever you are not on the canopy.

There was an option to choose two extras in the tour. One was the Tarzan Swing. Essentially at some point of the tour there is a platform where you do a free fall but instead of falling straight like in a bungee jump you start to swing sideways. It was very fun.

The second extra was the Superman. This is simply changing the position of how you do the last zipline from sitting down to Superman style: horizontal and belly facing down. The difference is this park uses special equipment which ensures you are super comfy, while other parks just flip the harness. This was the best piece of the tour for me, it feels as if you were flying! Definitely worth paying extra for it.

After we were done with the tour, we decided to walk the hanging bridges. This is a self guided activity where you walk through the cloud forest through wide hanging bridges. The bridges provide a unique aerial view of the park. We were able to see some howler monkeys from one of them. We finished this activity in around an hour.

Our last activity was to visit the hummingbird garden. Its essentially a small area with nectar filled containers so loads of hummingbirds come in to feed themselves! You can make great pictures and also if you put your finger close to one of the feeding entrances, a hummingbird will land on your finger! It happened a couple of times with me and it was just a unique experience to feel their tiny feet and be able to get so close to these fast and sneaky birds.

Our visit was over then as it was time for lunch and we had spent there a good five hours, but there’s even more to see! Although we didn’t, you could choose to visit the butterfly garden and reptile house as well.

You can book you Selvatura Park experience here.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is possibly the top attraction in Monteverde. It is the most important Cloud Forest in Monteverde due to its biodiversity. It has several trails amongst different habitats which makes it and your visit unique. Also, it is positioned at the location of the Continental Divide where the Atlantic and Pacific slopes collide. The multiple habitats characterized by altitude and level of humidity, mean that there is very rich and varying flora and fauna across the reserve.

For your visit, you don’t need to book in advance. You can just get yourself to the park, pay for the entrance ticket and start walking. When buying the entrance ticket, you’ll be recommended a path to take which is around 3hrs, but you can choose to detour it and take other paths at any time. There are maps everywhere and the reserve is very well signed. There are several viewpoints, a hanging bridge and a waterfall. We didn’t have a guide, but to be honest, we regret it. We saw a lot of interesting and amazing flora, but very little wildlife. You can book a guided tour here.

We did see a few quetzals though, which was a major highlight. Cheeky tip: guides mark where some animals are with colourful ribbons to trees, and sometimes write down the name of the animal to be found. Of course this didn’t guarantee something but it does give you a chance to stop and pay more attention.

Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve

Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve is the second most popular Cloud Forest Reserve in Monteverde. It’s also stunning. There are however some differences between Santa Elena & Monteverde’s reserve. Santa Elena is a lot more moist, and the trails are much longer. So this reserve would be recommended for those who enjoy hiking. You can see similar wildlife to that in Monteverde, however, it’s equally as hard to spot is as in Monteverde. So if you really want to spot wildlife, do hire a guide. Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve is just besides Selvatura Park, so if you have enough energy, you can visit them both in one day!

Curi-Cancha Reserve

The Curi-Cancha Reserve is a small reserve known for having great bird watching. It’s claimed to be the best place in Monteverde to see Quetzals, and many other species are regularly seen. You can book a guided bird watching tour including transportation to and from your hotel and lunch here. This is one of the best things to do in Monteverde if you are a bird lover!

Take a night walk

Most of wildlife is active at night, which is probably why we didn’t see so much wildlife when visiting the different Cloud Forest Reserves in Costa Rica. Reptiles in particular, can mostly be seen at night. So a guided night walk should be a must do in your trip to Costa Rica. You could see two-toed sloths, kinkajou, armadillos, green vipers, frogs, tarantulas, many sleeping birds. You can book your walk here.

Do a coffee and chocolate tour

It’s no secret that coffee and chocolate are amazing in Costa Rica. If you are a fan of either or both, take a tour to the plantations and learn more about the history of both of these treats. This tour takes you to taste local coffee, a chocolate and sugar cane plantation and has amazing reviews! Book it here.

Visit the Monteverde Butterfly Garden

Although Selvatura Park has a butterfly house, a few locals said this one is a lot better and recommended me visiting it. It has been running for 25 years! I didn’t actually go but id you are interested, you can book your visit here.

Monteverde Orchid Garden

If you are an orchid fan, then you must visit the Monteverde Orchid Garden. There is no need to book in advance, it’s open from 9-5PM every day, costs 12 USD and lasts around 35-45 mins. When you are done, go to Orchid Coffee is super yum for lunch or tea.

Where to stay in Monteverde

Whether you’re looking for a luxurious retreat or a budget-friendly social hub, Monteverde has accommodations to match your travel style. Here are some top-rated options:

• Monteverde Lodge & Gardens by Böëna $$$: A luxurious eco-lodge surrounded by lush gardens, offering a peaceful retreat. Guests love the cozy rooms, excellent restaurant, and private trails perfect for birdwatching and nature walks.
• Hotel Belmar $$$: This boutique hotel combines luxury with sustainability, perched on a mountainside with spectacular views. Featuring elegant rooms and farm-to-table dining, it’s a favorite for couples and eco-conscious travelers.
• Fondavela Hotel $$: A mid-range option with spacious, comfortable rooms set in beautiful gardens. Close to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, it’s ideal for adventurers seeking value and proximity to nature.
• Trapp Family Lodge Monteverde $$: The closest lodge to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, offering rustic charm and a cozy atmosphere. With spacious accommodations and friendly service, it’s perfect for families and nature lovers.
• Selina Monteverde $: A lively, affordable option featuring private rooms and dormitories. Popular among digital nomads and budget-conscious travelers, Selina provides co-working spaces, yoga classes, and a vibrant social scene.

HOW TO GET TO MONTEVERDE

The easiest and fastest way to get to Monteverde is by car, but the roads getting there are not paved and are in a pretty rough state, so you’ll need a 4×4. After searching around various Costa Rican 4×4 companies, DiscoverCars provided the cheapest rates with full insurance included which you’ll want. For buses and private transfers, check this site.

BEST TOURS IN MONTEVERDE

Find the best tours in Monteverde below:

MONTEVERDE FAQs

MONTEVERDE FAQS

Where is Monteverde located? Monteverde is located in the Tilarán Mountains of Costa Rica, about 3 hours northwest of San José by car.

What is Monteverde known for? Monteverde is famous for its cloud forests, incredible biodiversity, and eco-tourism activities such as canopy tours, wildlife spotting, and sustainable travel experiences.

When is the best time to visit Monteverde? The dry season from December to April is the best time for clear skies and outdoor activities. However, the green season from May to November offers lush landscapes and fewer crowds.

What is the altitude of Monteverde? Monteverde sits at an altitude of approximately 4,600 feet (1,400 meters) above sea level, resulting in cooler temperatures and a unique cloud forest environment.

What wildlife can I see in Monteverde? Monteverde is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, frogs, and over 400 species of birds, making it a paradise for animal lovers and birdwatchers (look out for the resplendent quetzal).

What should I pack for a trip to Monteverde? Pack comfortable hiking shoes, light rain gear, layers for cooler evenings, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle.

Is Monteverde family-friendly? Yes, Monteverde offers many family-friendly activities such as nature tours, butterfly gardens, and gentle walks through the forest.

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This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase, I might make a small commission, at no extra cost to you in order to help support my blog. My visit to Selvatura Park and my stay at Hotel Las Orquideas were complimentary however as always my opinions are my own.