View of the hanging bridge over the cloudy forest, Monteverde

Things to do in  Monteverde

Walk among the clouds

Located more than 4,600 feet (1,400 meters) above sea level, Monteverde is similar in atmosphere to the Pacific Northwest region of the US—this Costa Rican gem is overflowing with lush greenery thanks to plenty of precipitation from above. Cloud forest reserves top the list of things to do in Monteverde, with different exploration options including hiking along the trails, going on a canopy tour over suspension bridges, and ziplining across the trees.

Learn more

Top 8 attractions in Monteverde

#1

Selvatura Park

star-4.5209
Selvatura Park is a popular nature-adventure park in the cloud forests of Costa Rica. Located just outside Monteverde, the park contains over 850 acres (344 hectares) of ecologically diverse forest. Attractions include zipline and suspension bridge tours, hummingbird and butterfly gardens, natural history walks, and reptile exhibitions.More
Tours & Tickets
#2

Curi-Cancha Reserve

star-5454
The cloud forest of Curi-Cancha Reserve creates a habitat for flora and fauna such as colorful quetzals and monkeys. Visitors can explore the private reserve via several nature trails. Plus, the private reserve’s daily 50 person cap means you’ll see more wildlife without having to battle the crowds.More
Tours & Tickets
#3

Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve (Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena)

star-5170
Brimming with wildlife, orchids, and ferns, the Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena (Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve) is consistently covered in tree-level clouds, which result in the rich biodiversity that sets this forest apart from others. The reserve spans mountains, valleys, and rivers, and offers many wildlife-watching opportunities.More
Tours & Tickets
#4

Monteverde Butterfly Gardens

star-4.569
Tucked away in the mountains, the Monteverde Butterfly Gardens is one of the most popular attractions in the area. The 3-acre (1.2-hectare) sanctuary houses four unique climate-controlled habitats where more than 30 species of butterflies thrive alongside 20 species of arachnids and insects and a colony of leaf-cutter ants.More
Tours & Tickets
#5

Children's Eternal Rainforest (Bosque Eterno de los Niños)

star-53
The Children’s Eternal Rainforest (Bosque Eterno de los Niños) is Costa Rica’s largest private reserve, purchased by children from 44-plus countries in a collaboration to preserve the rainforest. Visitors come to hike and see native wildlife in the park, which stretches across mountains and valleys between Arenal National Park and Monteverde.More
Tours & Tickets
#6

Butterfly Conservatory

star-557
Nestled in the rainforest of northern Costa Rica, the Butterfly Conservatory lets visitors discover diverse butterflies and flowers via a network of trails and gardens. Dedicated to the preservation of butterflies and other tropical rainforest species, the conservatory has a learning center and educational exhibits.More
Tours & Tickets
#7

Las Pumas Rescue Center

star-4.54
Las Pumas Rescue Center (Centro de Rescate Las Pumas) rescues and rehabilitates wildlife and advocates rainforest conservation efforts in the Guanacaste Province near Cañas, Costa Rica. The sanctuary sits on an old farm in the heart of the Santa Rosa Sector Guanacaste Conservation Area (Area de Conservación Guanacaste), both a network of protected areas and a World Heritage Site. The center rescues large cats primarily, but it also works to provide a safe home to monkeys, deer, parrots, and other animals.More
Tours & Tickets
#8
The Bat Jungle

The Bat Jungle

star-00
Home to around 100 bats from 8 different native species, the enclosed Bat Jungle replicates the conditions of a cloud forest at night. While bats can be difficult to observe in the wild, this exhibit lets you see bats eating, interacting, and caring for their young. A tour gives visitors further insight into these mysterious nocturnal creatures.More

Explore Monteverde by interest

Top activities in Monteverde

100% Adventure Park Combo: Zipline, Superman, and Mega Tarzan Tour in Monteverde

100% Adventure Park Combo: Zipline, Superman, and Mega Tarzan Tour in Monteverde

star-4.5
674
From
$67.80
Selvatura Park Combo Tour From Monteverde

Selvatura Park Combo Tour From Monteverde

star-4.5
68
From
$133.00
Rainforest Canopy Zipline & Hanging Bridges Tour From Monteverde

Rainforest Canopy Zipline & Hanging Bridges Tour From Monteverde

star-4
32
From
$117.00
The Original Canopy Tour Monteverde, Zipline

The Original Canopy Tour Monteverde, Zipline

star-5
951
From
$68.00
Zipline and Hanging Bridges Combo Tour in Monteverde Cloud Forest

Zipline and Hanging Bridges Combo Tour in Monteverde Cloud Forest

star-4.5
85
From
$160.00
Package | Monteverde Cloud Forest + Curi-Cancha Reserve + Night Hike (Private)

Package | Monteverde Cloud Forest + Curi-Cancha Reserve + Night Hike (Private)

star-5
22
From
$225.00
3 hours of the Longest and Highest Extreme Zip line Experience in Monteverde

3 hours of the Longest and Highest Extreme Zip line Experience in Monteverde

star-4.5
34
From
$80.00
Selvatura Park Canopy Tour

Selvatura Park Canopy Tour

star-4.5
268
From
$88.00
Monteverde Birdwatching Experience

Monteverde Birdwatching Experience

star-5
37
From
$75.00
Hanging Bridges & Tour Guide From Monteverde

Hanging Bridges & Tour Guide From Monteverde

star-4.5
15
From
$78.00
Direct Shared Shuttle from Monteverde to San José & SjO Airport

Direct Shared Shuttle from Monteverde to San José & SjO Airport

star-3.5
6
From
$52.00
Private Transport from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio

Private Transport from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio

star-5
3
From
$260.00
per group
Shared Shuttle from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio

Shared Shuttle from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio

star-4.5
7
From
$134.00
Extreme Bungee Jumping in Monteverde

Extreme Bungee Jumping in Monteverde

star-4.5
195
From
$101.70
Extreme Canopy tour in Monteverde

Extreme Canopy tour in Monteverde

star-4.5
217
From
$67.80
Direct Shared Shuttle from Monteverde to Nosara

Direct Shared Shuttle from Monteverde to Nosara

From
$62.00
Birdwatching Tour in Monteverde

Birdwatching Tour in Monteverde

star-5
41
From
$85.00
Direct Shared Shuttle from Monteverde to Liberia Airport

Direct Shared Shuttle from Monteverde to Liberia Airport

star-4
2
From
$50.00
Direct Shared Shuttle from Monteverde to Tamarindo

Direct Shared Shuttle from Monteverde to Tamarindo

star-5
2
From
$50.00
Bird Watching Tour in Monteverde

Bird Watching Tour in Monteverde

star-5
50
From
$75.00
See all Monteverde tours

All about Monteverde

When to visit

The best time to visit Monteverde is during the dry season—from December through April. This is when you’ll experience mostly sunny days, ranging in temperature from a high of 82°F (28°C) in December to a high of 92°F (33°C) in April. But even during the dry months, there’s always a chance of rain, so be prepared and dress accordingly. Remember to wear comfortable shoes that can handle muddy and slippery trails, especially from May to November.

Getting around

Most shops, hotels, and restaurants in downtown Monteverde (known as Santa Elena) are within walking distance—a roughly 3-mile (5-kilometer) radius of each other. Guided tours of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve often include round-trip transportation, or you can travel there on your own via rental car and hire a guide upon arrival. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve boasts 8 miles (13 kilometers) of unpaved nature trails.

Traveler tips

Keep in mind that many travelers refer to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve as simply “Monteverde,” but there is also the town of Monteverde—this is most useful when asking for directions. Because Monteverde’s tourism is focused on the area’s forest reserves and nature exploration, the town doesn’t really have a nightlife scene. And the dining options are modest, with mostly soda restaurants, which serve authentic Costa Rican food, and average-priced eateries.

Attractions
8
Tours
173
Reviews
4,066
EN
ab71da2e-7aa3-40f3-a192-b63bf492fe60
geo_hub

People Also Ask

Is Monteverde worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you’re an outdoor enthusiast, ornithophile, or an adventure-seeking traveler. From ziplining and hanging bridges tours, to aerial tram rides and butterfly and hummingbird gardens, Monteverde showcases the area’s rich biodiversity in many different ways. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is the most visited forest in the area.

...More
Should I do the night walk in Monteverde?

Yes, because the wildlife in the cloud forests is most active at night. By following a naturalist guide, you'll get the chance to spot some nocturnal creatures, including sloths, tarantulas, armadillos, snakes, and the red-eyed tree frog. The night walk through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve travels along well-maintained trails and includes some stairs.

...More
How many days do you need in Monteverde?

Two to three days is a good amount of time to spend in Monteverde. This allows you to take both day and evening tours, and explore Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve and other cloud forest reserves. It also gives you time to visit a coffee farm or take a sugar cane mill tour.

...More
What are the best months to visit Monteverde?

Most travelers consider between December and April the best months to visit Monteverde. This is the dry season, so you’ll experience mostly sunny days. But given the area’s atmosphere, there is the possibility of rain anytime of year. During the rainy season from May through November, the trails can be muddy.

...More
Is Santa Elena or Monteverde reserve better?

Santa Elena Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is not as popular as Monteverde, but the flora and fauna are similar. Santa Elena is slightly higher, so it’s wetter and cloudier. Monteverde’s trails are shorter, wider, and better maintained than Santa Elena, and easily accessible. If you’re traveling with kids or a novice hiker, Monteverde is better.

...More
Does Monteverde have sloths?

Yes, but only two-toed sloths live in Monteverde, as three-toed sloths don’t have enough fur to stay warm in its cool cloud forests. A naturalist guide can help you spot and photograph wild sloths in other parts of Costa Rica, since they can be tricky to see due to their natural camouflage.

...More
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the top things to do in Monteverde?
A:
Q:
What are the top activities in Monteverde?
A:
Q:
What are the top things to do near Monteverde?
A:
Check out things to do near Monteverde:

More Tours in Monteverde