The Ultimate Monteverde Itinerary: 34 Best Things To Do

A 1 to 5 day itinerary of the ultimate 34 best things to do in Monteverde.

A major eco-tourism destination and one of the most biodiverse places on earth, the main draw to Monteverde is the cloud forests, which provide important habitats for a range of unique animals. Voted as one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Monteverde is an unmissable location and must be added to your itinerary. Despite its infamy, Monteverde is a relatively remote part of Costa Rica and there’s not too much valuable information online about what there is to do there. We had the most amazing time in Monteverde spotting all sorts of animals, seeing a quetzal, hiking to waterfalls and even ziplining. We’ve done thorough research for you and listed all the best things to do in Monteverde (not just the main things) so you can create your perfect Monteverde itinerary. We know that every person’s style of travel is different so we’ve grouped each day by category so you can adapt our itinerary to suit your interests, from 1 to 5 days.

Where is Monteverde?

Monteverde is a large natural area in the thick of the Cordillera de Tilarán mountains within the Puntarenas and Alajuela provinces. Monteverde straddles the Continental Divide which marks the convergence of the Pacific and Caribbean sides of the continent.

Names can be slightly confusing in Monteverde. The area is often confused with the small town of Monte Verde. This small town is also confused with another town, Santa Elena, which is actually the main town in Monteverde. These areas are again different to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, which is what draws most visitors to Monteverde in the first place.

Monteverde Things to Do Map

What is there to do in Monteverde?

There’s so much to do in Monteverde. From natural attractions to adrenaline activities, there’s something to interest every kind of traveller. Of course, Monteverde is most known for its abundance of unique flora and fauna and is one of the best places for birdwatching and animal spotting in Costa Rica. There’s loads to do in Monteverde and most sites online only list a few of the best attractions. But we’ve done all the research for you and made a thorough list of everything worth seeing and doing in Monteverde.

Here are the 34 best things to do in Monteverde to add to your itinerary:

1. Go wildlife spotting
2. Visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest
3. Visit Santa Elena Cloud Forest
4. See a quetzal
5. Take a bird-watching tour
6. Visit Curi-Cancha Reserve
7. See Hummingbirds
8. Take a night walk
9. Hike to Ficus La Raiz
10. Look out for monkeys
11. Explore the hanging bridges
12. Zipline through the canopy
13. Go canyoning
14. El Tigre Waterfalls Monteverde
15. Monteverde Waterfall
16. Finca Lindora Hot Springs
17. Go Hiking
18. Take in the View
19. Visit Monte Verde town
20. Visit Santa Elena town
21. Take a coffee tour
22. Go Chocolate Tasting
23. Try freshly squeezed Sugarcane
24. Monteverde Brewing Company
25. Frog Pond
26. Butterfly Garden
27. Bat Jungle
28. Serpentarium
29. Orchid Gardens
30. Boat trip over Lake Arenal
31. Kayak or Paddleboard on Lake Arenal
32. Multi-day hike
33. Viento Fresco Waterfalls
34. Rio Celeste

Day One – Wildlife Watching

1) Spot wildlife

Spotting indigenous wildlife is one of the best activities in Costa Rica and one of the main reasons tourists choose to visit the country. Monteverde has lots of natural reserves and, due to being protected areas, they are excellent places for spotting wildlife. When planning your itinerary, you’re going to want to start with wildlife watching. Taking a Guided Tour in Monteverde Cloud Forest is one of the best ways to see Costa Rican animals in the wild. Animals you might see in Monteverde include two-toed sloths, howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys (capuchins), coatis, agouti, reptiles and many native bird species. Monteverde is also a very popular birdwatching destination (more on this in a little bit!).

Although there are lots of animals to see in Monteverde, including many rare and unique species, it’s not necessarily the best place in Costa Rica for wildlife watching. We’d recommend also checking out Manuel Antonio National Park for almost guaranteed wildlife sightings.

Read next: Where to see Sloths + Other Wildlife in La Fortuna

2) Visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest

Possibly the main reason most travellers visit Monteverde is the cloud forest. Monteverde Cloud Forest (Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde) is a huge 10,500 hectare (26,000 acre) reserve and one of the most popular things to do in Monteverde. Cloud forests only make up 1% of all forests worldwide, making them super unique. They’re tropical or subtropical mountainous forests characterised by a persistent cover of clouds, usually at the canopy level. Cloud Forests are really important for the planet as the water condenses on the leaves of the trees, dripping to the forest floor. From here, it enters streams and rivers (a process known as fog drip), which are vital for many species of flora and fauna.

Monteverde Cloud Forest contains more than 10 trails spanning approximately 6 miles (9.6km). Hiking is the best way to see the cloud forest and its inhabitants. Keep an eye out for monkeys, sloths, bats, frogs and butterflies. You might also see birds like toucans, macaws and motmots too. Taking a Guided Tour in Monteverde Cloud Forest is a great way to learn more about the species you see, as well as maximise your chances of spotting animals.

If you have limited time, check out these trails which are the best hikes in Monteverde Cloud Forest:

1. The Suspended Bridge Trail (Sendero Puente): This path takes you to a 91 metre (300ft) high, hanging bridge. It isn’t the longest or tallest bridge, but is a great way to cross a suspension bridge in Monteverde without paying to enter a park.
2. The Cloud Forest Trail (Sendero Bosque Nuboso): A 1.2 mile (1.9 km) trail to The Window Viewpoint (La Ventana) for a view of the Continental Divide, the ‘backbone’ between the Pacific and Caribbean continents. This hike climbs to an elevation of about 65 metres (200 ft) and takes around an hour and a half to complete.
3. The Swamp Trail (Sendero Pantanoso): A 1 mile (1.6 km) long trail which passes through a swamp forest and contains the only conifer trees in the reserve. It takes just over an hour to complete and climbs to an elevation of 40 metres (131 ft).
4. The River Trail (Sendero El Río): A 1.2 miles (1.9 km) hike with an elevation gain of 65 metres (213 ft). This trail leads along a ravine to a waterfall and takes around an hour and a half to complete.

Monteverde Cloud Forest entry costs $26 for tourists and $13 for students and Children (USD). Cheaper rates are available for residents and the entrance fee can be paid in colónes or US dollars. The reserve is open between 07:00 to 16:00 daily. Parking is available by the side of the road for free or in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve Parking Lot. A bus runs from Banco Nacional in Santa Elena every few hours and costs $1 USD each way.

3) Visit Santa Elena Cloud Forest

A popular alternative to Monteverde Cloud Forest, Santa Elena Cloud Forest (La Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena) is a quieter and lesser-known cloud forest in Monteverde. Home to 8 miles (13km) of trails, Santa Elena Cloud Forest is a great option for those looking for some longer hikes. Book a Private Guided Walk to the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve can be a great way to learn more about the forest and its inhabitants. Guided walks can also maximise your chances of seeing animals as local guides know exactly what to look out for. Santa Elena Cloud Forest is also popular with birdwatchers. We’d recommend booking a Santa Elena Reserve Birding Tour if you’re interested in seeing some of the many magnificent Costa Rican bird species.

Santa Elena Cloud Forest entry costs $18 for adults and $7 USD for children (USD). Cheaper rates are available for residents and the entrance fee can be paid in colónes or US dollars. The reserve is open between 07:00 to 16:00 daily. Unlike at Monteverde, parking in the lot at Santa Elena Cloud Forest is free. Shuttle buses are available to book and pick up from your hotel. They run every few hours and cost $3 USD each way.

Santa Elena vs Monteverde Cloud Forests

Santa Elena Cloud Forest is located at a higher elevation than Monteverde (1600 metres (5250 feet) vs 1,330 metres (4364ft)). Many travellers agree that Santa Elena is more value for money than Monteverde, as it’s cheaper to enter and quieter. It also has longer trails so is popular with hikers.

However, that’s not to say you should discount Monteverde Cloud Forest. It’s popular for a reason. It is estimated that about 50% of Costa Rica’s biodiversity may be found within this cloud forest, so it really is one of the best places to see wildlife in the country. That’s an impressive 2.5% of the total world’s biodiversity! If you have the time, we’d recommend visiting both cloud forests and deciding for yourself which is best.

Read next: Do you need a guide for Manuel Antonio National Park?

4) See a quetzal

Costa Rica is one of a few places in the world where you can see the rare Resplendent Quetzal. The national bird of Guatemala, quetzals are elusive but spectacular birds. Boasting bright emerald and ruby feathers and a long tail, they are nicknamed the jewel of the forest and are one of the most impressive bird species in the world. They frequent high-altitude terrain and can be found in the cloud forests between the months of February and July, as this is when they nest in the trees. The best way to see a quetzal is on a Guided Tour in Monteverde Cloud Forest. They are very shy birds and can only be seen briefly outside of the nest when the male and female swap duties from egg-sitting to feeding. Local guides know the best spots to see quetzals in each season and you’d have to be very lucky to see one without a guide.

Read next: Where to see Quetzals in Costa Rica

5) Take a bird watching tour

Quetzals may be one of the most impressive birds in the cloud forest, but they’re by far the only species you can see here. Monteverde is home to over 200 species of bird, including the Three-Wattled Bellbird, Blue-Crowned Motmot, Orange-bellied Trogon. Taking a birdwatching tour with a local guide is definitely an unmissable thing to do and needs to be added to your Monteverde itinerary if you’re a fan of seeing our feathered friends in the wild.

Birdwatching guides often carry a telescope to allow you a better view and can help you set up your photos too. Here are some of the best Monteverde birdwatching tours:

• Bird Watching Tour in Monteverde Option 1
• Bird Watching Tour in Monteverde Option 2
• Bird Watching Tour in Monteverde Option 3

For budding wildlife photographers, we’d highly recommend this 5-Hour Birdwatching and Photography Tour. As the cloud forests tend to be quite dark places (due to all the canopy coverage) there’s little natural light. Combined with elusive and small bird species, it can be very tricky to snap a good picture on a birdwatching tour. So having a dedicated session can definitely help you hone your skills, as well as provide you with an epic memento of your trip.

Read next: The Best Wildlife Photography Camera Settings

6) Curi-Cancha Reserve

You may have heard of Santa Elena and Monteverde cloud forests, but have you heard of Curi-Cancha? A private wildlife refuge, Curi-Cancha is another great option for those looking for a quieter reserve than Monteverde. A relatively small reserve, Curi-Cancha is home to around 3.25 miles (5.2 km) of trails, sits at one of the highest elevations in Monteverde and is great for hiking. Visitor capacity is capped at 50 a day, to protect the eco-system and give you a private experience on the trails. Curi-Cancha is a popular reserve for birdwatchers and one of the best ways to experience it is to take a Curi-Cancha Bird-watching Private Tour. If you’re not a huge bird fan, numerous mammals can be seen in the park on a Wildlife Tour, including sloths, monkeys coati, agouti, armadillos, kinkajou and ocelots! Book a Natural History Tour at Curi-Cancha Reserve in Monteverde to learn more about the reserve and its inhabitants.

7) See Hummingbirds

Back to birds, another unique feathered species you can see in Monteverde is a hummingbird. The world’s smallest bird, hummingbirds are known for their iridescent and brightly coloured plumage. They can be seen in the cloud forests and on birdwatching tours but the best place to find hummingbirds is outside Café Colibri at the entrance to Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve. This is a great little café if you’re peckish and has a gift shop attached too. If you already have Monteverde Cloud Forest on your itinerary, then this spot is not to be missed. There there is a small garden (Monteverde Hummingbird Gallery) with hanging hummingbird feeders. Hummingbirds expend a huge amount of energy fluttering their wings at a remarkable 80 times per second! To sustain this they need lots of energy, which is why the use of hummingbird feeders filled with a sugar water solution is one of the few times it’s actually ok to feed wild animals.

8) Take a night walk

Most visitors to Costa Rica’s reserves will only visit in the daytime but what they don’t know is that many animal species are actually only active (or more active) at night. Finish a day of hiking and wildlife watching with a night walk. Taking a guided night walk can be a great way to see these nocturnal species that you will miss during the day. You can expect to see spiders, snakes, frogs, sloths and maybe even a kinkajou. Night walks are possible to book in Monteverde Tropical Rainforest and Santa Elena Cloud Forest.

Day Two – Adventure Activities

9) Hike to Ficus La Raiz

After lots of wildlife spotting, you’re going to want to get out into Monteverde and see more of the surrounding area. First stop: Ficus La Raiz. This ficus(fig) tree is unique as it has grown a complicated web of roots across a river to form a natural bridge. Hiking to Ficus La Raiz is best at the beginning of the day as you’re likely to have this spot all to yourself.

There are two ways to access the tree. It is located on public land so technically free to visit but the first route is via a path which a landowner charges a small fee of around 1000 colónes (~$2 USD) to pass. This goes towards the upkeep of the path and is a small price to pay for the easiest route to the tree. This path is easy to follow and takes you right to the top of the tree. This path can be found by following the sign ‘Ficus La Raiz’, which can be found on Google Maps.

If you follow the main road another 15 metres you’ll reach the entrance to the second path. The second route is free to access but requires scrambling up the riverbed. First, follow the dirt path down to the stream. There is a steep path on the right down to the river, where you can traverse a rocky natural path upriver to the base of the tree.

10) Look out for monkeys

Ficus La Raiz is located within a small ecological reserve, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the treetops and to take your binoculars and camera. The main species you’re likely to see here is white-faced monkeys, known as capuchins. There are also agouti, coati, snakes and lots of bird species in this area. The trails in the ecological sanctuary also lead to a small waterfall and around the river, offering some lovely views and plenty of peace and quiet.

11) Explore the hanging bridges

Hanging Bridges might be the most popular activity in La Fortuna, but there are some really great bridges to explore in Monteverde and Santa Elena Cloud Forests too. We’ve already mentioned there are a couple of hanging bridges in the cloud forests and these can be accessed by hiking within Monteverde and Santa Elena reserves. Booking a Monteverde or Santa Elena: Suspension Bridges Private Tour is the easiest way to see these bridges, especially if you don’t have your own form of transport. Alternatively, head to one of these three adventure parks in Monteverde to explore iconic canopy suspension bridges, as well as enjoy some of the thrilling activities on offer.

100% Aventura

This outdoor adventure park is home to a range of adrenaline activities including ziplining and ATV driving, as well as a canopy walk that crosses Hanging Bridges. Featuring 1.9 miles (3km) of jungle trails and 8 suspension bridges, the walk takes around 2 hours to complete. These metal wire bridges give you the perfect vantage point within the canopy to spot wildlife.

Sky Adventures

The furthest park from Monteverde, Sky Adventures is located at the edge of the forest near Arenal. But it is worth the journey as it’s home to 1.5 miles (2.5km) of trails with long suspension bridges and panoramic views. The park also boasts a Canopy Sky Walk and Sky Tram, which are exhilarating ways to see the forest.

Selvatura Park

Also home to Monteverde Nature Center and a Hummingbird and Butterfly Gardens, Selvatura Park is a nature reserve and activity centre. It is home to a 1.9 miles (3km) long Treetop Walkways Experience which provides excellent views of the surrounding forest. The Selvatura Hanging Bridges are some of the most popular in Monteverde and can be done as a guided tour or self-guided walk. It features 8 hanging bridges including one that is a whopping 170 metres (560ft) long!

12) Zipline through the canopy

Costa Rica has ziplines everywhere, but Monteverde is the best place to do it as you can zipline through the canopy. Heading to one of these adventure parks is the best way to zipline in Monteverde and is a bucket list experience that can’t be missed off your itinerary.

100% Aventura

100% Aventura is home to the longest zipline in Costa Rica and is many people’s choice of Monteverde zipline park. This is also the park we chose to zipline in and the best ticket is the Park Combo: Zipline, Superman and Mega Tarzan. Featuring 11 ziplines with two of them offering Superman style where you lie on your front, this course is a great option for those wishing to inject a little adrenaline into their Monteverde itinerary. There’s also a Tarzan Swing included in your ticket price, which provides great value for money as this is extra in other parks. You can see Dan doing a Superman zipline in the picture below.

Selvatura Park

This course is slightly longer with 13 ziplines, a Tarzan swing, and you can go Superman style but for an extra fee. Selvatura is one of the larger adventure parks in Monteverde and therefore can be busier. The classic Canopy Ziplining Tour is a great option, while the Combo Ticket includes ziplining, wildlife watching and the hanging bridges too.

Sky Adventures

This zipline course features 7 cables and has a reputation as one of the safest ziplines in Monteverde. This park is great for groups with members who are less keen to zipline as there is also an aerial Sky Tram where you can ride on a gondola over the canopy.

Monteverde Extremo

This one’s for adrenaline junkies. The Extreme Ziplining Course is made up of 13 ziplines over a longer course of 2.4 miles (4km), with one of them even going through a tunnel. Other activities you can do here include rappelling and a Tarzan swing, which are included in your ticket. Guided Tours with Transfers can be arranged if you don’t have access to a car.

13) Go canyoning

If you’ve not had your fill of adrenaline, consider going canyoning. Monteverde canyoning tours involve making your way through a ravine and rappelling down waterfalls. You’ll be provided with safe equipment and taught by your guide how to descend safely so you can sit back, relax and drop over the edge in style. Tours take between 2 to 3 hours and often include transport. Canyoning is a great way to experience Costa Rica’s natural landscapes and should not be missed off any adrenaline junkie’s Monteverde itinerary.

Day Three – Immerse in Nature

14) El Tigre Waterfalls Monteverde

After all those thrilling adventure activities, you might want to take it a little slower. Start the day with a hike to one of Monteverde’s best waterfalls. Located on a private reserve about 30 minutes’ drive from Santa Elena, El Tigre is actually home to four waterfalls, as well as hiking paths, bridges (including suspension bridges), swimming holes and horseback riding. Booking an El Tigre Waterfalls Hiking Tour with Lunch and Nature Guide is the easiest way to see the reserve and also offers a shuttle to and from your accommodation.

15) Monteverde Waterfall

Another beautiful waterfall to add to your itinerary is Monteverde Waterfall (Catarata Los Murciélagos). A small waterfall on the way to Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, Monteverde Waterfall is located on private land so there’s a small fee to enter. The walk takes around 15 minutes one way and crosses three wooden bridges.

16) Finca Lindora Hot Springs

A great way to unwind from lots of hiking, Finca Lindora Hot Springs are some of the only natural hot springs in Monteverde. Finca Lindora is a private farm known for horseback riding tours but is also home to a small thermal pool. While not as impressive as the thermal pools in La Fortuna, Finca Lindora Hot Springs is a secluded and peaceful experience. The pool is only a short walk from the entrance and costs about 3000 colónes (~$5 USD). You need to arrange in advance with the owner via Facebook Page, or Whatsapp +506 8706 9159.

17) Go Hiking

If you’ve not had enough of hiking, then this itinerary item is for you. Hiking is one of the best free things to do in Monteverde. We’d recommend hiking Cerro Amigos, which leads to a summit with a couple of TV towers above Santa Elena town, known as Mirador Valle Escondido Preserve. On a clear day, you’ll be met with stunning panoramic views. The trail starts at Hotel Belmar and can be done in two ways. There is a 3 mile (4.8 km) return trip that goes out to the viewpoint and back. If you’d like to return via a different route you can take the path down the side of the mountain and through the forest, although there is less information available about this route.

Another great Monteverde hike is in Valle Escondido Nature Reserve, which is a bit closer to town. This private nature reserve is home to trails, lookouts, waterfalls and plenty of wildlife. It is on the property of Valle Escondido Nature Reserve Hotel & Farm, which is a lovely farmstay and great location for exploring the surrounding natural area.

Pinocho Hill (Cerro Pinocho) is another great hike in Monteverde. There is a small fee to enter and you can climb the hill for stunning panoramic views. This is a popular spot to hike to for sunset and it’s possible to arrange sunset picnic packages with coffee, wine, cheese and sweets from the local farm.

18) Take in the view

You don’t always need to hike to enjoy a nice view and Monteverde has some great and easily accessible viewpoints (mirador in Spanish). Mirador La Lindora is a stunning vantage point on the way to Monteverde, offering panoramic views of rolling green hills. Mirador Los Olivos is located on the way to El Tigre and is a hidden gem of a viewpoint. While Mirador San Luis has a little platform and two benches to sit and enjoy the view.

Day Four – Cultural Experiences

19) Visit Monte Verde

Before you finish your Monteverde itinerary, you’re going to want to leave time to explore the towns in this area. Monte Verde is the first town to stop at. Featuring boutique stores and gift shops, this is a great place for a spot of souvenir shopping. The town is fairly small but food highlights include the Monteverde Cheese Factory and Café Monteverde Coffee Shop. Monte Verde town is also the gateway to Curi-Cancha Nature Reserve and Catarata Los Murciélagos/Monteverde Waterfall.

20) Visit Santa Elena

Santa Elena is a larger town and the main location most visitors to Monteverde choose to stay. Home to galleries, bars, restaurants and shops, Santa Elena town is where we would recommend basing yourself. Head to Café Monteverde, which does the best Costa Rican coffee and provides a lot of Costa Rican cafés with their beans. While those looking for a unique souvenir should check out the Cooperative of Artisans Santa Elena Monteverde (CASEM), a store and workshop offering locally produced handicrafts.

21) Take a coffee tour

Many people don’t know but Monteverde is actually one of the best areas for producing Costa Rica coffee. The country is one of the largest international exporters of coffee with globally-renowned blends. The high altitude of Monteverde is the perfect climate and soil quality for producing delicious beans. The best way to try Costa Rica coffee in Monteverde is to take a Coffee Tasting Tour. Don Juan is one of the most famous providers of coffee experiences in Monteverde and you’ll learn a lot about coffee production, as well as sampling some delicious coffee.

22) Go Chocolate Tasting

It’s possible to try delicious Costa Rican chocolate by picking up a bar or two from one of the many boutique gift shops in Monte Verde and Santa Elena. But if you’d like to learn more and try some authentic chocolate, consider booking a Coffee and Chocolate Day Trip, where you can find more about the chocolate making process, from bean to bar, and try some samples.

23) Try freshly squeezed Sugarcane

Many visitors don’t think of sugarcane when they think about Costa Rican foods but it’s actually a popular product that is made in Monteverde. a thick fibrous plant, sugarcane is used in all sorts of industries but mainly for the production of ground sugar. You can learn more about where this vital ingredient comes from on a Coffee, Chocolate and Sugarcan Tour.

24) Monteverde Brewing Company

End the day with a craft beer from Monteverde Brewing Company. Offering a range of cold drinks and pub food, Monteverde Brewing Company produce their beers in their local brewery. This is a great spot to grab some dinner, unwind and reflect on what a great time you’ve had in Monteverde.

Day Five – More Attractions

We don’t normally recommend captive animal experiences as we believe the most ethical encounters happen in the wild on the animals’ terms. But in the interest of transparency, we’d like to share some of the other experiences in Monteverde that may be of interest to you. We can’t vouch for the ethics of these establishments and would encourage you to do your own research before going.

Read next: Let’s Talk About Ethical Wildlife Tourism

25) Frog Pond

A small garden with a pond where you can enter by day or night to spot frogs in enclosures that replicate their natural habitat.

26) Butterfly Gardens

A one hour educational experience on butterflies, insects and arachnids featuring 4 habitats with 30 species of butterfly.

27) Bat Jungle

45 minute long tours through an exhibit of 90 live bats with an educational focus.

28) Serpentarium

An amphibian and reptile zoo which replicates the natural environment of more than 40 species of snakes, reptiles, lizards, spiders, iguanas, amphibians and land-turtles.

29) Orchid Gardens

Not animals, but a wide exhibition with guided tours of more than 450 different species of plant with 120 different types of flowers.

Things to do on the way to or from Monteverde

Are you transiting to other areas of Costa Rica on your trip? Here are some great activities to add to your itinerary on the way to or from Monteverde. They’re a bit far to comfortably do a day trip from Monteverde without a lot of driving but can be great stops, especially if you’re in the middle of a Costa Rica road trip.

30) Boat trip over Lake Arenal

If you’re heading to or from La Fortuna, you’re going to pass Lake Arenal. A large man-made lake, Lake Arenal is 30 to 60 metres (98 to 196 ft) deep and sits where two towns once stood until they were destroyed by the volcano eruption in 1968. Taking a Lake Arenal Boat Trip is a great way to discover more about the area and also provides stunning views of the lake and Arenal Volcano.

31) Kayak or Paddleboard on Lake Arenal

Those who like a little more excitement should consider booking a Kayak or Paddleboard Tour in Lake Arenal. This is a more personal way to enjoy the lake and is great for those who like water activities. Transport is not included so is a good stop-off activity if you’re on your way between Monteverde and La Fortuna.

32) Multi-day hike

Serious hikers who haven’t had their fill from the great Monteverde hikes we’ve suggested should consider this 2 Day Hike from La Fortuna to Monteverde. The route traverses through rivers and dense jungle and offers hiking the reward of a comfortable mountain cabin a the end of the day.

33) Viento Fresco Waterfalls

Located on the road road between La Fortuna and Monteverde, Viento Fresco is a set of four waterfalls. There is a $17 USD entrance fee and at least 400 steps, so bear this in mind if you plan to visit. The hike is not too difficult and you’ll be rewarded with a quiet spot to enjoy the falls.

34) Rio Celeste

If you’re heading to the north of Costa Rica, or going south to Monteverde, don’t miss Rio Celeste off your itinerary. A 2 hour drive from Monteverde, Rio Celeste is one of the most popular attractions in Costa Rica. A bright turquoise river inside the Tenorio Volcano National Park, the highlight here is the beautiful waterfall and milky blue pool. Tickets must be purchased prior to arrival on the SINAC website.

How long do you need in Monteverde?

How long you spend in Monteverde is up to you and will depend on how long your trip is, what your interests are and what else you have planned. While Monteverde can be done as a day trip from larger destinations like San Jose or Tamarindo, it’s not recommended. You’ll spend most of your day in transit with very little time to see anything. Instead, we’d recommend spending 2-4 days in Monteverde, booking a nice eco-lodge and truly immersing yourself in one of the most biodiverse natural areas on the planet.

We’ve written this itinerary so that you can hit all the main things to do in Monteverde in the first two days of your trip. Then you can explore everything else on offer if you have more time. It is definitely possible to see all the main sights in two days but up to three to four days will allow you to fully explore the area without rushing. Leaving more time is also a good idea if you’re interested in seeing animals as wild encounters can never be guaranteed and it would be a shame to leave having missed a sighting you were really keen to experience.

When to visit Monteverde

Climate change has hit Monteverde hard. A local described to us how weather patterns had changed drastically in the last 20 years but most dramatically in the last 5 years alone. Like the rest of Costa Rica, wet season in Monteverde runs from May-November, but this doesn’t mean constant rain. Usually, mornings are sunny with showers or downpours scattered throughout the afternoon. During rainy season, trails can become flooded and roads can be more dangerous, so you may need to be more flexible if you visit during this time. Peak season runs between December to March and the weather is more stable during this period. Although it’s worth remembering that most of Monteverde is covered in cloud forest which produces a lot of cloud and looks so lush because it receives a lot of rain all year round.

How to get to Monteverde

Monteverde is a 3 hour drive from La Fortuna and the Arenal area. It is also 3 hours from Manuel Antonio and Quepos. Monteverde is in the mountains and the road is very hilly and windy. It’s safe to drive if you go slowly and carefully. You don’t need a 4×4 to get to Monteverde but it is advisable if you’re hiring a car in Costa Rica. We hired a 4×4 sleeper car and had the best time camping in nature. We’d highly recommend it if you’re looking for a unique way to see the country.

If you’re not confident driving abroad, public buses and shuttles are available from most major towns in central Costa Rica. Alternatively, consider booking onto a tour. This way you can relax while your guide does all the driving, and the hassle of organising your trip is taken away too, allowing you to fully unwind on your vacation.

Taxi services are available in Santa Elena and the surrounding area, while a lot of the town is walkable. Buses and shuttles also service the cloud forests from the town.

Read next: Road-tripping Costa Rica in a 4×4 Camper Car with Nomad America

Where to eat in Monteverde

There are some really great eateries in Monteverde and we’ve listed our favourites below:

Café Monteverde – A cute little coffee shop in Monte Verde with sustainably sourced coffee beans and a range of tasty treats – it’s our favourite café in Monteverde.

Choco Café Don Juan – The café-restaurant of one of the most popular tour providers in Monteverde, this local spot is located in Santa Elena.

Colibri Café – Located at the entrance to Monteverde Cloud Forest, this café is home to a gallery of hummingbird feeders where these small birds can be found in abundance.

Sabor Tico Soda – A local type of Costa Rican restaurant, sodas are small, usually family-run establishments that offer a range of traditional and affordable meals. Sabor Tico is located just outside Santa Elena town.

CASEM Coop Restaurant – Cooperativa de Artesanas de Santa Elena y Monteverde is also called La Cuchara de la Abuela or the Women’s Coop and is one of the best affordable restaurants in Monteverde. It serves traditional Costa Rican dishes and is great value for money.

San Lucas Treetop Dining – If you’re celebrating a special occasion, or looking for something a little different, this one’s for you. Offering outdoor, tree-top dining, this unique restaurant features contemporary Central American fusion dining with panoramic rainforest views.

Cheese Factory – Costa Rica isn’t famous for its cheese but the families who founded Monteverde actually originally made a living through cattle farming and created a thriving dairy industry. You can see the factory in Monte Verde and buy a tasty souvenir in the gift shop.

Where to stay in Monteverde

Camping in Monteverde

Monteverde FAQs

How many days is enough for Monteverde?

Two to four days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Monteverde.

Is there more to do in Monteverde or La Fortuna?

Both Monteverde and La Fortuna are unique areas of Costa Rica and it can be difficult to choose between them if you have limited time. La Fortuna is a more commercial town and many visitors therefore believe it has more to do than Monteverde. In La Fortuna you can visit the hotsprings, hike to waterfalls, see the volcano and spot sloths. Monteverde also has plenty to offer, from hiking through the cloud forest to ziplining over the canopy. Which has more to do comes down to your preferences and priorities.

What activity can be done at Monteverde?

The best activity in Monteverde is visiting one of the three cloud forests. These protected areas are some of the best places for wildlife watching in Costa Rica and offer some great hikes. Adventure activities are also popular in Monteverde, including ziplining, canopy walks and driving an ATV.

Is Monteverde worth visiting?

Monteverde is 100% worth visiting, even if you only have one or two days. The journey may be long and intrepid but the area is like none other. Monteverde is particularly unmissable if you’re a wildlife lover as unique species including sloths, monkeys and the elusive quetzal can be found here.

What is Monteverde famous for?

Monteverde is famous for being one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet, which is due to being covered in cloud forest. The name Monteverde literally translates to ‘Green Mountain’ in reference to the lush and extensive network of protected reserves in the area. This makes it popular with those wishing to see animals indigenous to Costa Rica and unique plant species.

Can you do Monteverde on a budget?

It’s totally possible to do Monteverde on a budget. There is a variety of affordable accommodation on offer and camping is a great way to keep your expenditure low. There are plenty of free things to do in the surrounding natural areas and many cheap attractions in Monteverde too.

Are there free things to do in Monteverde?

The best free things to do in Monteverde include hiking in natural areas, wildlife spotting and trekking to Ficus La Raiz. We’ve listed some beautiful free hikes in this article that head to viewpoints which are perfect for watching the sunset, which is also free.

What is there to do in Monteverde when it rains?

It’s no secret that Monteverde gets a lot of rain, even in the dry season. This is a result of the expansive cloud forest and provides a vital source of water to inhabitant plants and animals. Almost every activity in Monteverde can be done in the rain if you’re not afraid of getting a little wet. Very few activities or tours are cancelled in the rain, unless it’s a severe storm. If you’d like to stay dry, we’d recommend heading to a local café, restaurant or bar, or exploring the brewery and cheese factory.

What should I pack for Monteverde?

• Reusable water bottle
• Eco-friendly sun cream
• Eco-friendly bug spray
• Cash
• Camera
• Binoculars (We use Nikon Prostaff 3S 10×42 Waterproof: Browse UK | Browse US)

Read next:

Where to see sloths + other wildlife in La Fortuna

Visiting Manuel Antonio National Park: Everything You Need to Know

Should you hold a sloth in Costa Rica?

Do you need a guide for Manuel Antonio National Park?

Where to see Quetzals in Costa Rica

Road-tripping Costa Rica in a 4×4 Camper Car with Nomad America

The Best Wildlife Photography Camera Settings

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